BE GOOD TO THE PEOPLE ON YOUR WAY UP THE LADDER - YOU WILL MEET THEM ON YOUR WAY DOWN

Be Good to the People on Your Way Up the Ladder—You’ll Meet Them on Your Way Down

At the 2024 ASNE Conference organised by the School Resource Council (SRC), a guest speaker praised Dr Abubakar (not his real name), a retired Director from the Ministry of Education, for his unwavering support to school owners on compliance matters.

What stood out most were the testimonies shared by many school owners at the event. Dr Abubakar’s kindness and professional integrity during his tenure made him a trusted reference point for all compliance-related concerns before approaching the ministry. Leveraging his expertise and goodwill, he set up a private practice post-retirement to help schools navigate compliance seamlessly. Today, over 100 schools in Abuja rely on his services—a testament to his humane approach and refusal to exploit his position while in power.

Last year, Jewel Publishers won a printing contract with JJL Ventures (not the actual name). We diligently worked on the project, designing and producing samples for the print items. All but one document was approved for mass production, and plans were underway when we suddenly received an email instructing us to cease all printing activities.

Curious, I reached out to the procurement team for clarity. Unfortunately, despite my attempts, I didn't receive a response. Through a close contact at JJL, I learnt that the procurement team also decided to temporarily blacklist us simply because I dared to question their decision via email.

Recognising the risks of pursuing justice in my country’s business environment, I cut our losses, including funds already spent on designs and samples. It was a painful yet necessary decision to avoid potential victimisation.

This incident brought a powerful reminder: before AI or any other force takes over entirely—if it ever does—we must reflect on the power dynamics we uphold. The wisest among us will err, and even the strongest will falter.

As we climb the ladder of success, we must remember that we will inevitably encounter the same people we treated well—or poorly—on our way down. Power is fleeting, and any office can be a force for good or bad, depending on the character of its occupant as in the case of Dr Abubakar or the JJL's Procurement personnel.

Let us choose integrity. Let us reflect.

Happy New Year ✌🏾

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