Angelus Pulse Nigeria

For many years in Nigeria, the ability to speak English fluently was regarded as the definitive measure of literacy and educational success. This perception was especially prevalent in primary and secondary schools, where students who could not communicate effectively in English were often unfairly labeled as illiterate or less intelligent. The use of indigenous languages—often referred to dismissively as vernaculars—was actively discouraged within educational settings. Students who spoke their native tongues risked facing social stigma, ridicule from their peers, and even disciplinary actions from teachers. This attitude reflected a broader colonial legacy that elevated English as the language of power, prestige, and upward mobility, while marginalizing Nigeria’s rich tapestry of indigenous languages. However, over the past forty years, there has been a remarkable and encouraging shift in how language is perceived and valued in Nigeria. Increasingly, educators, parents, and policymake...

Some time ago, before my employer finally paid my two months' overdue salary, I had to travel out of town to withdraw some money from the bank. On the way, I came across a police checkpoint where a formidable roadblock was set up. Because my vehicle license had expired, I dreaded the usual “friendly chat” with the officers, knowing I was short on the oil to “grease their palms.” At the checkpoint, a lean, hungry-looking constable greeted me with, “Oga, how weather?” while stretching out his hand, clearly expecting a bribe. I discreetly squeezed a crumpled red bread label into his palm. Satisfied, the officer gave me a respectful eye salute, and I quickly drove away. Note : This story humorously highlights the unfortunate reality of some African police officers accepting bribes from motorists. It is our sincere hope that bribery and corruption will end in Africa and beyond, paving the way for a just and decent society.