society
Tinubu’s St. Lucia Scholarship Scandal (Tinubu Irresponsible for Offering St. Lucia Students Scholarships While Abuja Schools Are on Strike): A Case of Misplaced Priorities and National Betrayal
Tinubu’s St. Lucia Scholarship Scandal (Tinubu Irresponsible for Offering St. Lucia Students Scholarships While Abuja Schools Are on Strike): A Case of Misplaced Priorities and National Betrayal.
By George Omagbemi Sylvester | Published by SaharaWeeklyNG.com
In what can only be described as a brazen display of political arrogance and shocking detachment from national realities, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has once again stirred outrage across Nigeria. His recent announcement of scholarships for students in St. Lucia during a diplomatic visit, while public schools in Abuja and other parts of Nigeria remain shut due to non payment of salaries, staff strikes and systemic decay, is nothing short of national betrayal.
This shameful act is a glaring testimony of Tinubu’s misplaced priorities, gross Irresponsibility and total disconnect from the plight of the ordinary Nigerian. At a time when Nigerian students are languishing at home due to non-payment of teachers, decaying infrastructure and chronic underfunding of the education sector, Tinubu finds it politically rewarding to parade philanthropy on a foreign stage with Nigerian taxpayers’ money. This is not leadership, it is intellectual vandalism of the highest order.
A Nation in Academic Distress.
Back home, the situation is dire. The University of Abuja is under lock and key, its lecturers protesting unpaid salaries and unfulfilled agreements. Public secondary and primary schools across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have joined the strike. From leaky classrooms to non-functional laboratories, many schools have become deathtraps rather than centers of learning. Students now wander the streets, hawking sachet water and recharge cards, victims of a failed system they never created.
The Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) declared an indefinite strike over unpaid wages and poor working conditions. This is happening in the very capital of Africa’s most populous nation. What does it say about leadership when the seat of power is engulfed in academic darkness while its president offers EDUCATIONAL CHARITY to a FOREIGN LAND?
Scholarships for Saint Lucia: A Tone-Deaf Decision.
According to reports, President Tinubu, during his diplomatic trip to Saint Lucia in July 2025, pledged Nigerian-funded scholarships to selected Saint Lucian students who wish to study overseas. While the gesture may have been designed to promote pan-African solidarity and international goodwill, the timing and context are not only inappropriate, they are shameful.
What logic supports such ACTION? Who APPROVED it? And more importantly, who BENEFITS? Nigeria’s own education system is on life support. University students are learning under debilitating conditions; no electricity, no water, broken furniture, outdated syllabi and unpaid lecturers. Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) and WAEC results continue to paint a grim picture of educational decay.
Misplaced Priorities Amid Economic Crisis.
This act becomes even more infuriating when placed against the backdrop of Nigeria’s current economic woes. The naira continues to slide, inflation has eroded the average Nigerian’s purchasing power, electricity tariffs have skyrocketed and fuel prices have become unaffordable. Yet, this same government that claims it cannot afford to pay a ₦70,000 minimum wage or equip schools with basic infrastructure somehow has the funds to sponsor foreign students.
Dr. Obadiah Bala, a respected Nigerian economist, said it best: “When a nation with crumbling schools begins to export scholarships, you must question the sanity of its leadership. This is not foreign aid; it’s fiscal lunacy.”
According to a 2024 British Home Office report, Nigeria is now among the top three countries with the highest number of student visa applications. Our own students are fleeing the country en masse to pursue education abroad. This mass exodus of intellectual capital shows just how much faith young Nigerians have lost in the system. So, how does offering scholarships to foreign nationals help?
Charity Begins at Home.
“Charity begins at home,” the age-old adage reminds us. Tinubu’s administration seems to think otherwise, by offering aid to foreign students while Nigerian institutions collapse, Tinubu is effectively prioritizing political optics over the real needs of his people. This is not statesmanship; it is stagecraft masquerading as diplomacy.
As Dr. Ayo Olatunji of the University of Ibadan aptly put it, “Nigerian leaders have a chronic addiction to international showmanship. They chase applause abroad while their citizens choke at home. What Tinubu did in Saint Lucia is a classic betrayal of the Nigerian student.”
In leadership, optics matter; but substance matters more. This was not just bad optics; it was a total abdication of duty. It sends a clear message: Nigerian students do not matter to the President. Their future is disposable.
Public Outcry and the Call for Accountability.
It comes as no surprise that the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) reacted with righteous fury. In a statement issued by its President, Comrade Lucky Emonefe, NANS described the St. Lucia scholarship pledge as “an insult to every Nigerian student who has ever studied without electricity, running water or qualified teachers.” The union has even threatened a nationwide protest if Tinubu does not prioritize domestic educational issues.
This is not a partisan issue. It is a moral one. Leaders must be held accountable when they make decisions that insult the intelligence and dignity of their citizens. The Nigerian people, especially the youth are not fools. They can see the hypocrisy.
_They know when they are being taken for granted._
Diplomatic Showboating vs. National Crisis.
Tinubu’s frequent foreign travels have already come under scrutiny. Since assuming office in 2023, he has visited over 20 countries, including France, UAE, China, Brazil, now Saint Lucia and Saint Helena. Each trip is accompanied by a bloated entourage, grand promises and vague agreements that bring little to no tangible benefit back home. Meanwhile, at home, hospitals are collapsing, schools are empty and workers are protesting. If this is governance, then Nigeria has been reduced to a traveling theatre.
A government that cannot fund education at home has no business offering education abroad. It’s like a man whose children sleep hungry every night but who throws lavish dinners for his neighbors.
Betrayal in Broad Daylight.
Let us not sugarcoat the truth, this is a BETRAYAL. A BETRAYAL of the Nigerian child who walks miles to a dilapidated school. A BETRAYAL of the teacher who hasn’t been paid in months. A BETRAYAL of the parents who make impossible sacrifices just to keep their children in school. And a BETRAYAL of the entire nation that is being dragged backwards by leadership decisions that make no sense.
Nelson Mandela once said, “Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world.” What do you call a leader who disarms his own nation and arms others? Tinubu’s gesture in Saint Lucia wasn’t diplomacy. It is a slap in the face to every Nigerian student. It is BETRAYAL dressed in agbada.
The Way FORWARD.
It is not too late for President Tinubu to correct this grave mistake. He must immediately withdraw the scholarship pledge to Saint Lucian students and redirect those funds toward revitalizing Nigeria’s education sector. This includes settling all outstanding wages of university and public-school staff, renovating decayed infrastructure and updating the curriculum to meet 21st-century needs.
Furthermore, Tinubu must publicly apologize to Nigerian students, parents and educators for this insensitive and irresponsible decision. Anything short of that would confirm that this government values photo ops over people and international validation over national progress.
All Things Considered: Nigeria Deserves Better.
Nigeria is not a playground for experimental leadership. We cannot afford the luxury of incompetence when millions of young lives are on the line. If President Tinubu cannot place Nigerian students at the center of his development agenda, then he has no moral justification to lead them.
Nigeria deserves better. Our children deserve better. We must keep demanding better.
By George Omagbemi Sylvester
Published by SaharaWeeklyNG.com
GOVERNMENT MUST TACKLE NATION’S PRESSING CHALLENGES — BISHOP MARTINS URGES AT CHRISM MASS
By Ifeoma Ikem
The Holy Cross Cathedral, Lagos, was filled with joy, reverence, and renewed commitment on Holy Thursday as Catholic faithful across the metropolis gathered for the annual Chrism Mass — a solemn celebration marking the institution of the priesthood, the Holy Eucharist, and the blessing of sacred oils used throughout the liturgical year.
During the ceremony, the Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, Most Rev. Adewale Martins, described the Chrism Mass as a profound moment in the life of the Church.
He noted that it offers priests an opportunity to renew their vows and reflect on the centrality of the Eucharist, which he emphasized remains the heartbeat of the Catholic faith.
Addressing national issues, Bishop Martins acknowledged the government’s ongoing efforts to tackle Nigeria’s current challenges.
However, he stressed the need for more decisive and accelerated interventions, particularly in securing lives and easing the economic burdens confronting citizens.
He congratulated priests on their feast day and reflected on the rising influence of digital evangelization. While recognizing that many people now “inhabit online spaces,” he warned clergymen to handle social media with caution, discipline, and fidelity to Church teachings. According to him, digital influence must never overshadow spiritual integrity.
“The oils blessed today are not simply symbols; they speak of being set apart by a mark not earned, not crafted, but given,” he said. “As we renew our promises, we do not recreate ordination; we awaken memory. We were not ordained to build profiles but to bear Christ.”
He further noted that the digital world has become a place where people “gather, argue, celebrate, confess, misunderstand, and sometimes encounter truth.” For this reason, he said the Church recognizes the need to take the Gospel into that space without compromising its authenticity.
In his homily, Rev. Fr. Paul Akin-Otiko, Chaplain of St. Thomas More Catholic Chaplaincy, University of Lagos, emphasized the enduring significance of the Chrism Mass as an ancient tradition where sacred oils are consecrated.
He urged priests to pray fervently for the sick using the blessed oils, reminding them that true healing comes from God.
Fr. Akin-Otiko encouraged clergy to remain selfless, warning them never to turn the Church into a source of personal gain.
He stressed that their primary duty is the salvation of souls and the welfare of the people entrusted to them.
Monsignor John Aniagwu took a moment to appreciate Anthony Cardinal Olubunmi Okogie for his fatherly guidance and exemplary leadership. He prayed for God’s continued blessings, asking that all present be granted good health to witness many more Chrism Masses.
The highlight of the ceremony was the renewal of vows by hundreds of priests, who reaffirmed their commitment to lives of dedication, chastity, and obedience to the Church and their bishop — an act that drew heartfelt applause from the congregation.
The celebration concluded with songs of thanksgiving, joy, and renewed devotion.
society
Liberian Leaders, Citizens Bear Witness as Apostle Suleman Hosts Two-Day Power-Packed Crusade
Liberian Leaders, Citizens Bear Witness as Apostle Suleman Hosts Two-Day Power-Packed Crusade
It was testimonies galore on Tuesday, March 31, the first day of the famous servant of God and founder of the Omega Fire Ministries (OFM) worldwide, Apostle Johnson Suleman’s power-packed two-day crusade. The event documented impactful moments with the Gospel and miracles, emphasizing the power of faith and the tangible confirmation of God’s Word through signs and wonders. It was equally an atmosphere of miraculous healing, restoration of lives, and the strengthening of faith.
At the crusade, which was held at the SKD Sports Stadium in Paynesville City, and themed, “Liberia Outpouring Crusade” witnessed testimonies of impact and miracles with participants experiencing instant healing of various kinds of challenges.
Apostle Suleman’s first port of call was Paynesville, the office of Liberian government’s president, Mr. Joseph Nyuma Boakai, who received him in an audience with his junior ministers. Apostle Suleman, who also met with the vice-president, Mr. Jeremiah Kpan Koung, was welcomed by the Liberian leader’s office as part of the president’s ongoing engagements with religious leaders aimed at fostering spiritual support for national development.
The president expressed profound appreciation to Apostle Suleman for the visit and continued prayers and intercessions by men and women of God on behalf of Liberia, emphasizing his firm belief that sustained spiritual guidance and prayer remain vital to the transformation and progress of the nation.
During the visit, Apostle Suleman offered prayers for President Boakai, his cabinet and the Liberian nation, invoking divine alignment, wisdom, and insight in Liberia’s path toward growth and stability. He prayed that the Almighty God would position Liberia for relevance and fulfillment of its national destiny.
Apostle Johnson Suleman, an evangelist who knows no bounds of where preaching the gospel comes to a stop, visited Liberia prepared with the message, compelling power of the Gospel and the work of the Holy Spirit, and bringing people to a point of decision where they surrendered their lives to Christ.
Aside from being prophetic and timely, OFM sources disclosed that the servant of God’s visit underscores the importance of faith-based partnerships in supporting governance and national renewal efforts.
society
Middle Belt Forum Hails Tinubu’s Jos Visit, Calls for United Civil-Military Effort to Restore Lasting Peace
*Middle Belt Forum Hails Tinubu’s Jos Visit, Calls for United Civil-Military Effort to Restore Lasting Peace
The Middle Belt Peace Forum (MBPF) has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his profound demonstration of empathy and responsive leadership following his decision to postpone an official engagement in Iperu in order to visit victims of the recent attacks in Jos.
In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Pastor Bulus Garba, in Jos on Friday, the Forum said the President’s decision to personally identify with grieving communities sends a powerful message of solidarity and reinforces public confidence in the commitment of the Federal Government to the protection of lives and property.
“The Middle Belt Peace Forum warmly commends President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for prioritising compassion over ceremony. At a time of deep sorrow for the people of Plateau State, his decision to visit Jos stands as a mark of true leadership—one that listens, responds, and stands with the people in their moment of pain,” the statement read.
The Forum described the perpetrators of the recent attacks as “cowards who prey on innocent and defenceless citizens,” stressing that such acts of violence are not only inhumane but also a direct assault on the unity and peace of the nation.
“We condemn in the strongest terms the actions of these cowardly attackers whose only aim is to instil fear and destabilise peaceful communities. Their actions must be met with firm and decisive resistance from all arms of the state,” Pastor Garba said.
The MBPF further used the opportunity to salute the courage, gallantry, and sacrifices of the Armed Forces of Nigeria under the leadership of the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, noting that their continued efforts remain central to restoring stability across troubled parts of the country.
According to the Forum, the Armed Forces have demonstrated resilience and professionalism in the face of complex security challenges, often operating under difficult conditions to safeguard communities and defend Nigeria’s territorial integrity.
“We salute the Armed Forces of Nigeria for their unwavering commitment and sacrifices. Their gallantry in confronting criminal elements and reclaiming territories is a testament to their dedication to national service. We recognise that the path to peace is demanding, and we honour those who stand daily in defence of our nation,” the statement added.
The Forum pledged its full support to ongoing military operations and called for strengthened collaboration between security agencies and local communities as a critical factor in achieving lasting peace.
It also urged citizens across the Middle Belt to cooperate with security forces by providing timely information and fostering unity within their communities.
The MBPF, however, expressed concern over the need for greater synergy among security agencies, particularly the role of the Nigeria Police in consolidating gains made by the military.
“We call on the Nigeria Police Force to rise fully to its constitutional responsibility by effectively supporting the Armed Forces in stabilising and securing areas that have been cleared of criminal elements. Holding and policing such territories is essential to preventing a resurgence of violence,” Pastor Garba stated.
The Forum emphasised that sustainable peace requires a coordinated approach in which the military clears and secures areas, while the police maintain law and order to enable displaced communities to return and rebuild their lives.
The MBPF concluded by reiterating its commitment to peacebuilding efforts across the Middle Belt and expressed optimism that with sustained leadership, coordinated security efforts, and active citizen participation, lasting peace can be achieved.
“Together, through unity, vigilance, and collective resolve, we can overcome these challenges and build a safer and more peaceful Middle Belt,” the statement added.
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