By Victor Itodo Abuh
NIGERIAN social media activist, Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, has launched a non-profit organisation aimed at revitalising Nigeria’s struggling public education system, with a focus on engaging National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members as key contributors.
In a statement shared on social media, Otse expressed deep concern over the state of the country’s education, contrasting it with what it used to be.
He reflected on a time when students were excited to attend classes, largely due to the involvement of energetic, young teachers who made learning enjoyable.
Otse lamented the current situation, attributing the decline in quality education to the increasing number of older, less dynamic teachers, which has led to dull classroom environments.
According to him, this shift has made learning uninspiring, causing students to lose interest and become disengaged.
The activist stressed the critical need for mentorship in schools, emphasising that young students often seek role models to guide them. Without strong positive influences, they can easily fall into negative behaviors, such as joining cults.
To address these challenges, Otse revealed that his NGO intends to deploy skilled NYSC members to public schools in Abuja.
These young graduates, Otse said, will mentor students and engage them in activities designed to sharpen their minds and enrich their academic experiences.
Otse’s overarching goal is to transform Nigeria’s public education system for the better.
However, he acknowledged that he cannot achieve this ambitious vision alone, as he called on the public for support, explaining that he lacks the financial resources needed to compensate the NYSC members who will be teaching.
