A woman brought an alabaster jar of very costly perfume and poured it all on Jesus. Jesus’ disciples were indignant, asking: “Why this waste? This perfume could have been sold at a high price and the money given to the poor.” (Matthew 26:8-9). But ultimately, perfume is meant to be used. Even if it is sold, the person who buys it would still “waste it” by using it.

Notwithstanding overemphasis on publications by the system, I give priority to good performance in the classroom, lecture theatre, and laboratories where students are expected to learn from their teachers.

Although, I am yet to meet anyone who has seen the ‘White Paper’ on the report of a panel headed by Steve Oronsaye, a former Head of Service of the Federation to rationalize government organizations, the media has disclosed the release of such a 105-page document. With proactive investigative journalism aided by our new law on freedom of information, why not get the details; I asked myself? I was honestly not excited about that because history teaches me that in Nigeria, an official document called ‘White Paper’ is by tradition a “stereotype”- something that takes the same pattern all the time.

It is likely there might be some ego massaging and chest thumping by those who believe they have ‘grown’ the economy; especially those in the kitchen cabinet who will grasp at any straw that shows the economy is on track.

On March 27, 2014, a house help, simply identified as David, killed and beheaded his former boss, a 65-year-old retired Chief Magistrate, Olufunmilayo Timeyin, at her residence in Ogun State.