The inauguration of Pope Leo XIV on May 18, 2025, at the Vatican was not just a religious ceremony—it was a global event steeped in symbolism and significance. Among the world leaders in attendance was Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whose presence offered an important opportunity for national reflection. Beyond the grandeur of the occasion, one significant message emerged: The resilience and unity of the Roman Catholic Church. For over two millennia, the Church’s hierarchical structure has withstood the tests of time—stable, functional, and respected.
That continuity offers a poignant lesson for countries like Nigeria, where institutional integrity is often compromised by political instability, tribal divisions, and governance failures. President Tinubu’s participation, despite his Islamic faith, was a timely reminder of our shared humanity and the need for interfaith understanding. His invitation by the Pope underscores the universal truth that leadership, whether spiritual or political, must ultimately serve the greater good of humanity. It also highlights that collaboration between religious and political authorities is not only possible but essential in addressing global and domestic challenges.
Pope Leo XIV’s call to “let the war cease” was not a generic plea. It was a resonant message to world leaders, urging them to pursue peace, justice, and unity. For Nigeria, currently grappling with economic hardship, insecurity, and deepening political distrust, the relevance of that message could not be more urgent. In the midst of these challenges, Nigeria’s leadership must reflect on the efficiency, discipline, and global respect commanded by the Vatican. The peaceful, rancour-free transition of spiritual authority within the Catholic Church—despite the size of its global following—should serve as a striking contrast to the contentious and often violent nature of political transitions in Nigeria.
As the country inches toward the 2027 elections, there is a pressing need to abandon the authoritarian tendencies and electoral malpractice that have marred past polls. The Pope’s message, and the solemnity of Vatican proceedings, should serve as a moral compass guiding Nigeria toward a more transparent, inclusive, and people-centred political culture. Leaders must also focus on the welfare of the citizenry. The cries of the poor cannot be ignored. Religious leaders preach peace, love, and compassion—but political leaders must be the implementers of policies that reflect these values.
The Vatican is not a stage for spectacle. It is a place of introspection, transformation, and hope. President Tinubu’s encounter with its message should not end with the ceremony. It must resonate in policy, in tone, and in leadership posture, moving forward. Yes, the Pope is regarded as God’s representative on earth, but the Vatican’s broader message is this: Anyone—regardless of office—who walks in truth, justice, and compassion can be a vessel for positive change. Nigerian leaders must embrace this challenge. That, ultimately, is the true lesson from the Vatican.
The UTME mass failure
The 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), overseen by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), has plunged into controversy, leaving public confidence in the institution shaken. At the centre of the storm is JAMB Registrar, Professor Ishaq Oloyede, once widely praised for reforms, now facing tough questions over an examination debacle that has captured national—and international—attention. This year’s UTME witnessed mass failure, technical glitches, and widespread irregularities that many have called an embarrassment to Nigeria’s educational credibility. Yet, as the outcry grows louder, we caution against rushing to judgement.
What is needed now is not media trials or partisan finger-pointing, but a thorough, transparent investigation into what went wrong. JAMB, as a critical national institution, must not be reduced to a tribal or regional punching bag. The educational future of millions of Nigerian youths depends on its stability and integrity. If it fails, the entire education system is at risk. The decision by JAMB to immediately reconduct examinations in affected areas such as Lagos and the South East—despite the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WAEC)—was both hasty and ill-considered.
Students are already under pressure, and this overlapping of crucial national exams only deepens the burden. A better course of action would have been to wait until WAEC concludes, or to use the window before the next academic session to carefully plan a credible alternative. Instead, the response has created confusion and further eroded trust. What must happen now is clear: JAMB and the Federal Government owe Nigerians a full, honest explanation. Was this failure due to human error, technical malfunction, or something more systemic?
The findings must be made public. Only then can the board begin to rebuild its reputation. Moreover, allegations that the South East region was disproportionately affected must not be ignored. Whether true or false, such claims strike at the heart of national unity. An independent investigation must be carried out to either confirm or dispel these fears—and do so conclusively.
At stake is more than just an examination. At stake is public faith in fairness, competence, and institutional responsibility. Nigeria’s youth must not continue to bear the brunt of bureaucratic incompetence and administrative missteps. The JAMB crisis must become a catalyst for serious reform, not just another news cycle story. The future of our education system—and the credibility of those entrusted with it—demands nothing less.
