The Learners' Den

Established in 1973, the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) aimed to facilitate national integration after Nigeria suffered from a civil war that spanned from 1967-1970. The scheme's objectives were straightforward: to “reconcile, reconstruct, rehabilitate” and mend the lines of divide and distrust among Nigerians. Furthermore, the scheme aimed to instill discipline, a genuine sense of patriotism, and personal development in the youth service corps. Tertiary institution graduates below the age of 30 are the eligible candidates who are mobilized in batches A, B, and C, as well as Streams I & II, to undergo this tasking journey. They are then deployed across the six geopolitical zones of the country to undergo a three-week on-camp orientation followed by a one-year national service.  Arriving at the Orientation Camp Upon arriving at the Kaduna State temporary orientation camp, Government College, Kurmin Mashi, at sunset, I was greeted by different security officials ...

Let's consider an important truth together. The process of change is not always smooth sailing; it often entails a slow, uneven, and winding journey. Throughout the history of Nigeria, substantial amounts of money have been allocated to subsidize fossil fuel products, making it relatively affordable for Nigerians to power their homes and vehicles. Although expert economists infer that if these considerable funds were diverted toward critical sectors such as education and healthcare, Nigeria would have the potential to compete on the global stage of prosperity.  Given the embezzlement concerns surrounding fuel subsidies, President Tinubu made a definitive statement during his inaugural speech that the funds are "gone," as his government lacks the means to continue reimbursing them. Since then, this announcement has created a sense of chaos at fuel stations, leading to record-high petroleum prices.  Consequently, the prices of all products across the country have experience...

Image by freepik As we approach election day, let us remember the importance of peaceful participation. By avoiding toxic and hostile political debates, we can protect valuable relationships and recognize that we are all interconnected by our shared ancestries. Throughout history, our societies have been bound together in an unbreakable web of interdependence, and we must maintain this unity. One way to do so is by exercising our democratic right to vote for our preferred candidate. However, it is equally important to respect others' choices and avoid belittling those with differing political affiliations. By embracing our differences and promoting mutual understanding, we can work towards a just and democratic society. To ensure a peaceful election, we must also avoid any form of violence or thuggery that could disrupt the voting process. Let us show our commitment to non-violent communication and mutual respect. Together, we can uphold the integrity of our electoral s...

Participants at the second session of the SIF Marriage in Arewa, the northern region of Nigeria, is an important cultural and religious ritual. However, like any other area, it has many concerns and obstacles.  On Sunday, February 12, 2023, some selected brilliant minds gathered in Ahmadu Bello University Zaria for the second session of the Students Intellectual Forum (SIF) and intensely explored the topic, "Marriage in Arewa: Issues, Challenges, and Solutions." At the start of the session, Sani Musa Ibrahim, the chairman, and moderator delivered a warm welcome address before journalist Aliyu Jalal gave a thought-provoking opening speech. During his remarks, Aliyu not only explored the processes of marriages in Northern Nigeria but also drew attention to rising divorce rates and marital strains in the area, giving greater context to the topic at hand. He also posed questions on the root causes, including issues with marriage views, social media, excessive wedding ...