Ochereome Nnanna examines the historical and structural issues facing Nigeria, arguing that the nation is drifting away from its constitutional republican roots toward an Islamic caliphate. He suggests this trajectory contributes significantly to the country’s economic struggles. Nnanna notes that ethnic and religious sentiments have frequently influenced leadership choices, often resulting in declining administrative quality over the decades.
The article criticizes the forced union of distinct cultural groups under British colonial rule, arguing that this lack of cohesion undermines national stability. Nnanna points to the inclusion of elements like Sharia law and Arabic script on national symbols and military mottos as examples of institutional Islamization. He contends that such practices lack constitutional mandate and alienate non-Muslim citizens.
A primary focus of the critique is the state funding of Almajiri education. Nnanna highlights how previous administrations, starting with Olusegun Obasanjo and continuing through Goodluck Jonathan and Muhammadu Buhari, have utilized federal resources to support Islamic schools. He argues that education based on religious doctrine is a personal, private matter and should not be financed by the public treasury. He contrasts this with the self-funded approach of Christian institutions, calling for an end to the perceived preferential treatment of Islamic education systems under the federal government.
