With all the optimism being expressed in political and religious circles that Nigeria is almost there, the future of Nigeria is very bright, Nigeria is making progress, etc, I personally feel that as a nation, Nigeria is not making any positive, concrete and sustainable progress on any front.
Virtually every important sector of the nation, except politics, is neglected and in decay. Education is the worst hit. A government that does not understand that the quality and quantity of its investment in education determine the growth and development of the nation is one without vision. University funding is still very inadequate. If Nigeria is to compete with the BRICS countries and other developing nations like Malaysia, not to mention the West, it must be prepared to spend the way they do, on tertiary education and research.
The health sector is in a pitiable and pathetic state. Millions of dollars are lost in capital flight as Nigerians - both leaders and the led - scamper all over the globe to manage their health. Facilities for the treatment of cancer are grossly inadequate and Nigerians groan under the affliction of this terrible disease that is on the rise in the nation. The nation still depends on handouts from donor countries to finance most of its health projects and programmes. It is a shame for the so called Giant of Africa.
