Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and former governor of Rivers State, is facing criticism for celebrating his son’s graduation from a foreign university. Wike shared his joy on X, which drew backlash, especially from Rivers residents. Critics pointed out that after becoming governor in 2015, Wike ended the scholarship program sponsored by the Rivers State Sustainable Development Agency (RSSDA) for students studying abroad, a program started by his predecessor, Rotimi Amaechi. This decision left many students and their families in difficult situations. Residents accused Wike of denying Rivers youth international education opportunities while financing his son’s studies overseas. Additionally, an old video surfaced online showing Wike arguing on Channels Television that certain subjects, including law, should be pursued in Nigeria rather than abroad—ironically, the same subject his son studied overseas. Charles Jaja, a youth activist from Port Harcourt, criticized Wike for this hypocrisy, highlighting the inconsistency in his stance on education and funding. He noted that Wike previously condemned the spending on students abroad, only to celebrate his son’s graduation in the UK, where he studied law. Isn’t this hypocritical in every way? He claims one thing but acts differently. Why didn’t he permit his own son to pursue law at RSU (Rivers State University) or at any other university in Nigeria? “It is entirely unfair for him to have denied these children the opportunity to benefit from what the state offered by sending them back to Nigeria and preventing them from finishing the studies they aspired to pursue. I truly believe that the pleas of these children have reached God as a lasting remembrance, and that He will surely respond to their cries.” “If not at this moment, then definitely at a later time.”
