Nigeria’s universities are under the grip of cult gang members. About 20 cult groups operate in the country’s universities. They indulge in criminal acts such as rape, robbery and extortion. They also coerce lecturers into awarding them good grades. Strict lecturers, who refuse to cooperate, are often shot dead in their offices.
For many Nigerians, daylight hours are too busy to spend on commuting. As a result, they use nights to travel between the various towns and cities where they conduct business. But, fatigue, poor visibility and bad roads have taken their toll in the form of accidents.
Oil is the undisputed kingpin of Nigeria’s economy, contributing more than 90% of its export earnings. But more than four decades after the start of oil extraction in Nigeria, the industry remains in foreign hands — much to the frustration of local entrepreneurs.
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/ 4 February 2004
For those who navigate the chaotic streets of Nigeria’s commercial centre, Lagos, it can seem that the city was designed to test the patience of commuters. Now, traffic authorities are striking back at irresponsible drivers who drive against the flow of traffic — by making them go for psychiatric tests.
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/ 13 January 2004
Almost 10 years after the death of Nigerian activist Ken Saro-Wiwa, his father — Pa Beesam Wiwa — remains angry and sad. A tribunal appointed by General Sani Abacha, Nigeria’s military ruler at the time, sentenced Saro-Wiwa to death in 1995 after a controversial trial. Pa Wiwa says the execution left him embittered.
The next presidential election in Nigeria is not due until May 2007. While that might seem a long way off to some, aspirant contenders have already emerged -– and they include the man who plunged Nigeria into a political crisis in 1993: former military ruler Ibrahim Babangida.