Knowledge and Access to It

Knowledge is something we all crave for. I have a life motto which is Learning Is For Ever. Learnt that from one of my favourite musicians Josh Osho.

A thirst for knowledge is something I really admire. Lack of that thirst in an individual – especially a young one – evokes pity on my part. Supercilious, that’s the word a friend would use to describe that feeling.

This morning, I happened on a series of tweets by a young Nigerian I admire, Chuba Ezekwesili. He tweets with the handle @chubaezeks. He tweeted on a desire to improve oneself and how in this day and age there should be no excuses for being ignorant (I deduced that on my own).

I take exception to some parts because I have experienced first-hand the frustrations that come with being unable to learn. The internet has an enormous wealth of knowledge; however, a majority do not yet have access to it. This is largely due to no fault of theirs.

_How then can we discriminate against them?_

We have privileges we easily take for granted. Many of us have never had to worry about the basic human needs. Knowledge isn’t one of them. Maslow’s hierarchy of needs stated that only on attainment of needs on a lower level can one aspire to the next level. As an economist, he would understand this.

Sometimes, one is exempt from participating at the lower levels because one’s forbears have paid that price. That is a privilege one should not lose sight of; and should be thankful for.

In Nigeria, though it is becoming more common, internet access is still somewhat a luxury. Even when available, it is expensive. Some who have access via iPads, BlackBerrys and what not do not utilise them to the full potential, due to a lack of the know-how. Of course, pride plays a role too. For some, such gadgets, internet access is a status symbol.

Sadly, I found no Nigerian town on record that has wireless or wired internet access available to all its residents be it for free, at a subsidised cost or even at standard costs. I heard of a plan for one in my home community (Bonny Island) last year; its implementation has been stalled.

**Do we really want to help? **

Another project being undergone in my community is the construction of an air-strip (mini airport). Being truthful to ourselves, air travel is still not as far-reaching as it should be. I’ve never travelled by air. That project – which caters to a different class of persons (for comfort) – started around the same time and has reached an appreciable stage with evident activity. That does not show a desire to help improve a larger populace. Opportunity costs.

**How can we help? **

This is where we, the “privileged”, come in. There is a catch phrase of “each one, teach one”, what if we up the ante to say “each one, reach more”? Going about this requires utmost humility, acknowledging that indeed some of your privileges are not your doing.

As far as knowledge and access to it goes, there would always be someone who knows a bit more about something than you do. When you do know, don’t take it in your stride, teach others so they too can know.

In the under-developed and developing world, in Nigeria, don’t look too far, even in your home, a driver, cleaner, cook needs to know. Would you grant him or her access to your knowledge, ridicule him or her for ignorance, tell them where knowledge is without giving them access, or patiently and humbly teach them?

Our fight should be to make knowledge accessible to all by all means necessary.

**P.S.: **This was written in a hurry, please pardon any errors. If noticed, bring to my attention via the comment section.

Disclaimer: The attached images are not original.