"I'm a Danfo Driver..."

Danfo Driver, feat. Mad Melon and Mountain Black. A conscious tune popular among University students and still one of my favorite naija tracks of all time.

No not me! Mountain Black and Mad Melon. Although chances are that i too might have become one if i stayed back home as i continued to struggle just like thousands others, for an opportunity to attend higher learning.

It's very tough nowadays for the average secondary school graduate to attend higher learning. Another cause and effect of poor leadership and corruption in my country.

I come from a country where scoring high on your Standard Exams, including meeting requirements of your preferred university still does not guarantee you admission. In my country, you either had major bucks to bribe your way in, or you got the right connections, else nothin for you.

I admit, i too bribed my way into Lagos State University's Pre Degree Program (A One yr Pre Matriculation Program offered by universities in which real admission is promised upon successful completion of the program. however i bet if you bombed the program, you still could bribe your way in) in '98. I successfully completed the program of course. I was on the plane to New York City shortly after that.

"A benefit finds its only measure in the worth of those who have received it."

In the 1960’s ‘70’s and up to mid 80’s the five premier universities, Ahmadu Bello university, University of Ibadan, University of Ife, University of Lagos, and University of Nsukka were centers of academic excellence. There were few universities and many students to be admitted and competition was very fierce but healthy. Even then, many students with grade II found it difficult to gain admission because there were so many excellent students to pick from.

Nigerian government influenced the admission standards by establishing the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board, JAMB, introducing Federal character, catchment areas, e.t.c but without monitoring the standard. Prospective university students that needed admission simply got letters from the head of state, a governor, or a Minister in order to gain admission.

A beautiful young lady was once quoted to have said that "I just want to get admission to the university because once I am in I know what to do to graduate, I don’t mean hard work." Now history is judging the prudence of government, students, lecturers and parents.