The Nigerian problem(s) will be around for many decades and can only be eradicated by properly educating the next generation of Nigerians.


Philip Emeagwali, biography, A Father of the Internet, supercomputer pioneer, Nigerian scientist, inventor

Philip Emeagwali
interviewed by Reuben Abati for The Nigerian Guardian.


Nigeria at the moment is not having the best of times in the international community: What is your position on what has now become the Nigerian problem?
It will be impossible to discuss all the Nigerian problems in one day. I believe the most serious problems can only be reduced by properly educating 50 million Nigerian students that are below the age of 18.

Unfortunately, the Nigerian government policy is very short sighted. Petroleum revenue that should have been invested in education was squandered in big elephant projects such as the Ajaokuta steel complex, building the new capital of Abuja, and maintaining a large standing Army.

Ghana spends 27 percent of its public expenditure on education while Nigeria, the 9th largest petroleum producer in the world, spends a mere 10 percent. As a result, Ghana has a per capita income that is twice that of Nigeria.

Nigerian schools only teach students how to read and write. Schools in the United States also teach students moral and character values, critical thinking and good citizenship.

Many Nigerian youths see a rich man as his role model and develops a compulsive urge to make money by any means necessary, including acquiring human body parts for juju magic or smuggling drugs to the United States.

Malaysia, Indonesia and South Korea were at the same economic level as Nigeria when the latter became independent in 1960. By prudent management, these nations have a per capita income that is 40 times greater than that of Nigeria.

The Nigerian problem(s) will be around for many decades and can only be eradicated by properly educating the next generation of 50 million young Nigerians.


Related articles/websites

Emeagwali's Website

Interviews

His wife

Letters to Emeagwali


Philip Emeagwali, biography, A Father of the Internet, supercomputer pioneer, Nigerian scientist, inventor

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Philip Emeagwali, biography, A Father of the Internet, supercomputer pioneer, Nigerian scientist, inventor


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