Former Big Brother Naija housemate, Seyi Awolowo, has said that brands and corporate leaders are partly responsible for the growing “Olodo uprising” in Nigeria, arguing that the country’s increasing celebration of entertainment over academic excellence is fueling anti-intellectualism.
Speaking on The Nigeria Meter Podcast, Awolowo said Nigeria needs to place greater value on academic achievements and intellectual accomplishments, as was the case in the past.
According to him, academic competitions and intellectual pursuits were once widely celebrated, inspiring many young people to strive for excellence.
“We need to celebrate our academics more because back in the day, that was what was happening. That is what made a number of people in my own set get scholarship awards,” he said.
He recalled that winning competitions such as the Cowbell Mathematics Championship motivated other students to work harder, while debates, sports and drama clubs were attractive platforms for young people.
