The battles of a Nigerian undergraduate

As a 27-year-old stuck in my second year during my second spell in a Nigerian University, - I had been "advised to withdraw" from the first, even though my CGPA was 3.5 - ten years after leaving secondary school, my single, most important rule was "avoid attention, stay out of trouble".

The abuse of power by the black man isn't a new topic - just a few weeks ago, a student was shot in the face by a policeman and it was swept under the rug - and a quick look at the Nigerian standard of living shows clear distinction between the powerful and the powerless.

Two days ago I experienced the highest level of abuse of power by individuals representing the institution where I study. The fact that I can't mention the name of the institution speaks volumes. A minor argument between two of my colleagues drew the attention of the University security officers. I was trying to make peace but being the "only law" on campus, the way they handled the situation was to start throwing punches.

It is appaling that an institution that would instantly rusticate any student found guilty of any form of violence would allow her staff to physically abuse her students. The worst part is that any student who dares make an issue out of being abused is immediately sent off.

I can't help but wonder where this country leads. Are we being taught to be leaders, capable if fighting wrong or we are just being taught to be sheep, quietly being led to the slaughter, never speaking, never complaining.