In response to: New York State Grants Waiver for New York City Schools Chancellor Cathleen P. Black

In response to: New York State Grants Waiver for New York City Schools Chancellor Cathleen P. Black http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/1...

State Grants Waiver for Schools Chancellor

http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/1...

Why is that non-educators can get waivers to lead our schools. Would you be comfortable if your MD got a waiver and really didn't complete medical school or residencies? How about going to see an attorney who did not get a law degree or pass the bar exam? Why is education any different?  While I can see some parallels between corporate America and running a school district, there are staunch differences. For starters businesses choose their clientele, have relatively adequate funding, and are able to adhere to fairly few federal and state guidelines. Superintendents of school districts, however, are charged to serve the students that walk through their door, are given ever shrinking budgets, and have to adhere to a plethora of state and federal laws.

Generally speaking, superintendents posses a bachelor's degree, a master's degree, a post-master's certification. They have commonly served as teachers, assistant principals, principals, as well as in other facets of education. Superintendents posses a teaching license, a principal's license, and a superintendent's license. Superintendents have also complete internships in school administration.

What have the education "reformers" who come through the non-traditional route done for our schools and our students. Let's take the most recent example Michelle Rhee, while she made some progress in Washington DC Public Schools, she left after just three years on the job. She has polarized a city in which teachers are afraid for their jobs, families feel betrayed, and the city schools are still failing by a large margin when measured by the No Child Left Behind standards.

You wouldn't consider going to a doctor that has a "waiver" to practice medicine...why would you send your child to a school district that is being led by a person with a "waiver."

One of Nigeria's "Esteemed" Leaders: Hon. Patrick Obahiagbon

One of Nigeria's "Esteemed" Leaders: Hon. Patrick Obahiagbon

In reference to the interview granted the Sahara Reporter Kayode Ogundamisi http://fb.me/LVEb8AlI

When I initially viewed this video I thought that Patrick Obahiagbon was competing in a vocabulary contest. While my initial comment is meant to be tongue in cheek, there is nothing funny about how a political figure is spending time trying to alienate the people that he is supposed to lead through pretending he is an English man (by the way he would make one hell of a poor English man). Obahiagbon states that one of his achievements is "To use Parliament as a Voice for the Voiceless."* Obhaiagbon is a bigot. His language and grammatical choices alone show that he does not advocate for those who are unable to advocate for themselves. I ask you "Honorable" Obhaiagbon...What have you done to bring a voice for the voiceless ? What have you done to decrease the number of families living in poverty? What have you done to advocate for those that are unable to advocate for themselves? In order to liberate our nation we need leaders that aren't afraid to stand up to those who are misusing power. We need leaders who always put the needs of their constituencies first regardless of the outcome. We need leaders whose sole mission in office is to better the lives of the people they serve.

 I thought the sign of a true leader was someone who can relate with and communicate amongst the people that he serves. I would not place Patrick Obahiagbon into this category. Just one question...is this the man to lead us and the people of Edo state in his constituency to a better Nigeria...you be the judge.

* http://www.nassnig.org/nass2/portfolio/profile.php?id=hon.patrick.obahiagbon

The Nigerian Liberator

The Nigerian Liberator

A visionary blog for individuals passionate about moving Nigeria forward.

The political landscape of Nigeria in the past can be characterized as governance structures that are put in place and enforced by educated criminals and opportunists who methodically defraud the Nigerian people of their public funds for personal gains. Unfortunately this is not only past practice but it is sadly the current political landscape of  Nigeria.

This blog is dedicated to socio-political entries that will showcase ideas and views of a new and better Nigeria. I dream of a country that has zero tolerance for corruption and crime. A country that is offers promise, hope and aspiration to all people regardless of race, ethnicity, gender or status. A country that is secure and safe. A country where the few with bully mentality and the financial means to promote corruption, violence and greed are stomped down and made powerless. A country where the military or civilian coup plotters do not manipulate the administration to make decisions that are not for the good of all Nigerians. A country where people can profess their religious beliefs without being ridiculed, persecuted or tortured. A country where the police and security forces are acting for the good of the people and promoting peace, safety and security for all.

I welcome you to this blog. I am eagerly awaiting a high level of discourse, conversation, and action planning on how we can liberate Nigeria and set her free from greed and corruption. Please join me in moving Nigeria to the forefront of the world!