Nigeria Was Good to My Generation, Says 70-Year-Old Professor

Professor Ibrahim Jibrin, a renowned Nigerian political scientist, has expressed gratitude for the opportunities Nigeria provided to him and his generation. Reflecting on the challenges faced by today’s youth, including economic difficulties, health concerns, and limited access to affordable education, Jibrin shared how fortunate his generation was.

Born in 1954, Jibrin celebrated his 70th birthday by reminiscing about a time when Nigeria offered high-quality education and support for its citizens. He highlighted that during his youth, there were abundant scholarships from primary school to university, regardless of one’s socioeconomic background.

According to Jibrin, “I’m thankful for the journey I’ve had. I come from a generation where Nigeria truly invested in us. The education back then was of exceptional quality, even for children of the less privileged. From secondary school to university, scholarships were readily available, and upon graduation, securing a job was almost guaranteed.”

The professor also expressed deep appreciation for Nigeria’s role in shaping his life, saying, “We owe much to Nigeria for its efforts in educating us, providing jobs, and helping us become good citizens. Though today’s generation may not have the same advantages, I believe my generation lived a fulfilling life.”

In his reflection, Jibrin acknowledges the struggles of younger Nigerians but remains grateful for the nation’s support in his formative years, underscoring the differences between past and present opportunities.