Corruption has eaten deep into the root of our country, so much so that
many people even see the country’s other name as “corruption”.It is
killing our country, it has damaged our economy, our currency is
devaluated and the poor are suffering,even foreign countries see us as
people who are not trustworthy.
I know we understand what corruption means but that doesn’t mean I will
not take my time to tell you little about it. Corruption can be seen as a
dishonest or illegal behavior especially by powerful people (such as
government officials) the act of corrupting someone or something that
has been changed from its original form.
Corruption can be spotted in every sphere of the nation; in Family,
politics, educational sector, organizations, even among friends.
It’s no news that people in power do not seek the power in the first
place to help the nation rather they want to use it for their selfish
interest. Imagine a politician having a huge sum of money that can feed
the whole nation for three years to himself. Is that what he signed for,
what kind of work is he doing rather than holding a post?Well, I
reserve my comment.
Corruption has found its way into our educational institutions as well.
Take a look at most of our institutions now. What I can say is that the
authorities just admit student just to get their money and then expel or
rusticate them for reasons that are not genuine, conducive learning
environment are not even provided for them. Most projects in schools
have been abandoned just because of their greediness and selfish
interest. Students are now taken for granted. We also see some corrupt
lecturers in institution as well those who sell irrelevant materials to
student just to extort money from them and even threaten to fail them if
they do not buy the materials. They will also go ahead and sell exam
questions to students all in the name of getting money and buying
luxuries.
I was told by someone that if twenty males with good qualification and
only one female which lower qualification went on to apply for a job,
the job will be given to the female candidate.Getting to hear that, I
laughed until I ran out of laughter but I understand that it is the
truth. Organization heads don’t employ with qualification anymore but
with selfish interest. Well that one is best known to them.
Causes of Corruption
Weak/lazy Government: Weak and lazy government also contribute to
corruption in our country as there are no proper checks and balances in
the administrations which give individual the effrontery to do what
pleases him/her and not caring about the citizen of Nigeria.
Ethnic difference: this is also one of the problem we face, people in
power want to put their families, Ethnic members in their administration
just because of the idea to steal money from the government pocket.
Poor pay and incentive: Some workers complains of government owing them
money for months and not paying in full as well, why won’t this workers
collect bribe, why won’t they go against the law when the law is riding
them like horse.
Possible Solutions
Proper checks and balances: With checks and balances errors can be
identified and be corrected. Agencies that are to fight corruption
should also be closely monitored. Proper record of transaction and
payment should be kept and check time to time.
Political Participation: People should be allowed to participate in
politics, some should not be selected but people who are willing should
be given the chance to prove themselves.
Good payment and incentive: Workers should be given their monthly
payment on time and little incentive should be given to them to
encourage them so as not to make them take bribe.
With this little piece of writing I think the present administration
should find solution to corruption in Nigeria and take the country to a
greater level. I am OjomuOluwadamilola and I love my country.
by Ojomu Oluwadamilola
