In a nation grappling with the shackles of outdated practices, Chief Dr Patrick Osagie Eholor, the indomitable force behind the Ultimate Equal President One Love Foundation, emerges as a vocal advocate for a radical change in Nigeria's approach to education and employment. The stark contrast in Common Entrance CutOff Marks across states lays bare the absurdity of a system that prioritizes regional affiliations over merit.
Anambra, Rivers, and Katsina – three states, three drastically different standards. The numbers speak volumes, with Katsina's cut-off mark at a meager 14, a stark contrast to Anambra's 139. Such disparities not only undermine the integrity of the education system but also perpetuate a culture of mediocrity.
Diving deeper into the web of systemic issues, the skewed DSS Recruitment figures expose a disconcerting truth. Anambra, with a cut-off of 10, is left to compete with Rivers' 7, while Katsina boasts a staggering 51. The question that echoes is one of grave concern – is the lower the IQ, the higher the employability? Chief Eholor's unwavering stance against such injustice highlights the urgency for a merit-driven society.
The sorry state of affairs where first-class graduates find themselves behind the wheels of cabs and some graduates resort to being bike riders is a poignant reflection of Nigeria's broken system. Tribalism, religion, and political affiliations continue to be exploited, fostering disunity instead of progress.
The root of this crisis lies in the archaic quota system that prioritizes regional balance over competence. Chief Eholor contends that it's time to shatter the chains of this system, which disproportionately favors the north, offering them a lower cut-off mark. The persistence of the almajiri system in the north, despite the elite being well-placed in Nigeria and abroad, underscores the urgency for a paradigm shift.
In a nation teeming with talent, Chief Dr Patrick Osagie Eholor champions a future where competence triumphs over regional considerations. It's time to break free from the shackles of a divisive quota system and embrace a meritocracy that propels Nigeria forward – united, competent, and thriving.