Nigeria’s Lost Generation: How The Get-Rich-Quick Mentality Is Undermining The Nation’s Future  — Jubril Olukayode Lasisi, Ph.D.

Nigeria is grappling with a crisis of unprecedented magnitude, one that threatens to unravel the very fabric of its society, devalue education, and erode the dignity of labour. At the heart of this crisis lies the pervasive “Get-Rich-Quick Syndrome,” a mentality that has ensnared the nation’s youth, steering them toward a perilous path of instant gratification and moral decay.

This syndrome, characterized by the belief that wealth and success can be achieved overnight without hard work or dedication, has gained traction through the influence of social media. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok are rife with individuals flaunting opulent lifestyles, creating an illusion that affluence is easily attainable. For instance, a young Nigerian man, enticed by the lavish displays of a social media influencer who claimed to have amassed millions through a dubious scheme, invested his life savings—only to lose everything when the scheme was exposed as fraudulent.

The ramifications of this mindset are profound and far-reaching. Education, once revered as the cornerstone of opportunity, is increasingly viewed as a futile endeavour. Why invest years in rigorous study when wealth can seemingly be acquired through shortcuts? This shift in attitude has precipitated a decline in academic performance, with students prioritising get-rich-quick schemes over their studies. A recent study revealed a steady decline in the number of Nigerian university graduates genuinely earning first-class honours, underscoring the erosion of academic excellence.

Equally alarming is the degradation of the dignity of Labour. Many young Nigerians no longer aspire to learn trades or hone skills. Instead, they seek instant wealth, bypassing the effort required to build a career or establish a business. This trend has led to a shortage of skilled workers and stifled innovation and entrepreneurship, further hampering the nation’s economic growth.

The Get-Rich-Quick Syndrome has also fuelled a surge in criminal activities, including ritual killings, kidnapping, and other immoral acts. Desperate for quick money, some youths have resorted to these heinous acts, inflicting harm not only on themselves but also on their communities. A recent case involved a young man arrested for allegedly murdering his mother in a bid to perform money rituals—a chilling testament to the depths of this crisis.

Moreover, the syndrome is exacerbating Nigeria’s brain drain. Thousands of young people are fleeing the country in search of greener pastures, a phenomenon colloquially termed “Japa.” While some argue that this exodus represents a quest for better opportunities abroad, the reality is that many are driven by the belief that success and wealth are unattainable within Nigeria. Tragically, some sell off valuable assets to fund their relocation, only to face uncertainty and disillusionment in foreign lands.

Addressing this crisis demands a fundamental shift in mindset. Young Nigerians must be taught that true success is the product of hard work, dedication, and perseverance. Parents, educators, and community leaders play a pivotal role in instilling these values, encouraging youths to pursue their passions and develop their skills.

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The government, too, must act decisively. Creating an enabling environment for entrepreneurship and innovation is critical. This includes providing funding and resources for startups, implementing policies that foster business growth, and establishing programmes that offer mentorship and vocational training. By equipping young people with the tools to succeed, Nigeria can offer viable alternatives to the Get-Rich-Quick mentality.

To this end, the following measures are proposed:

1. Awareness Campaigns: Educate young people about the dangers of get-rich-quick schemes and the importance of hard work.

2. Mentorship and Training: Provide entrepreneurship training and mentorship to equip youths with practical skills.

3. Policy Support: Enact policies that promote innovation and entrepreneurship, creating a conducive environment for business growth.

4. Funding Mechanisms: Establish funding opportunities for startups, coupled with follow-up mechanisms to ensure sustainability.

5. Vocational Training: Encourage skills development aligned with the demands of the knowledge economy.

6. Recognition Programs: Launch initiatives to motivate and reward young people who excel in their endeavors.

7. Parental Education: Educate parents and guardians about the dangers of instant wealth schemes and the value of diligence.

8. Religious Reforms: Urge religious institutions to refrain from equating wealth with spiritual success or using financial status as a measure of faith.

A paradigm shift in how society perceives success is also essential. Wealth and achievement must no longer be seen as overnight phenomena but as the result of sustained effort, patience, and resilience. Vocational training and skills development should be prioritised, particularly in high-demand fields such as technology, healthcare, and finance, to empower young Nigerians with the expertise needed to thrive.

Parents and guardians must also play their part by instilling the values of hard work and integrity in their children. Encouraging youths to pursue their passions and develop their talents, rather than fixating on quick financial gains, is crucial to breaking the cycle of the Get-Rich-Quick Syndrome.

In conclusion, the Get-Rich-Quick mentality poses a grave threat to Nigeria’s future, undermining education, devaluing labour, and driving young people toward vice and crime. However, by fostering a culture of hard work, creating opportunities for entrepreneurship, and providing viable alternatives to instant wealth, Nigeria can reclaim its lost generation and build a brighter, more prosperous future. The time to act is now!.