The National Assembly of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, in a recent development, approved a bill passed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to reinstate the old national anthem “Nigeria, We Hail Thee.”
The president and the lawmaker’s decision stirred mixed reactions among Nigerians.
Some welcomed the idea, noting that it’s a remarkable move by the president as many young Nigerians have little or no knowledge about the history of the nation, while others also condemned the idea.
“Nigeria, We Hail Thee” was Nigeria’s national anthem from its independence in 1960 until 1978, when it was replaced by “Arise, O Compatriots.”
Following the trend of reactions among Nigerians, MyNigeriaTV engaged some Nigerian students at Zenith University College, Accra, Ghana, on May 31, 2024, seeking their opinions on the reinstatement of the old national anthem, which was signed by the National Assembly on May 29, 2024.
According to Joy Hilary, a student of Zenith University College, she argued that the decision of the president is not appropriate at this time, judging from the current situation of things back home, that there are pressing issues that need utmost attention than the reinstatement of the old national anthem.
Just like Joy hinted, fellow students like Susan, Fola, Samuel, Eniola and Miracle who also shared their opinions, condemned the decision of the president and the lawmakers, noting that it was a misplaced priority and was not necessary.
However, Karachi Nwachukwu, a fresh graduate of Law at Zenith University College, commended the idea of the president and lawmakers, stating that it is very important for people, especially younger Nigerians, to be abreast with the history of their nation and since Nigeria was colonized by the British, it is only right to follow due diligence.
Watch the video below;
