“Eight Years of Lost Hope: Are Nigeria’s Youth the Real Victims of a Failed state?”
Youth activism in Nigeria, Economic challenges in Nigeria 2025, Impact of ASUU strike on education
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In a recent tweet, user BIG AYO shared a poignant critique of the Nigerian government, outlining a series of events that have marked the last few years of leadership under President Muhammadu Buhari. The tweet encapsulates widespread discontent among citizens, particularly the youth, regarding governance and societal issues.

### Banned Twitter in 2021 Amid Protests

One significant point raised is the government’s decision to ban Twitter in 2021, a move that was widely perceived as an attempt to stifle dissent during a period of heightened protests in Nigeria. The ban followed the widespread #EndSARS protests in 2020, where citizens rallied against police brutality and demanded reforms. This incident underscores the government’s struggle to address the demands of its citizens while simultaneously curbing freedom of expression.

### END SARS Victims in 2020

The #EndSARS movement was a pivotal moment in Nigerian history, with thousands taking to the streets to call for an end to the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) and police brutality. The government’s failure to adequately respond to the concerns of the protesters, and the subsequent violence against them, left many feeling betrayed and disillusioned. The tweet evokes the memory of the victims, reminding followers of the sacrifices made in the quest for justice and accountability.

### Cash Scarcity in 2023

BIG AYO also notes the ongoing cash scarcity in 2023, a situation that has left many Nigerians struggling to access their funds. This scarcity has emerged without clear justification, leading to frustration and confusion among the populace. The phrase “people di Ed” suggests that the citizens are enduring significant hardship, highlighting a growing sentiment of economic mismanagement and instability.

### ASUU Strike

The tweet references the prolonged ASUU (Academic Staff Union of Universities) strike, which has disrupted academic calendars and affected countless students. This strike reflects deeper issues within Nigeria’s educational sector and the government’s inability to prioritize education and adequately fund institutions. The impact on the youth has been particularly severe, as many students find their futures jeopardized by ongoing disputes over funding and pay.

### Accusations of Laziness Towards Youth

A notable critique in the tweet is the government’s derogatory characterization of Nigerian youth as “lazy.” This statement, made in response to the youth’s demands for better governance, has been met with outrage. Many young Nigerians feel that their calls for accountability and their activism are dismissed rather than acknowledged. This attitude further alienates the younger generation, who are eager for change and improvement in their country.

### Wasted Years of Governance

The overarching theme of the tweet is the assertion that the last eight years under Buhari’s administration have been a waste for the Nigerian people. The phrase “the biggest dispensation in the county’s history” suggests that the current regime has squandered opportunities for progress, leaving citizens disillusioned and frustrated.

In conclusion, BIG AYO’s tweet encapsulates the sentiments of many Nigerians who feel that their voices have been ignored, their struggles overlooked, and their future compromised. As the country navigates these challenges, it remains crucial for the government to engage with its citizens and address their grievances to foster trust and pave the way for a better Nigeria.

*Banned Twitter in 2021 cos of protest

*END SARS victims in 2020

*Cash Scarcity in 2023 for no reason(people di Ed)

*ASUU STRIKE

*called the youth lazy cos they asked for better govt

*wasted 8years of peoples lives

*the biggest dispensation in the county’s history

He…

— BIG AYO (@47kasz) July 13, 2025

Banned Twitter in 2021 cos of protest

In 2021, a significant move shook the social media landscape in Nigeria when the government decided to news/world-africa-57382258″>ban Twitter. This decision came in the wake of protests against police brutality, specifically targeting the infamous SARS unit. The ban was perceived as an effort to silence dissent and suppress the voices of young Nigerians who were rallying for justice. It sparked outrage, not just in Nigeria but globally, as many saw it as a direct attack on freedom of expression. Social media platforms have always been a vital tool for mobilization and sharing grievances, and banning Twitter only fueled the fire of discontent among the youth.

END SARS victims in 2020

The END SARS protests that erupted in 2020 were a response to years of systemic police violence and human rights abuses. Young Nigerians took to the streets, demanding the disbandment of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS). The protests were largely peaceful until they turned tragic when armed forces opened fire on unarmed protesters at the Lekki Toll Gate. The fallout from this incident was devastating, leading to a national conversation about police brutality and the need for reform. The memory of the END SARS victims remains a poignant reminder of the struggle for justice in Nigeria.

Cash Scarcity in 2023 for no reason (people di Ed)

Fast forward to 2023, and Nigeria found itself grappling with an inexplicable cash scarcity. Many citizens were left baffled and frustrated as they struggled to access their hard-earned money. This situation, referred to by some as “people di Ed,” highlighted the economic mismanagement that has plagued the country. People were unable to withdraw cash from ATMs or make payments, leading to long queues and widespread chaos. The government’s inability to provide a clear explanation only fueled conspiracy theories and further eroded trust in leadership. When you think about it, how can a nation rich in resources face such dire economic challenges?

ASUU STRIKE

The ASUU strike has become a recurring theme in Nigeria’s educational landscape. The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has consistently gone on strike to protest against inadequate funding, poor infrastructure, and unpaid salaries. Each strike leaves students in limbo, with academic sessions disrupted and futures hanging in the balance. The ongoing struggle between the union and the government highlights the neglect of the educational sector and raises serious questions about the value placed on education in Nigeria. It’s not just about lectures being missed; it’s about the future of an entire generation.

Called the youth lazy cos they asked for better govt

One of the most outrageous responses from the government came when leaders labeled the youth as “lazy” for demanding a better government. This dismissive attitude has been a bitter pill for many young Nigerians to swallow. The youth were not asking for handouts; they were voicing legitimate concerns about governance, unemployment, and the need for better opportunities. The phrase “lazy youth” went viral and became a rallying cry for many, showcasing the disconnect between the leadership and the younger generation. Instead of recognizing their valid grievances, the government chose to belittle the very people who are the future of the nation.

Wasted 8 years of people’s lives

As the years rolled on, many Nigerians felt that their leaders had wasted 8 years of lives with broken promises and ineffective governance. From economic instability to rising insecurity, the past administration faced criticism for its handling of crucial issues. Citizens felt that their hopes for a better Nigeria had been dashed, with many feeling disillusioned and frustrated. The eight-year tenure was marked by protests, strikes, and growing discontent, making it one of the most tumultuous periods in recent history.

The biggest dispensation in the country’s history

In the context of Nigeria’s political landscape, the last administration has often been referred to as the biggest dispensation in the country’s history. With its promises of change and progress, it initially inspired hope among the populace. However, as time went on, many began to question the effectiveness of the government’s policies and initiatives. The juxtaposition of lofty goals against the grim reality faced by everyday Nigerians created a palpable sense of disappointment. Was it all just political rhetoric, or was there any real substance? In the eyes of many, it was a failure to deliver on the promises that had been made.

He…

This sentiment of betrayal and disappointment resonates with many citizens who feel let down by a system that should serve them. The call for accountability and transparency has never been louder. As young Nigerians continue to rally for change, the hope is that lessons from the past will pave the way for a brighter future. The experiences of the past years have undoubtedly shaped the current political climate and have set the stage for the next generation of leaders to emerge. Whether they will rise to the occasion or fall into the same patterns remains to be seen, but the youth are determined to keep pushing for the Nigeria they deserve.

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