A lecture hall at one of the most prestigious university campuses. Nigerian child walks in, a bag draped over a shoulder, books cradled in the crook of an arm. Smiles and waves to other undergraduates milling around the lecture room. Moves towards a vacant seat. Phones vibrates as Nigerian child is about to sit down.
Nigerian child: (extracts mobile from bag) Daddy, good afternoon.
Nigerian parent: (a hushed sound) Where are you? I hear voices.
Nigerian child: I’m in the lecture room. About to have a lecture.
Nigerian parent: Then why do I hear boys voices in the background?
Nigerian child: Boys? Voices? (Startled) Dad, I’m in the lecture hall! I have male course-mates as well as females.
Nigerian parent: (hisses in indignation). Don’t try to be smart with me young lady! I know you have male course-mates. I’m asking why you have to sit close to them! Aren’t there other vacant seats available without the male counterparts flouncing about you? Is that what you do because you are now in a university, far away from home? This is why I wanted you to go to a university closer to the house, where I could keep an eye on you. Now, you have started mixing and seating with boys. Only God knows what you’ll do next?!
Nigerian child: (pensive) I’m about to have a lecture, dad.
Nigerian parent: Will you listen to me?! You should not be sitting down close to any boy. There should be other vacant seats where you can sit, without male interference,
Nigerian child: (heaves a quiet sigh) Dad, there …
Nigerian parent: (interrupts impatiently.) This is what I don’t like about you. Always stubborn when I’m trying to correct you. Protect you. You shouldn’t be sitting down in close proximity to any man.
Nigerian child: Dad, this is a mixed school! (she echoes vehemently)
Nigerian parent: Still. I want to hear you stand up and change your seat. Where no boy will traipse by.
Nigerian child: There’s no place like that.
Nigerian parent: (screeches) Then look for. Stand up right now. I want to hear you moving.
Sounds of feet moving is heard as she gets up, move towards a less crowded portion of the hall.
Nigerian child: I’m all alone, dad. No boys in the vicinity.
Nigerian parent: (listens intensively) Good. I just want to protect you.
Nigerian child: (sullenly) Yes. The lecturer just came in. Bye, dad.
Nigerian parent: Bye. I’ll call you later.
Call drops.
{The Ends.}
Dear readers, what’s your perception of the above illustration?
Are you of the opinion the father is justified in his protective disposition towards his child?
Or is this an attribute a parent will exhibit, that will spook a child into never wanting to return home.
Remarks and answers can be dropped in the comment box.
Photo credit:sirlejuures.blogspot.com
