Silencing of dissent and need for activism, patriotism in Nigeria’s education system

BY AJIBOYE AMOS OLAKUNLE

A few days ago, a young Nigerian woman serving in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) did something brave. She posted a video online, calling out the inefficiency of the Nigerian government and the heartbreaking state of the economy. Instead of listening to her concerns, an NYSC official responded with threats, trying to silence her.

This isn’t just about one young woman’s frustration, it’s a snapshot of the bigger problems Nigeria faces: a broken system, a failing economy, and millions of people who feel hopeless. It also shows why we urgently need to teach activism and patriotism in our schools. We need a generation of young Nigerians who are informed, engaged, and ready to fight for a better future.

The NYSC: A relic of the past that’s lost its way

The NYSC was created in 1973, two years after the Nigerian Civil War, with a noble goal: to unite the country. The idea was simple, send young graduates to live and work in parts of Nigeria outside their home regions, so they could learn about different cultures and build bridges between communities. At the time, it made sense. But nearly 50 years later, the NYSC feels outdated and out of touch.

Today, the NYSC is more of a burden than a benefit for young Nigerians. Corps members are often sent to unsafe areas, where many have lost their lives due to poor security and lack of support. The programme doesn’t guarantee jobs or teach skills that are useful in today’s economy. For many, it’s just a year of wasted time and missed opportunities.

The recent incident with the corps member who criticised the government shows how the NYSC has become a tool for silencing dissent. Instead of empowering young people to contribute to national development, it’s being used to enforce conformity and suppress free speech. The threats against her are a clear sign that the NYSC, as it stands, doesn’t align with the values of democracy and freedom.

The economic catastrophe: A nation on the brink

The young woman’s video didn’t just call out the NYSC, it also highlighted the economic disaster that’s crushing millions of Nigerians. Her words struck a chord with countless people who are struggling to survive in a country where the economy is in freefall, prices are skyrocketing, and jobs are nowhere to be found. She called the president “terrible,” a sentiment many Nigerians share as they feel abandoned by their leaders.

Nigeria’s economic crisis isn’t an accident. It’s the result of years of mismanagement, corruption, and bad decisions. The government has failed to diversify the economy, build infrastructure, or create opportunities for businesses to thrive. Instead, it’s squandered the nation’s wealth, leaving ordinary people to suffer. The corps member’s criticism wasn’t just valid, it was necessary. In a democracy, citizens have the right to hold their leaders accountable, and no one should be silenced for speaking the truth.

Why we need activism and patriotism in Nigeria’s education system

Nigeria is at a crossroads. Corruption is rampant, the economy is collapsing, and many people have lost hope. To turn things around, we need to start with our education system. By teaching activism and patriotism in schools, we can raise a generation of young Nigerians who are informed, engaged, and ready to fight for a better future.

The case for activism in education

Activism isn’t about causing trouble, it’s about standing up for what’s right. In a country like Nigeria, where corruption and inefficiency are everywhere, activism isn’t just important, it’s essential. By teaching activism in schools, we can empower young people to question injustice, demand transparency, and take part in the democratic process.

This means teaching students about their rights, how to engage in their communities, and how to use tools like social media to advocate for change. It also means teaching them about Nigeria’s history of activism, from the fight for independence to the pro-democracy movements of the 1990s. When young people learn about the struggles of the past, they’ll be inspired to keep fighting for a better future.

Activism in education can also help break the culture of silence and fear that allows corruption to thrive. When young people are taught to speak out against injustice, they’re less likely to accept it as adults. This shift in mindset is crucial for building a society where leaders are held accountable and the needs of citizens come first.

The role of patriotism in nation-building

Patriotism is about loving your country and working to make it better. Unfortunately, in Nigeria, patriotism has been reduced to empty slogans and rituals, like reciting the national anthem or waving the flag. Real patriotism is about taking responsibility for your country’s future and doing the hard work to improve it.

Teaching patriotism in schools means helping students understand Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage, its diverse communities, and the values that unite us as a nation. It also means instilling a sense of civic duty encouraging young people to contribute to their communities and put the common good above personal gain. This kind of patriotism can help heal the ethnic and religious divisions that have torn Nigeria apart for decades.

But patriotism doesn’t mean blindly supporting the government. True patriots love their country enough to demand better from their leaders. This is where activism and patriotism come together. A truly patriotic citizen is one who fights for justice, holds leaders accountable, and works tirelessly to build a better Nigeria.

Call to action: Scrap or reform the NYSC and fix our education system

The NYSC, as it exists today, is a relic of the past that no longer serves the needs of young Nigerians. It’s time to either scrap it completely or make it optional. Forcing young people into a program that offers no real benefits and puts them at risk is unfair and counterproductive. Instead, the government should focus on creating opportunities for young Nigerians, like job training programs, grants for entrepreneurs, and investments in education and healthcare.

At the same time, we need to address the economic crisis that’s pushing millions of Nigerians to the brink. This means tackling corruption, diversifying the economy, and putting policies in place that prioritise the well-being of citizens. The young woman who spoke out against the government’s failures shouldn’t be threatened she should be celebrated. Her courage is a reminder that Nigerians are tired of suffering in silence and are ready to demand change.

We also need to reform our education system to include activism and patriotism. This isn’t just a nice idea it’s a necessity. The government, educators, and civil society organisations need to work together to make this happen. This could mean updating the national curriculum to include lessons on civic education, human rights, and Nigeria’s history of activism. It could also mean organising debates, mock elections, and community service projects to give students hands-on experience in activism and nation-building.

Conclusion: Building a better Nigeria starts with us

The incident with the NYSC corps member is a small example of the bigger problems Nigeria faces: a government that doesn’t listen, an economy that’s collapsing, and a generation of young people who are losing hope. The threats against her are a slap in the face to democracy and a clear sign that the government cares more about silencing dissent than solving problems.

It’s time for Nigerians to stand up and demand better from their leaders. The NYSC needs to be scrapped or reformed. The economic crisis needs to be addressed with urgency and transparency. And most importantly, the government needs to stop intimidating citizens who speak the truth. The young woman who criticized the government isn’t the problem, she’s a voice for millions of Nigerians who are tired of being ignored. It’s time for the government to listen and act.

By teaching activism and patriotism in our schools, we can empower the next generation to demand accountability, fight for justice, and work tirelessly to build a better Nigeria. This isn’t just about education, it’s about survival. Nigeria’s future depends on the values and skills we teach our young people today. The time to act is now.

Ajiboye Amos Olakunle can be contacted via [email protected]