A few weeks ago I met up with a dear friend of mine at a park at my university. When she arrived, she looked visibly shaken. I got concerned and asked what matter was and she told me that she had been asked to appear before the subdean, because of an article she recently wrote. She went on to explain that the night before, she was told to vacate her room (around 10pm). So she was about to write her examinations without a place to stay, and a case before the Student Disciplinary Council. I was shocked. I looked at her for a of minutes before I could find the right words to say.
*Abigail is a law student in 200 level at the University. She is involved in activism and she immensely enjoys it. She hates to see any form of injustice in the society, in the community around her and never hesitates to confront it. I admire her passion and strength, and I know she has a voice which will bring about great revolutions and positive changes in the country.
Sadly though, hers is one of the many voices that are constantly being stifled everyday.
The Nigerian society is one which dissuades any form of individualism. This is evident in the underlying seams of culture upon which the society thrives. The social capital which consists mainly of bonds makes it very communal. Inasmuch as this may have a positive influence on the populace, as in the case of having extensive social support, it also has very negative effects as can be seen in the very absurd codes of conduct and how it heavily discourages a break from the norm.
In my opinion, the University as an institution should foster the development of young minds and help the students find their voice. It is supposed to be a place, where individualism should be encouraged. A passage/ vacuum to the outside world where an individual is encouraged to find their identity. And most importantly, a place where the individual's basic human rights should never be denied. Where the voice of each individual should be seen as sacred and worthy of being heard. And where creativity should never be checked.
The exact opposite of the aforementioned is what happens in Nigerian universities. And so my dear friend is being treated unfairly and unjustly because of a few articles she had written in the past, condemning the exorbitant fines imposed on the residents of the hostel she was asked to vacate.
*Name was changed to protect privacy.