Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions on it.
Most of the discussions in the newspapers today in Nigeria focus on the problem of corruption and its pervasive effects on our national life. It is a phenomenon which appears to have settled comfortably with us, more so that we now regard it, in a rather casual manner as a normal way of life. One may then wish to ask, what exactly is the complexion of corruption in Nigeria? Why is it so pervasive and how can it be minimized. if not completely eradicated?
Corruption takes many forms in the country. Contracts are not awarded on the objective criteria of professional competence and results of good feasibility studies. It is a matter of personal relationships, club affiliations or the expectation of some kick-backs. Loans are not given out by banks on the merit of what you need them for; it is the kick-backs from the loans that decide the manager’s approval. Those who need jobs either have to bribe their way through to get the jobs or they do not get any.
Limited opportunities, the fast declining state of the economy. poor awareness of the rights the state allows. dire needs and a host of others have often been cited as factors responsible for the picture painted above.
Many suggestions have been offered for the alleviation of the problem Some of these suggestions are practical while others appear unrealistic especially in the context of the present orientation in the country. However, the view being held in this write-up is that the problem of corruption can only be tackled by the application of some practical solutions. Thus, we have to start with our leaders. It is being suggested here that our leaders must learn to lead by example. It is not enough for them to condemn corruption, they themselves must not be seen to be involved in any dirty practice. This calls for a great deal of honesty from them coupled with an appreciable degree of integrity and the readiness to help others without expecting to be cheaply rewarded.
Our educational system needs a serious overhaul to achieve some positive results. The teaching programmes must include subjects like Civics and Social Studies which normally expose students to their rights, the limits of such rights and the virtues of good neighbourliness Moral instruction in the schools should be tilted in favour of those imperatives that emphasize justice, fairness and selflessness. In addition, we need a radical reorientation with regard to our value system in the country. There should be less emphasis on the acquisition of material things. Those things that help to uplift the glory and name of the country need to be promoted.
(a) In two short sentences, give the writer’s reasons for the wide-spread corruption in Nigeria.
(b) In one short sentence, explain the common pattern that corruption takes in the country.
(c) In three short sentences, summarize what the writer considers to be the practical solutions to the problem of corruption in the country.
Explanation
(a) (1) Fast decline in the state of the economy is one of the reasons for the wide spread corruption in Nigeria.
(2) Widespread corruption in Nigeria is also due to poor awareness of the rights of the citizens.
(b) The common pattern that corruption takes in Nigeria is that people can only get what they .want through. bribery and personal relationships.
(c) (1) Our leaders must live a life that is corruption - free
(2) Emphasis must be laid on justice, fairness and selflessness in teaching moral instructions.
(3) Less emphasis should be placed on acquisition of material wealth.