By Ruth Gbaka
In a recent episode of the ‘Uncolored’ podcast, Nigerian comedian Bovi Ugboma revealed that he relocated his children to the United Kingdom due to concerns over the normalization of bullying within the Nigerian educational system.
Reflecting on his own experiences in Nigerian boarding schools, Bovi acknowledged that while they made him street-smart, he was uncomfortable with the entrenched culture of senior students disciplining juniors, which he believes perpetuates bullying.
Bovi emphasized that his decision was influenced by a desire to provide his children with an environment where bullying is not accepted as a norm.
He expressed concern that the Nigerian educational system has accepted bullying by empowering students to bully their peers under the guise of discipline.
Beyond education, Bovi touched upon broader issues prompting Nigerians to relocate abroad, citing inadequate infrastructure and poor working conditions, particularly in the healthcare sector.
He noted that while Nigeria loses a significant number of doctors annually, the challenging work environment, including frequent power failures and lack of essential resources, contribute to this exodus.
Bovi suggested that improving these conditions could help retain professionals and reduce the migration trend.