posted 15th May 2025
Nigeria's Education Crisis: Allegations of Sabotage and Institutional Decay
Nigeria 15 May 2025 – A storm of controversy has erupted over Nigeria’s education system, with allegations of deliberate sabotage and institutional bias casting a shadow over the nation’s academic landscape. A recent social media post by user @firstladyship has ignited debate, claiming that the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) failed to address scheduling issues in Lagos and the South-East, despite resolving similar problems elsewhere. The post suggests this was no oversight but a calculated move under President Bola Tinubu’s administration to undermine certain regions.
The accusations point to a broader pattern of institutional decay, with state bodies like JAMB, the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) allegedly engaging in partisan behaviour. @firstladyship highlights instances where these institutions appeared to target Peter Obi, a prominent political figure known for his educational reforms in Anambra State. WAEC reportedly deleted a 2016 tweet praising Obi’s achievements, while JAMB retweeted a post from a Tinubu supporter criticising Obi’s concerns about the 2025 UTME scheduling. INEC, too, is said to have endorsed a tweet attacking Obi, raising questions about the neutrality of these bodies.
The post argues that Tinubu’s administration has systematically eroded public trust in state institutions, from the judiciary to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). “Bola Ahmed Tinubu has continued to bastardize your State Institutions,” @firstladyship writes, warning that this erosion could have lasting consequences. “What will happen to PUBLIC TRUST after this incompetent regime?” the post asks, urging Nigerians to reflect on the future of their institutions.
Amid the criticism, JAMB Registrar Prof Ishaq Oloyede has been commended for his accountability. Following the tragic suicide of a young candidate, reportedly linked to examination pressures, Oloyede opened JAMB to public scrutiny, a move described as courageous. Unlike INEC, which faced backlash for disabling its IREV system without explanation, JAMB’s transparency has been hailed as a rare example of institutional responsibility in Nigeria.
The controversy underscores a deeper crisis in Nigeria’s education system. @firstladyship advocates for free university education and scholarships, arguing that education, not infrastructure, is the key to unlocking Nigeria’s potential. Citing China’s transformation through education following the Opium Wars, the post envisions a similar path for Nigeria. “Only education can drive 5x GDP,” it declares, linking education to human development, tax revenue, and economic growth.
