Nigeria’s social system has been neglected in various aspects, leading to significant challenges and disparities. The education system is one of the most affected areas, with inadequate funding, poor infrastructure, and a shortage of qualified teachers. This has resulted in a significant number of out-of-school children and a lack of skilled workforce, hindering the country’s development and growth.

The healthcare system is another area that has been severely neglected. Underfunding, understaffing, and inadequate infrastructure have led to poor health outcomes, including high maternal and child mortality rates. This is a stark reminder of the need for urgent reform and investment in the healthcare sector to ensure that Nigerians have access to quality healthcare.

The lack of a comprehensive social welfare system has also left many citizens vulnerable to poverty, hunger, and other forms of deprivation. This highlights the need for a more robust social safety net to protect the most vulnerable members of society and promote social justice.

Nigeria’s infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and public transportation, is inadequate and poorly maintained, hindering economic growth and development. The environmental degradation and neglect of environmental protection are also pressing concerns that need to be addressed. The country’s environment has been ravaged by crises, conflicts, pollution, deforestation, and climate change, with devastating impacts on local communities and ecosystems.

The human rights record of Nigeria is also a concern, with issues such as police brutality, judicial corruption, and discrimination against marginalized groups. The youth population is vast, but they lack access to education, job opportunities, and other resources, leading to high levels of unemployment and restiveness. Women and people with disabilities also face significant challenges, including limited access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities.

The country’s social system has indeed been eroded by decades of neglect, leading to a decline in values such as honesty, integrity, and respect for authority. The overemphasis on material wealth has also led to a culture of consumerism and get-rich-quick schemes, further exacerbating the problem.

To address these challenges, Nigeria needs a concerted effort from the government, civil society, and the private sector to prioritize the needs of its citizens and promote sustainable development. By investing in education, healthcare, infrastructure, and social welfare, Nigeria can unlock its vast potential and create a more equitable society for all. The time for change is now, and Nigeria must take bold steps to address the neglect of its social system and promote a brighter future for its citizens.

Nigeria’s education system has been criticized for its focus on rote learning rather than critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving. This approach has limited the creativity and innovation of Nigerian students, making it difficult for them to compete in the global economy. Furthermore, the lack of innovation hubs, incubators, and accelerators has hindered the growth of entrepreneurship and start-ups in the country.

The knowledge gap in Nigeria is also a significant challenge. The brain drain, where many talented Nigerians seek knowledge and opportunities abroad, has deprived the country of much-needed expertise and skills. Additionally, the limited access to quality information, research, and data has hindered informed decision-making, making it difficult for policymakers to develop effective policies.

Nigeria’s over-reliance on oil exports has also hindered innovation-driven growth. The lack of investment in research and development has limited the creation of new products, services, and processes, making it difficult for the country to compete in the global economy. To address these challenges, Nigeria needs to foster a culture of innovation, invest in education and skills development, promote entrepreneurship and start-ups, encourage knowledge sharing and collaboration, and diversify the economy.

The consequences of prioritizing oil are clear. The neglect of education, inadequate healthcare, social inequality, environmental degradation, and economic instability are all symptoms of a system that prioritizes oil above all else. By diversifying the economy and promoting innovation-driven growth, Nigeria can reduce its dependence on oil and create a more sustainable and equitable economy. This will require a concerted effort from the government, civil society, and the private sector to prioritize the needs of Nigerian citizens and promote sustainable development.

Nigeria’s path forward requires a multifaceted approach that prioritizes adding value to its social system. By adopting an intellectual and philosophical approach, Nigeria can improve the quality, creativity, innovation, and productivity of its social system, making it competitive.

Diversifying the economy is also critical to Nigeria’s future. By investing in sectors like agriculture, manufacturing, and services, Nigeria can reduce its dependence on oil and promote sustainable economic growth. Additionally, investing in human capital through education, healthcare, and skills development will unlock the potential of Nigeria’s population and drive development.

Good governance, transparency, and accountability are essential for ensuring that Nigeria’s wealth is managed effectively and for the benefit of all citizens. Policies must also be implemented to promote social equality and environmental sustainability. By prioritizing these areas, Nigeria can mitigate the impacts of climate change, promote social justice, and create a more equitable society for all.

The prioritization of oil over the social system in Nigeria has had far-reaching consequences. One of the most significant impacts has been the eruption and escalation of conflicts, particularly in the Niger Delta region. The abundance of oil has led to a resource curse, where the focus on oil has fueled conflicts over control and distribution of resources. This has resulted in environmental degradation, social inequality, and a lack of economic development in the region.

The prioritization of oil has also led to a neglect of human capital, with inadequate investments in education, healthcare, and skills development. This has resulted in a lack of skilled workers, poor health outcomes, and a shortage of professionals in critical sectors. The inefficient institutions that have developed as a result of the prioritization of oil have failed to promote economic growth and social development, further exacerbating the problem.

Nigeria’s dependence on oil has made it vulnerable to fluctuations in global oil prices, leading to economic instability. The lack of economic diversification has meant that the country has not developed other sectors, such as manufacturing and services, which could drive economic growth. This has resulted in a brain drain, with many Nigerians seeking opportunities abroad due to the lack of opportunities and poor governance in the country.

The prioritization of oil over the social system reflects a misalignment of values, where economic gain is prioritized over human well-being and social welfare. This has led to short-term thinking, with policymakers prioritizing immediate economic gains over long-term investments in human capital and social development. To address these challenges, Nigeria needs to prioritize investments in human capital, institutional development, and economic diversification, and adopt a more sustainable and equitable approach to development.

In conclusion, Nigeria’s development trajectory requires a fundamental shift in priorities. By adopting a human-centered approach to development, policymakers can prioritize investments in human capital, social welfare, and environmental sustainability. This will involve adopting a long-term perspective, prioritizing investments that promote sustainable development and human well-being, and diversifying the economy to reduce dependence on oil.

Ultimately, good governance, transparency, and accountability are essential for ensuring that priorities are aligned with the needs of citizens and that resources are managed effectively. By realigning priorities and adopting a more sustainable and equitable approach to development, Nigeria can unlock its vast potential and promote development and growth. This will require a concerted effort from policymakers, civil society, and the private sector to prioritize the needs of Nigerian citizens and promote sustainable development.

Dr Peter Azonobi, A leading Political and Economic Scientist writes from Lagos.