society

“ _School Na Scam_”: The Cry of a Betrayed Generation

Published

11 months ago

June 26, 2025

Sahara Weekly

“ _School Na Scam_”: The Cry of a Betrayed Generation.

By George Omagbemi Sylvester | Published by SaharaWeeklyNG.com

In Nigeria today, a haunting phrase echoes through the corridors of broken dreams and unrealized ambitions: “ _School na scam_.” Once a careless joke or a meme used to escape academic stress, it has now become the bitter slogan of a generation robbed of its future. It is no longer mere sarcasm ; it is protest, pain and a subtle declaration of defeat.

Chinedu’s story is not unique. A brilliant student who graduated with First-Class Honours in Electrical Engineering, served his country during NYSC in Abuja, and held onto the illusion that academic excellence would be his ticket to success. Like many Nigerian youth, he was fed the mantra: “Study hard, get good grades and the world will be yours” but reality slapped him hard. Over 50 job applications yielded no interviews. When he applied for a role in a prestigious oil company (a position for which he was more than qualified) he was overlooked. Instead, a former classmate who barely attended lectures and partied through university got the job. The difference be say? His UNCLE na SENATOR.

This nor be FICTION. This is NIGERIA.

Nor be just Chinedu oo. Halima, a pharmacy graduate, now hawks perfumes from her handbag. Emeka, with a degree in Mass Communication, drives a Bolt cab to survive. Aisha, best in her department, ghostwrites social media posts for self-acclaimed influencers who barely made it past secondary school. These are the faces behind the phrase “ _SCHOOL na SCAM.”_

Atleast let’s be clear, SCHOOL is not the SCAM. The SYSTEM is.

A System That Betrays Its Brightest
Nigeria has created a society where CONNECTIONS matter more than COMPETENCE, where TRIBALISM, NEPOTISM and CORRUPTION have more value than MERIT and where effort rarely translates into reward. According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), as of 2024, youth unemployment stands at over 42%. For every graduate like CHINEDU, there are thousands with similar stories; piling degrees, glowing recommendations and zero opportunities.

In contrast, children of the elite are sent abroad for schooling. When they return, they are appointed to plum positions in ministries, banks and oil firms. No tests, no interviews, just privilege. As Professor Pat Utomi once said, “ _Nigeria is a place where who you know is more important than what you know_.” In such a nation, dreams die early.

The Real Scam: A Nation Without a Plan
The real scam is not EDUCATION; it’s a nation that doesn’t VALUE it. How can one justify a system where politicians budget billions for their comfort while public universities remain UNDERFUNDED? Where lecturers go on strike every year and students spend 6 years on a 4-year course? Where graduate interns are paid PEANUTS (if anything at all) while lawmakers pocket millions monthly?

As of 2023, Nigeria allocated just 5.3% of its national budget to education, far below UNESCO’s recommended 15–20%. Universities operate with outdated curricula, poorly equipped labs and underpaid lecturers. Yet, we expect world-class graduates?

Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the WTO, once noted, “ _Our biggest resource is our human capital, yet we treat it like it’s disposable.”_ Nigeria keeps pushing its best minds to the edge, forcing them to choose between driving taxis and leaving the country.

When HUSTLE Replaces HOPE
In the vacuum left by a failed system, a new gospel emerged: “ _Hustle by all means_.” Whether it’s cryptocurrency, forex, betting, content creation or even fraud, young Nigerians have learned not to rely on certificates but on survival skills. When a former classmate of Chinedu speeds past in a Mercedes Benz and says, “ _Crypto changed my life. Nobody send degree again_,” he’s not bragging, he’s stating a bitter fact.

This is not to dismiss hard work or entrepreneurship. Many youths have risen legitimately through tech, fashion, arts and agriculture, but the dangerous narrative that formal education is useless thrives because the country has failed to reward it. In saner climes, EDUCATION unlocks doors. In NIGERIA, it leads you to a GATE with no KEYHOLE.

The Mental Health Toll
This betrayal comes at a cost, a silent mental health epidemic. Depression, anxiety, frustration and suicide ideation are on the rise among Nigerian youth. According to a 2023 survey by SBM Intelligence, over 31% of young Nigerians said they would “japa” (emigrate) at the slightest opportunity, citing hopelessness and lack of prospects.

Behind every “ _school na scam”_ chant lies deep emotional wounds. It is the language of pain. When people are constantly told to “GO TO SCHOOL,” “GET A JOB,” “SETTLE DOWN,” and they do everything right but still get nothing, what else are they expected to believe?

As the late Chinua Achebe rightly said, “ _The trouble with Nigeria is simply and squarely a failure of leadership.”_ This failure has trickled down to every facet of our national life, most painfully in how we treat our educated youth.

What Can Be Done?
The situation is dire, but not irreversible. First, we must confront the brutal truth: Nigeria is not poor; but it is poorly managed. Rebuilding trust in education requires the following:

Meritocracy must be institutionalized. Recruitment into government and corporate institutions should be based on competence, not connections.

Revamp and fund the educational sector. Increase the education budget to meet global standards. Update the curriculum to meet the demands of a digital and knowledge-based economy.

Create real opportunities. Industrialization, digital economy incentives and vocational hubs must become national priorities. A country with 60% youth population cannot afford to waste its future.

Tackle corruption ruthlessly. Until the elite stop treating Nigeria as their private estate, the system will remain rigged against ordinary citizens.

Support mental health and career counselling. Graduates must be helped to transition from academia to the marketplace with guidance and psychological support.

Final Thoughts
When Nigerian youth say “SCHOOL na SCAM,” don’t be quick to scold them. Listen. Behind their words are broken dreams and betrayed expectations. They are not attacking education; they are condemning a system that PROMISED gold and DELIVERED dust.

Chinedu’s pain is the collective pain of a nation that abandoned its most educated, most brilliant and most hopeful citizens. The solution is not to mock them but to fix the system that failed them.

Education is not the scam.

The real scam is a Nigeria that crushes MERIT and glorifies MEDIOCRITY.

Until we change that, “school na scam” will not just be a slogan…it will remain our national tragedy.

By George Omagbemi Sylvester
Published by SaharaWeeklyNG.com

society

UKA Gears Up for Final ATC Exchangeability Test Run as June Preparations Begin

Published

1 day ago

May 30, 2026

Sahara Weekly

UKA Gears Up for Final ATC Exchangeability Test Run as June Preparations Begin.

May 30, 2026 – As the month of June gathers momentum, the *United Kingdom of Atlantis, UKA*, a sovereign nation has unveiled a series of vital guidelines and preparatory packages to ensure citizens and stakeholders run the *ATC Exchangeability* process effectively.

In an official update, the *President of Atlantic Crown Limited, Empress of Attica Empire UKA*, confirmed that the *Final Test Run of ATC Exchangeability* is scheduled for the month of June 2026. The exercise marks a key phase ahead of the *Official Exchangeability Window, set to run from July 2026 to February 2027*.

### Key Highlights from the Presidential Briefing
1. *Final Test Run – June 2026*
The test run is designed to validate systems, procedures, and user readiness before full activation. Citizens, partners, and designated participants are urged to follow all official advisories released by UKA authorities during this period.

2. *Official Exchangeability Period*
Following the successful completion of the June test run, the Official Exchangeability will commence in july 2026 and we are Expecting Full Exchange ability between July Ending, 2026 to February 2026.

UKA stated that detailed schedules, eligibility requirements, and step-by-step instructions will be communicated progressively through verified UKA channels.

3. *Benefiting Packages for June*
In line with UKA’s commitment to citizen empowerment, the month of June will feature “benefiting packages” aimed at education, preparation, and seamless onboarding. These packages are intended to equip the people of UKA with the knowledge and tools needed for effective participation.

4. *Commitment to Transparency*
Addressing the nation, the Empress of Attica Empire UKA emphasized:
_“Final Test Run of ATC Comes up in The Month of June, As We Prepare For The Official Exchangeability, Between July 2026 To Feb 2027. All Information Will Be Communicated.”_
UKA reaffirmed that only information released through official UKA platforms should be regarded as authoritative.

The United Kingdom of Atlantis is encouraging all citizens, representatives, and interested parties to remain alert to official communications, attend designated orientation sessions, and avoid unofficial sources. UKA’s dedication to order, clarity, and the collective benefit of its people as the nation moves into this significant phase.

For updates, advisories, and participation guidelines, citizens are advised to monitor official UKA communication channels.

United Kingdom of Atlantis, UKA, is a sovereign nation, committed to national development, citizen welfare, and structured economic participation through initiatives such as ATC Exchangeability.

society

Three Years On, General Buratai Hails Tinubu’s Economic, Security Achievements

Published

2 days ago

May 30, 2026

Sahara Weekly

Three Years On, General Buratai Hails Tinubu’s Economic, Security Achievements

Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (retd.), has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as bold economic reforms and improved security efforts as the President marks three years in office.

In a goodwill message on Thursday to commemorate Tinubu’s third anniversary as President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Buratai said the administration had taken courageous decisions that would leave a lasting impact on Nigeria’s development.

According to him, President Tinubu broke a long-standing cycle that had hindered national growth by removing fuel subsidy and implementing foreign exchange reforms aimed at stabilising the naira and strengthening the economy.

He noted that the reforms were beginning to yield positive results, citing the global acceptance of Nigerian debit cards, the gradual revival of local refineries, access to student loans, and ongoing road and infrastructure projects across the country.

“The FCT Administration has also recorded remarkable progress, completing major road projects that remained unfinished for over 16 years,” Buratai stated.

The former army chief also praised the administration’s security efforts, saying renewed military offensives against insurgents, terrorists and bandits had led to notable successes across various parts of the country.

He specifically lauded recent joint operations involving Nigerian and United States forces against Boko Haram and ISWAP in the North-East, as well as intensified counter-banditry operations in the North-West.

“We have seen notorious ISWAP commanders being neutralised. I congratulate the Commander-in-Chief, the Minister of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Service Chiefs, the Inspector-General of Police and heads of intelligence agencies for their efforts,” he said.

Buratai, however, acknowledged that challenges remained, stressing the need for more aggressive military operations and intelligence-driven strategies in the coming year.

While urging Nigerians to remain hopeful, he said celebrating the President’s achievements did not amount to ignoring the difficulties facing the nation.

“Because you truly care, you have shown the courage to trade short-term comfort for long-term hope. Nigerians need your reassurances, and that is why we remain optimistic and full of confidence,” he added.

The retired military officer reaffirmed his support for the Tinubu administration and expressed confidence that the foundation being laid by the government would deliver a brighter future for the country.

He also prayed for God’s guidance, wisdom, strength and good health for the President as he continues to lead Nigeria.

society

NUT Raises Alarm Over Continued Captivity of Abducted Oyo Pupils, Teachers

Published

2 days ago

May 30, 2026

Sahara Weekly

NUT Raises Alarm Over Continued Captivity of Abducted Oyo Pupils, Teachers

The Nigeria Union of Teachers has expressed deep concern over the continued captivity of pupils and teachers abducted during an attack on schools in the Ahoro-Esinle and Yawota communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the Oyo State wing of the union described the situation as increasingly distressing, particularly following the emergence of a video allegedly released by the abductors showing the victims pleading for their freedom.

The union said the footage had heightened fears over the welfare of the abducted pupils and teachers, describing their ordeal as heartbreaking and unacceptable.

According to the NUT, no child or teacher deserves to be subjected to such traumatic experiences, adding that the prolonged captivity of the victims has continued to inflict psychological pain on their families, colleagues and the wider education community.

The union called on the Federal Government, Oyo State Government and relevant security agencies to intensify efforts towards securing the immediate and safe release of the victims.

“This is not a moment for hesitation. It is a moment for coordinated, intelligence-driven efforts to ensure the immediate and safe release of all abducted pupils and teachers,” the statement read.

While acknowledging ongoing interventions by security agencies and government authorities, the union stressed that time was of the essence, warning that every additional day in captivity deepens the trauma suffered by the victims.

The NUT urged security operatives to strengthen surveillance, improve community intelligence gathering and deploy all necessary operational and diplomatic measures to facilitate the rescue of the abductees.

It also appealed to traditional rulers, community leaders and residents to support rescue efforts by providing credible information that could assist security agencies.

“The safety of our children and teachers must remain a collective priority,” the union stated.

Reaffirming its support for the families of the victims, the NUT pledged continued solidarity and prayers while advocating safer learning environments across the country.

The statement was jointly signed by the Chairman of the Oyo State NUT, Comrade Hassan Ajibola Fatai, and the Secretary, Comrade Salami Olukayode.