Fatshimetrie, an innovative online media outlet, takes you on a journey through history to discover how Nigeria saw better days in the 1980s. During this pivotal period marked by the oil boom, our elders were able to enjoy many benefits that seem unattainable today.
One of these benefits was access to free education. Under the Unity Party of Nigeria, primary and secondary education was completely free in five states in the South-West region. This commendable initiative gave many young people access to education, a fundamental right that today seems to be compromised by the deterioration in the quality of education.
In the 1980s, employment was abundant and unemployment was rare. A secondary school leaving certificate often guaranteed a stable job in the civil service, while trade and craft activities flourished thanks to local production. In contrast, the situation today is quite different, with a saturated job market where even PhD holders struggle to find decent employment.
The higher education sector was not left out. Although admission to universities was selective, students enjoyed decent living conditions, government scholarships and well-maintained infrastructure. Today, public university campuses are overcrowded and poorly maintained, and tuition fees have become unaffordable for many families.
In the 1980s, car ownership was more widely available, reflecting a comfortable standard of living for many Nigerians. However, today, car ownership has become a luxury reserved for the elite.
Finally, affordable housing was a reality for many people thanks to subsidized housing for civil servants and affordable construction costs. Conversely, the current real estate market is marked by exorbitant rents and prohibitive construction costs, making housing increasingly difficult for the population.
In sum, as Nigeria looks back with nostalgia on the boom days of the 1980s, it is crucial to reflect on these past achievements to build a better and more inclusive future for all Nigerians. May the lessons of the past inspire the actions of the present to build a more prosperous and equitable future for future generations.