The Misalignment of Rewards: Celebrating Mediocrity Over Academic Excellence in Nigeria

Nigeria’s Education Crisis: Rewarding Reality TV Stars Over Academic Excellence

In recent years, Nigeria has witnessed a troubling trend in the allocation of rewards and recognition. Reality television shows, often criticised for promoting questionable moral values, lavish their winners with multimillion-naira prizes, luxury cars, and instant celebrity status. In stark contrast, the nation’s best-graduating university students, who have demonstrated exceptional academic prowess and dedication, receive comparatively meagre rewards for their achievements. This disparity in recognition not only undermines the value of education but also sends a problematic message to the youth about societal priorities and the path to success.

The Reality TV Phenomenon and Its Implications

Reality television shows, particularly the widely popular Big Brother Naija, have captured the attention of millions of Nigerians. The winners of these shows often walk away with prizes worth tens of millions of naira, including cash, cars, and other luxurious items. While these programmes claim to provide entertainment and opportunities for young Nigerians, they have faced significant criticism for promoting values that are at odds with traditional Nigerian cultural and moral standards.

The shows often feature content that includes nudity, sexual behaviour, and the use of profane language, which many consider inappropriate and potentially harmful to viewers, especially the youth. Despite these concerns, the allure of instant fame and fortune continues to draw participants and viewers alike, creating a culture that seemingly rewards controversial behaviour over academic or professional achievements.

The Plight of Academic Excellence

In stark contrast to the lavish rewards bestowed upon reality TV stars, Nigeria’s top-performing university students often receive minimal recognition for their academic achievements. While some institutions and private individuals have taken steps to reward academic excellence, the scale and prestige of these awards pale in comparison to those given to reality TV contestants.

For instance, at a recent convocation ceremony at Ahmadu Bello University, one of Nigeria’s premier institutions, the best-graduating students received various prizes and certificates. However, the monetary value of these awards was not explicitly mentioned, suggesting that they were not substantial enough to warrant special attention. This disparity in recognition sends a troubling message about the value society places on academic achievement versus entertainment and controversy.

The Negative Implications

The current reward system has several negative implications for Nigerian society:

1. Devaluation of ?Education: By offering disproportionately larger rewards for reality TV success compared to academic achievement, society implicitly suggests that education is less valuable or important.
2. Brain Drain: Talented students may be discouraged from pursuing academic excellence or may seek opportunities abroad where their achievements are more likely to be recognised and rewarded.
3. Misaligned Societal Values: The emphasis on instant fame and fortune over long-term academic and professional development can lead to a shift in societal values, potentially undermining the country’s future economic and social progress.
4. Reduced Innovation: With less incentive to excel academically, there may be a decline in research, innovation, and technological advancements crucial for national development.

International Comparisons and Best Practices

Many countries have recognised the importance of celebrating academic excellence and have implemented programmes to incentivise and reward top-performing students. For example:

1. Singapore: The country offers prestigious scholarships and career fast-track programmes for top graduates, ensuring that academic excellence is directly linked to career success and national development.
2. United States: Many universities offer substantial scholarships and research opportunities to high-achieving students. Additionally, organisations like the National Merit Scholarship Corporation provide significant financial awards to top-performing high school students.
3. United Kingdom: The UK government and various organisations offer numerous scholarships and awards for academic excellence, including the prestigious Rhodes Scholarship for postgraduate study at Oxford University.

These countries have created a culture that values and rewards academic achievement, fostering an environment of healthy competition and innovation.

Recommendations for Change

To address this imbalance and promote a culture that values education and academic excellence, the Nigerian government and other stakeholders should consider the following actions:

1. Increase Funding for Academic Awards: The government should allocate more resources to create substantial monetary awards and scholarships for top-performing students at all levels of education.
2. Create National Recognition Programmes: Establish high-profile national awards for academic excellence, similar to those given in sports or entertainment, to elevate the status of academic achievers.
3. Partner with Private Sector: Encourage corporations to sponsor academic awards and provide internship or employment opportunities for top graduates.
4. Media Promotion: Utilise media platforms to celebrate academic achievements, giving top students the same level of visibility as entertainment celebrities.
5. Regulate Reality TV Content: Implement stricter regulations on the content of reality TV shows to ensure they promote more positive values and skills.
6. Invest in Research and Innovation: Create well-funded research grants and innovation challenges for students and recent graduates to encourage practical application of academic knowledge.
7. Career Development Programmes: Establish fast-track career programmes in the civil service and state-owned enterprises for top graduates, similar to Singapore’s model.

Conclusion

The current disparity between the rewards given to reality TV stars and top academic achievers in Nigeria reflects a troubling misalignment of societal values. By addressing this imbalance and implementing programmes that celebrate and incentivise academic excellence, Nigeria can create a more competitive environment for innovation in science, technology, and creativity. This shift in focus is crucial for the country’s long-term development and for inspiring the next generation to pursue knowledge and excellence rather than fleeting fame.

It is imperative that all stakeholders – the government, private sector, educational institutions, and media – work together to reshape the narrative around success and achievement in Nigeria. By doing so, the country can harness its vast human potential and pave the way for sustainable economic growth and social progress.

Author:?Destiny Young, FIIM,?Chartered IT Practitioner (CitP),?MCPN,?MNCS,?MNIM,?MCIA,?MIDPMN,?MIAENG, Tech Infrastructure, IT Operations &?Cybersecurity?Engineer | Privacy Compliance and Governance – NIST, ISO 27001, SP 800-53 | Risk Management |?Threat Intelligence?| Incidence Response | Network &?Cloud Security?| IAM