I love this topic so much, I guess because it is one that is very relatable, and can as well be seen in almost every sphere today. Talk of the educational sector, the worship centers, organizations, government, industries and all. We can see it in one way or the other the way people use their influence, connections, power and all to put a certain person in a position. This is exactly what nepotism means, it is the use of power, influence to give a different kind of treatment or a special treatment to someone they know, instead of going for someone who actually merited it. For example, giving a certain position in an office to someone who doesn't deserve or merit it, all because such a person is a family member, a friend or someone close to them, thereby denying someone who actually deserves it.
And like I said earlier, these things can be seen in almost every sector and spheres. But then, I will also like to add that some of us have been a benefactor of such. It might be small, it might be something like gaining admission all because you know the admission officer or someone who's of power, it can be something as small as getting a contract, or promotion at work, or being able to work out the location you want to work at to somewhere that will favour you. And as harmless as all of these may sound, it becomes a huge problem when it comes at the expense of someone else who actually deserves it.
And nepotism you will agree with me contribute to how many graduates, hardworking, and qualified students/graduates/people find it hard to secure a good job. When you're about to go to a higher institution now, you begin to ask your parents if they know anyone that can help, your parents as well begin to make findings to see someone who can help with it. Even to secure a job, the question on the mouth of everyone is, "who do you know," no one ask you what you can do and how you can contribute to the growth of the organization. All this has even discouraged people from giving and doing their best, because at the end of the day, the connection you have is what matters.
And about if it should be a punishable offense/criminalized, I will say it depends. Like I said earlier, a lot of us have been a benefactor of such. And some of us who actually benefit from it actually deserve it too. I remember how my parents had to reach out to a few people back then when I was still seeking for admission into the higher institution, it wasn't an easy one, I had a great score in my waec, jamb and post jamb, I was denied admission about 3 to 4 different times, and it's high time we find someone we know who could help out. So, I feel it's not so bad, so far who was actually helped and favored as well qualified for that position or opportunity. It only becomes a problem when those who are actually qualified are ignored to put in someone who isn't.
Also, I feel it can be seen as crime if such a thing has to do with government positions, finance and such, when you find some people trying to take it all for themselves and putting their own family members and loved ones in every position while denying the rest of the public access to such positions. Sometimes ago, I witnessed how someone was given a position. We all knew who deserved that opportunity, this person is experienced, mature, and committed, but a family member of the person in charge returned form serving as a Corp member and they immediately gave her that position. Such things reduce workers morale and all, the woman who actually deserves this position was still the person being used to take care of most of the things since the person they gave the position too can't handle most of the responsibilities that the position requires.
If fairness were to return to our world, all of these things will become a thing of the past. If you get such an advantage and you merit it, then it is fine, but if you don't deserve it and yet it was still given to you, then it has crossed the line. We see such in the way people even testify today saying, grace found them, saying they didn't merit it but God came through for them, to me it raises certain questions, because when you look at it very well, it would definitely has the hand of their religious leaders, parents, or friends in it, and such will most times come at the expense of others who deserve it but are unfairly pushed aside.
Helping is good, helping our families, friends and all is good, but then we should be fair in all of our doings.
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Images are mine.
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