Alex Onyia, a prominent education advocate, CEO of Educate, tech entrepreneur, has criticized the Nigerian government’s contradictory approach to civic education, accusing it of teaching democratic ideals in classrooms while silencing students who demand a better quality of life.
In a post shared on his official X account on Saturday, Onyia questioned the purpose of an educational system that fails to reflect in citizens’ lived realities.
“We teach Nigerian students about democracy in schools, but silence them when they protest for better life,” Onyia wrote.
“What’s the point of education that doesn’t improve reality?”
His remarks come amid rising discontent among young Nigerians over worsening economic conditions, lack of job opportunities, and frequent crackdowns on peaceful demonstrations. Many believe Tinubu’s administration has intensified the repression of civic expression while preaching democratic values to the public.
Observers note that student-led protests have historically played a key role in Nigeria’s democratic journey, yet recent movements are often met with threats, arrests, or outright bans, especially on university campuses.
Onyia’s post has reignited conversations around the perceived failure of the education system to empower students as active citizens. Critics argue that the government is quick to promote democracy as a subject in schools but unwilling to tolerate its real-world application.
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