intellectuals

Dr Joe Abah: Two Experts, Two Bureaucrats

Post author:Grimot Nane Zine
Post published:January 17, 2017
Post category:Corruption Governance Social Relations
Post comments:3 Comments
Reading time:4 mins read

Dr Joe Abah: Two Experts, Two Bureaucrats

Dr Joe Abah, is the Director General of Bureau of Public Service Reforms and academic. In very casual style unwittingly or knowingly, re-triggered a limited exchange on one of the most contentious controversies in modern intellectual history; what is the role the intellectual in society? The triggering sardonic comment by Dr Abah (@DrJoeAbah) on Twitter yesterday said “How to become an “expert” [1] in Nigeria: Be jobless; go around TV stations & beg to appear on ANY programme; criticise all Govt actions. Done!” Of the many replies he got [most of them friendly] one by Mark Spencer (@Ack_Spencer). It was just as sardonic. “How to become an expert, sign up as media influencer visit all radio &TV station[s] hailing Govt inefficiencies and cluelessness”. This is the flash point of the controversy. However, the contention Dr Abah triggered is one many avoid because of the unexpected possibilities it can generate. (more…)

When My People Personalise the Truth

Post author:Grimot Nane Zine
Post published:September 5, 2015
Post category:Social Relations
Post comments:0 Comments
Reading time:5 mins read

When My People Personalise the Truth Turning and turning in the widening gyre; The falcon cannot hear the falconer; Things fall apart; the centre cannot hold; Mere anarchy is loosed…

The Privileged Nigerian Intellectual?

Post author:Grimot Nane Zine
Post published:December 11, 2014
Post category:Culture as Institution Social Relations
Post comments:0 Comments
Reading time:4 mins read

The Privileged Nigerian Intellectual?

Whether Nigerian intellectuals like it or not, Europe and its extensions were built with the ideas of intellectuals. I cannot imagine a Europe without its prodigious history of great intellectuals in all spheres of learning. The intention here is not comparison but waste. It would appear that in recent times of democracy post-1999 Nigerian intellectuals are increasingly a waste of space because there is no need for them. The only intellectual pursuit of note is transient (political and doctrinal economic) consultancy/advice for profit. Is that all they have got though? (more…)