By John Egbeazien Oshodi
Nigeria stands at a pivotal moment, facing an array of economic, social, and political challenges that demand thoughtful, strategic, and visionary leadership. Yet, the recent actions of the Nigerian Police and the Minister of Education under President Bola Tinubu’s administration suggest a government not only out of touch with the realities of its citizens but one actively undermining its own credibility and the nation’s future. If Tinubu were truly serious about his leadership and committed to Nigeria’s progress, he would not allow his administration to act so stupidly, nor would he permit his key leaders to engage in such counterproductive and democratically backward practices.
The decision to enforce age restrictions on students seeking tertiary education is not just a misguided policy—it’s an act of profound stupidity. At a time when Nigeria’s educational system is already on the brink of collapse, with over ten million children out of school, crumbling infrastructure, and chronic underfunding, such a policy is akin to pouring salt into an open wound. Instead of addressing the systemic issues that plague the education sector, the Tinubu administration has chosen to focus on an irrelevant and arbitrary age limit, effectively closing the doors of higher education to some of the nation’s brightest young minds.
In any serious country, leaders who propose such idiotic measures would be swiftly removed from office. The absurdity of this policy becomes even more glaring when one considers the global context, where countries are actively seeking to harness the potential of their youth through progressive educational reforms. In democracies that are serious about nurturing talent, initiatives like dual enrollment programs allow exceptional young students to enroll in higher education while still in secondary school, bridging the gap between potential and opportunity. These countries understand that age should never be a barrier to learning and innovation.
In stark contrast, Nigeria under Tinubu’s watch is regressing, stifling innovation, and limiting opportunities for its future leaders. By ignoring global best practices such as dual enrollment, the administration is effectively ensuring that the brightest young minds are stifled rather than cultivated. This isn’t just bad policy—it’s a catastrophic failure of leadership that will have long-lasting repercussions on Nigeria’s socio-economic development.
The refusal to embrace state policing in a country ravaged by insecurity is another glaring example of the Tinubu administration’s stupidity. In a nation where kidnapping, banditry, and terrorism have become daily realities, the centralization of policing has proven to be not only ineffective but dangerously inadequate. Yet, the Inspector General of Police’s stubborn opposition to state policing—a measure widely supported by experts and citizens alike—reveals a shocking level of ignorance and a refusal to engage with the realities on the ground.
If Tinubu were truly serious about his leadership and the security of Nigerians, he would have long since overhauled the current policing model, empowering states to take control of their security challenges. The continued resistance to this reform is not just an act of stupidity; it is a dereliction of duty that puts millions of Nigerian lives at risk. By clinging to outdated and ineffective policing strategies, Tinubu’s administration is actively endangering the very people it was elected to protect.
The Tinubu administration’s response to the #EndBadGovernance protests is perhaps the most damning indictment of its stupidity and its disdain for democratic principles. Arresting and charging protesters with treason for daring to voice their dissatisfaction with government policies is not just a violation of their rights—it is a blatant act of political stupidity. In any serious democracy, the right to protest is sacrosanct, a fundamental mechanism through which citizens hold their leaders accountable.
By criminalizing dissent, the Tinubu administration is sending a clear message: it is more interested in maintaining its grip on power than in addressing the legitimate concerns of its citizens. This approach is not only stupid but also self-destructive, as it alienates the very electorate that brought Tinubu to power. The international community will not turn a blind eye to such blatant abuses of power, and Nigeria’s reputation as a democratic nation is at serious risk of being irreparably damaged.
If Tinubu were genuinely serious about his commitment to democracy, he would recognize the stupidity of these repressive measures and immediately put an end to them. Instead, his administration seems intent on doubling down on these tactics, further deepening the divide between the government and the governed and pushing Nigeria closer to the brink of authoritarianism.
At a time when Nigeria is suffering through an economic nightmare—with rampant poverty, skyrocketing prices, widespread unemployment, a healthcare system in disarray, and a devalued currency—the Tinubu administration’s decision to harass the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) is not just stupid; it’s political suicide. Labor unions are the backbone of any serious democratic society, advocating for workers’ rights and serving as a crucial check on government power. Yet, instead of working with the NLC to address the economic crisis, the government has chosen to target its leaders, engaging in invasive and baseless harassment that is both counterproductive and deeply damaging.
This approach is laughably stupid. How does intimidating labor leaders help the Tinubu administration navigate the severe economic challenges it faces? Instead of fostering cooperation and finding solutions to alleviate the suffering of millions of Nigerians, the government is pouring fuel on the fire, exacerbating tensions and virtually guaranteeing further unrest and instability. In any serious administration, such a misguided strategy would be recognized as the political equivalent of shooting oneself in the foot. The fact that Tinubu allows this stupidity to continue unchecked calls into question his seriousness as a leader and his ability to govern effectively in the 21st century.
Professor John Egbeazien Oshodi is an American-based police and prison scientist, forensic psychologist, public policy psychologist, and leg
