The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has faced intense backlash on X after sharing photos and messages celebrating his son Joaquin’s (also referred to as Jordan in earlier reports) recent graduation with an MSc in Management and Technology Change from King’s College London.
Wike expressed deep parental pride in the achievement, noting that he and his wife were joined by their children and prominent political figures, including Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, PDP Board of Trustees Chairman Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, and PDP National Vice Chairman (South South) Chief Dan Orbih for the ceremony.
The post ignited widespread criticism from Nigerian users on the platform, who accused Wike of hypocrisy and detachment from the struggles of ordinary citizens. Detractors emphasized the contrast between his family’s access to prestigious overseas education and the persistent crises in Nigeria’s public universities, including chronic strikes, underfunding, dilapidated infrastructure, and shortages of basic amenities like electricity and water. As a former Minister of Education and two-term Governor of Rivers State, Wike was repeatedly called out for allegedly failing to reform or adequately support local institutions during his tenures.
Prominent activist and politician Omoyele Sowore led some of the sharpest rebukes, publicly lambasting Wike for the celebration. In his widely circulated statement, Sowore described the event as “a low-down dirty shame if ever there was one,” accusing Wike of destroying education in Nigeria and questioning why a former education minister and governor could not build a quality school at home worthy of sending his own children. Sowore further alleged that such foreign education was funded by resources stolen from the masses, highlighting what he called the irony of elite leaders prioritizing overseas opportunities while neglecting national systems.
One observed that Wike’s son pursuing a master’s at King’s College London while Nigerian students endure strikes over universities lacking power or water perfectly encapsulates the nation’s inequalities, stressing that those in power do not truly live in Nigeria and shield their children from its hardships. Another highlighted the exorbitant costs involved, with tuition alone at approximately £38,300 (roughly ₦80–85 million at current exchange rates) and total expenses reaching £60,000–£65,000 (about ₦130–140 million), framing it as a steep price for elite abroad education amid constrained public resources and offering it as food for thought despite any congratulations.
One user said that it is very unpatriotic for a government official to publicly celebrate a child’s graduation abroad, regardless of framing. Others questioned Wike’s legacy in upgrading Nigerian universities during his time as education minister and criticized political elites for avoiding local facilities while sending their families overseas. Some went further, portraying politicians like Wike as treating ordinary Nigerians as serfs while living as lords, and mocking visible extravagance allegedly tied to public funds.
The renewed outrage has revived broader conversations about elite hypocrisy, systemic inequality, and the state of public education in Nigeria.
Wike has not publicly addressed the wave of criticism or Sowore’s specific remarks at the time of this report, could be in his next monthly media chat.
