The Bride Price Mentality: Balancing Tradition and Equality in Marital Practices

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         In many communities across Africa, Asia, and beyond, bride price remains a significant marital tradition. Often presented as a gesture of honor to the bride’s family for raising a daughter, it can symbolize respect and family unity.  Yet, in some contexts, this practice carries an uncomfortable undertone: it can imply that women are goods to be exchanged, that love requires payment, and that marriage prioritizes economic ties over mutual partnership. For generations, bride price has been called tradition. But for many women, especially where it’s transactional, it can feel like a contract—one that shapes their value and limits their freedom. By exploring its complexities, we can honor cultural heritage while addressing its challenges in today’s world. Where Bride Price Shapes Marriage Dynamics Nigeria Among Nigeria’s Igbo, Yoruba, and Hausa communities, bride price is a cultural cornerstone, ranging from symbolic gifts to su...
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The Cost of Knowledge: Understanding Nigerian School Fees

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     If you can’t afford the journey, why start?

Blindly chasing University or a degree is a recipe for regret. Pretending the costs don’t exist is the fastest way to ruin your future. Ask the countless graduates who are still broke. 

The job market doesn’t care about our certificates.. not as much as we want them to. Don’t mistake a financial burden for a gateway to success. The reality is school is not for everyone and the decision to pursue education should be based on careful planning and financial situation. What do I mean by this?

    School fees, textbooks, accomodation, feeding, sorting, etc can drain family resources and not every family can afford the continuous expenses that come with attending traditional universities. What brings about financial instability is when parents force their children into it with the mindset that attending a traditional University will guarantee their success.

    In today’s economy, having a degree rarely leads to a high paying job or stability. Technical skills, vocational training or small businesses are even more cost-effective and have yielded far better returns for people.

    While Traditional universities are not for everyone, they are most significant for connections and networking, exposure to new ideas and credibility which is equally an advantage… If you can afford it.
       Before diving into university to “bag degree for mom”, it’s important to assess the full financial burden associated with it. Here’s how;

1. Calculate your school expenses for the year; tuition fees, accomodation costs, feeding and transportation, toiletries, phone or laptop, textbooks and study materials, sorting, practical and other potential expenses.

2. After calculating the total expenses for the year, ask yourself; can I or my parents really afford this? To answer this question, try asking for everything at once, think about any other factors like siblings, other fees, debt, rent, medical bills, etc and if you can consider alternative options like scholarships or student loans.


To Be Continued.....

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