By Olakunle Agboola – A recently concluded TV reality show titled “Big brother Naija” had enormous votes of 170 million across Africa. The final five contestants; Miracle, Ceec, Tobi, Alex and Nina were happy because their fans kept them to the final round of the competition. They all have something to smile about most especially Miracle who emerged as the winner and went home with the sum of Forty Five (45) Million Naira.
Many of the aspirants indeed confirmed that they were attracted to the competition because of the monetary reward and also they considered the show as a huge platform to be known and celebrated. After the show, Miracle and Nina received a great reception, which was hosted by Governor Okorocha in Imo State. The BB Naija couple were gifted with a piece of land and Two Million Naira each. Miracle was also made a brand ambassador for education in Imo State. Ceec was not left out as some of her fans welcomed with a small party and gave her a sum of Two (2) Million Naira.
This whopping reward for a TV reality show is the reason why many undergraduates would not mind missing the academic calendar to participate as contestants. In the same climes many has frowned at individuals’ and organizations’ decision in rewarding the winner of the show. The winner, who spent few months in the house kissing and frolicking was preferred to students who spend four to six years studying courses that would enable them save lives and impact positively on the society. The reward system for academic excellence compared to a TV reality show, indicates that it is a subject of discuss.
Speaking in this regard, Dr. Ayo of one of the Federal universities said: “I believe the problem is that the sponsors of these talent hunts and reality shows are looking for eye-catching programs to sponsor rather than rewarding a first class graduates which is not beneficial to them. This simply indicates that our societal value for education is very poor. This is the reason why students seem to be losing interest in academics, because the society no longer rewards academic excellence. Since our reward system is faulty, students now ask themselves; ‘why am I killing myself studying when getting a job is not by first class or second class but by whom you know?’ Now tell me, why would students be bothered about performance?’ The poor reward of education or academic excellence also trickles down to teachers and lecturers. You do not see teachers or lecturers getting awards of excellence televised. The big companies are only interested in music stars. Meanwhile lecturers can make stars with their ability to impart knowledge proficiently.”
Comparing the education sector and the entertainment Industry, Bade said, “Since our government at various levels has shown lack of interest and political will towards academic improvement in Nigeria, what do you expect. Academic standard will continue to drop if the reward for academic excellence is poor. Why should I study hard for four or five years in the university when there is no future in it? Does it guarantees a good job or is it not who you know which is the Nigeria factor? Reality shows, music and entertainment generally will continue to be an alternative for both graduates and undergraduates if the reward system for academic excellence remain poor.”
Speaking in the same vein, Emmanuel, a 2016 graduate, said the fact that academic excellence is not being appreciated, is appalling. According to him, during his graduation, not only were they not given any award, they were not recognized at all. “The names were only called, we stood up where we were and that was all. It was really a shame. A younger colleague came to me after the graduation ceremony and openly told me that if that was how we were being rewarded, then there was no need to worry oneself studying hard or burning the midnight candle,” he said.
Speaking in this regard, a final-year student of the University of Jos, Mr John Oke said that when he was in his first year, he was privileged to attend the Award Ceremony of the university. According to him, the cash award given to students that made first class was ridiculous enough to discourage other students from being studious, as some first class students got N5, 000, N10, 000 or N20, 000.
Lanre, a social commentator is of the opinion that TV reality shows are not the problem as they are forms of entertainment but the government and education stakeholders should put their heads together to have a better rewarding system to motivate and inspires the youths to learn. Schools will have to come with strategies through media, corporate sponsorships, old students association and school alumni to motivate and reward academic excellence. “The reward for academic excellence fosters strong relationships among students, families, faculty, and the community. It also creates a positive school culture where students feel valued.” he said.
We will need to watch it as a nation because we cannot survive on entertainment alone. There must be a deliberate plan to sustain the interest of young people in sciences, engineering, management sciences, arts and other fields of study. The academic sectors need an urgent attention and one of the ways of growing it is through a reward system that will motivate the teachers to teach and the student to learn. This will help all to aspire for greatness.
I implore companies in support of TV reality shows to beacon on bright students in our Institutions by celebrating them or making them brand ambassadors. This will motivate other students to study hard and encourage them to work towards excellence. The religious cycle will have to find a way to support excellence as Mountain of Fire has set an example by giving out brand new cars to First Class graduates in its denomination sometimes ago. The General Overseer being a First Class graduate himself recognized the need to reward these exceptional youths who achieved exceptional feats.
The present government has a great work to do in finding a sustainable solution to the rot and decay in the educational sector. There is a need for a better structure that rewards excellence. The academic pursuit must guarantee a break free from poverty and not coming out with good grades and still be frustrated. Therefore, growing the educational sector is a necessity by focusing on academic excellence with great rewards, which will increase the growth of our great nation, Nigeria.
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