Favour For Family And friends: The Nigeria’s Nepotism Culture -By Muhammed Bello Umar

The issue of nepotism in Nigeria is a long-standing problem that has plagued the country for several years. Nepotism is the practice of favoring family or friends over others, typically without regard for their qualifications or abilities. This practice is widespread in Nigeria and has manifested in various sectors of the economy, including politics, education, and the job market.

In the political arena, nepotism is common as politicians appoint their relatives or friends to positions of power or influence, regardless of merit or qualifications. This practice has resulted in the appointment of unqualified individuals to high-level positions, leading to the underdevelopment and poor performance of many sectors in the country.

In the education sector, nepotism also exists as students are often admitted into universities based on connections rather than merit. This practice has led to a decline in the quality of education and has hindered the growth of the sector.

Similarly, in the job market, nepotism is widespread, and family or friends of employers are often given preferential treatment over more qualified candidates, resulting in high unemployment rates and low job opportunities for deserving individuals.

Overall, the practice of nepotism in Nigeria undermines the country’s growth and development by promoting mediocrity over meritocracy. It is essential for Nigerian leaders to prioritize meritocracy and ensure that positions of power and influence are given to the most qualified individuals, irrespective of their connections. Only then can Nigeria progress towards prosperity and sustainable development.