Paris 2024: Nigerians Win Medals, But Nigeria Doesn't!

Nigerians are extraordinary—resilient, talented, and full of potential. Yet, once again, our leaders have let us down. The 2024 Olympics in Paris has laid bare the painful reality: while Nigerians triumphed, Nigeria as a nation fell short. This is a story not just of athletic prowess but of a systemic failure that echoes across all sectors of our society.

Unleashing Talent, But Without Support

Nigeria is a nation bursting with talent in every corner, from sports to academia, but talent alone isn’t enough. Without the necessary resources and support, even the most gifted individuals struggle to achieve greatness. Paris 2024 is a testament to what happens when this potential is mismanaged, wasted, or driven away by inefficiency.

Take Annette Nneka Echikunwoke, for example. Three years ago, Echikunwoke arrived in Tokyo, eager to represent Nigeria at the Olympics. She had spent years preparing, only to be heartbroken when Nigerian officials failed to complete the necessary doping tests, forcing her out of the competition before she even had a chance to throw. This year, however, she competed as a Nigerian-American for the United States, winning a silver medal in the Women’s Hammer Throw, narrowly missing the gold. Imagine what she could have accomplished for Nigeria if she had been properly supported.

Then there's Yemisi Ogunleye, a young woman born in Germany to a Nigerian father from Ekiti State. She made history by winning gold in the shot put—not for Nigeria, but for Germany.

And what about Favour Ofili, Nigeria’s national 100 meters champion? She did not compete for 100m race in Paris because the national athletics federation failed to register her in time. "It is with great regret that I have just learned that I will not be competing in the 100m at the Olympic Games," she said on social media—a loss not just for her, but for the nation.

Nigerians Win, Nigeria Loses

Nigerian athletes competing for other countries won at least four medals in Paris 2024. Yet, despite our nation of over 300 million people, Nigeria didn’t win a single medal for herself. This isn’t just a story of lost medals; it’s a reflection of a deeper crisis. The same issues that plague our sports also afflict our education system: under-investment, mismanagement, and a lack of opportunity.

Turning the Tide with Education

At QEFAS, we’re not just talking about the problems—we’re actively working on solutions. We believe that education is the key to unlocking Nigeria’s full potential, and we are committed to providing quality education for all students, both in Nigeria and beyond. Our instructors are highly qualified, holding advanced degrees, and we offer accessible education through various formats: in-person, live remote classes via Zoom, or individualized self-paced courses. And we do all these at affordable prices.

For those who aspire to study abroad, we offer preparatory classes and consulting services, helping students gain admission to universities in the U.S., Canada, the UK, and more. We connect students to available scholarships, ensuring that financial constraints do not stand in the way of their dreams.

Striving for a Greater Nigeria

Let’s take inspiration from the triumphs and trials of our athletes. Let’s channel that energy into building a better future for Nigeria—a future where our nation’s potential isn’t just a promise but a reality. At QEFAS, we are doing our part to make Nigeria a place where every student, every dreamer, and every talent has the opportunity to succeed. The journey is long, but together, we can make Nigeria truly great.