Nigeria's Future Leadership in Doubt as Youth Prioritize Wealth Over Values

As Nigeria looks ahead to the next quarter-century, deep concerns are emerging about the country's future leadership. The current generation of Nigerian youth, who will be vying for top political positions in 25 years, are increasingly prioritizing the pursuit of wealth and entertainment over education and moral values, sparking fears about the nation's trajectory and prospects.

The leadership crisis in Nigeria could have far-reaching implications for the entire African continent, impacting regional stability and economic growth. A lack of effective leadership in Nigeria could also undermine global efforts to address pressing issues like climate change, poverty, and inequality.

In 1979, when Alhaji Shehu Usman Aliyu Shagari assumed office as Nigeria's president, future leaders like Goodluck Jonathan, Ayo Fayose, and Bukola Saraki were in their early 20s, preparing to guide the nation in the decades to come. However, theyouth of todaypaint a starkly different picture, with many lacking command of academic English, struggling to meet literary and academic standards, and showing greater interest in music and social media than the study of history and cultivation of nationalism.

The pursuit of money and material possessions has become a driving force for many Nigerian youth, with some even resorting to fraudulent activities to achieve wealth. As one observer noted, "If a guy who is sitting down somewhere with a device could use false pretense to obtain $20,000 from someone in the United States, or anywhere in the world, what do you think will happen if such a guy becomes a state governor and is in charge of an allocation he does not even have to obtain under false pretense, which his state is statutorily entitled to?" Nigerian youths

The decline in academic rigor and the waning interest in subjects that foster critical thinking and a sense of national identity have raised alarm among educators and leaders. Where students once pored over the works ofrenowned Nigerian authorslike Achebe and Soyinka, many now focus their attention on popular musicians like Davido and Whiz Kid. The shift in values and priorities is palpable, leaving many to question what kind of leaders will emerge from this generation.

Why this matters: In 25 years, when the youth of today are running for key positions like state governor, senator, representative, and even president, the consequences of this trend could be severe. As one commentator warned, "I am worried, deeply worried and really scared. Are you?" The erosion of educational standards and the glorification of wealth above all else threaten to create a leadership void, with those in power potentially lacking the knowledge, skills, and moral compass needed to effectively guide Nigeria into the future.

To address this looming crisis, Nigeria must engage in a period of national introspection and take concerted action to revitalize itseducational systems. By nurturing a culture of reading, critical thinking, and ethical values from an early age, the country can work to mold a generation of leaders equipped to tackle the challenges of tomorrow. The stakes could not be higher, as the fate of Africa's most populous nation hangs in the balance.

Key Takeaways

• Nigeria's future leadership is at risk due to youth prioritizing wealth and entertainment over education and values.
• A leadership crisis in Nigeria could impact regional stability and global efforts to address climate change, poverty, and inequality.
• Many Nigerian youth lack academic rigor, struggle with literacy, and prioritize social media and music over history and nationalism.
• The pursuit of wealth and material possessions drives many Nigerian youth, with some resorting to fraudulent activities.
• Nigeria must revitalize its educational system to mold a generation of leaders equipped to tackle future challenges.