NEPOTISM IN NIGERIA: PROBLEMS AND REMEDIES

(EDITED BY ONONIWU UGOCHUKWU S.)

Corruption comes in different forms and nepotism is one of its most subtle
and overpowering forms. Bribes accepted by people in power really reflect
how badly our society has fallen; it marks the destruction of a meritocracy
which should be the basis of admissions or employment. Of course if
someone has some other attractive quality like interpersonal skills, creativity
or just sheer charms and being a good conversationalist, then they should be
accepted irrespective of their other capabilities as long as they are selected
on merits, but to be selected because you're someone's son or daughter or
nephew is just plain wrong. The problem with nepotism is even though few
people in power have the ability to use nepotism for their own gain, it's
effects are widespread and affect many people.

Nepotism refers to the practice among those with power or influence of

favoring relatives or friends, especially by offering job opportunities to them
or other influential positions in the society. This practice has become too
rampart in the country that it has been nicknamed by several region by
some many names some which are Man-know-man, I M and so on. In
fact, there is a popular adage that says: If an abomination stays for a long
period, it becomes part of the culture. Nepotism has become part of the
unwanted culture we display everyday especially when dispensing political
patronage in the present day Nigeria. The unfortunate thing is that, some
people have been forced to accept it unchallenged giving excuses on the
basis that if u cant beat them, u joins them.
Nepotism encourages laziness because, if a young man realizes that,
whether he works hard or not, there is a job waiting for him somewhere by
the virtue of his father or mother having been at the top, he will say to
himself, what then is the need to work hard? But, for a young man who
knows that he has no firm anchor or support from anybody or community;
who knows that his destiny is in his own hands, who knows that, if he doesnt

Edited By ONONIWU UGOCHUKWU S.Page 1

deny himself some pleasure even when his peers are enjoying, his hope of
having a better tomorrow becomes so slim
Problems associated with Nepotism
Unequal distribution of resources
Services rendered are of low quality due to incompetence of those
performing the duties
Negative growths of the economy as people serve their own interests
and those of their relatives.
Lead to fight for power because everyone wants to enrich himself by
serving his selfish needs and those of his relatives
Breeding ground for hatred and tribalism
Possible solutions of nepotism
Assuming responsibility in the work place by adhering to the set
standards that any employee in an organization must meet before
being employed
Patriotic campaign
Using our diversity as a tool to unite us rather than divide us. There is
much that can come form our different ethnicities than the bad that
come from it.
Applying the Judeo-Christian theory; do unto others what you would
want them to do unto you.
People, and especially those in top positions, should practice virtue
ethics; do what good people do.
Nepotism (favoritism granted to relatives, friends and political benefactors in
various fields) is one of the worst forms of corruption. It is not only the root
or foundation of corruption in Nigeria; it is also the fuel that feeds graft,
impoverishes the nation and sets off one section (those who are benefiting
from the nepotism) against the others (those being made to lose out). It is a
major contributor to national disunity and instability.

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Therefore, for a nation such as our dear country Nigeria to continue existing
and living in peace, we must try as much as we can to curb the continuous
practice of the crime Nepotism because the problems associated with it.
Also, politician and other top government official should back off on that idea
of giving their relatives and friends that privileges while other peoples who
are more qualified and best suits a particular position are ignored.

Edited By ONONIWU UGOCHUKWU S.Page 3