When Did We Stop Asking Why?

Hi, my love.

How are you? How was this week for you?

For me... it was a lot.

I started my industrial training this week—SIWES, basically—and it has already been quite the experience. My work hours are from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day, so I’ve been spending almost all my time there. Yesterday, they actually asked if I could come in on Saturday too. I had to let them know that wasn’t going to work. I need at least one day to just breathe!

The first two days, I was in the microbiology laboratory, and honestly, I loved it. It felt so familiar because I’ve always liked lab work. I just enjoyed watching everything happen and being part of the process.

Then on Wednesday, they moved me to granulation. You guys...

I was in absolute awe. Watching the machines work and seeing how everything comes together was fascinating. I would have shown you pictures if I could, but we’re not allowed to take any. It was just a beautiful experience standing there and absorbing it all. But I also got a tiny glimpse into industrial pharmacy, and I have to say, after hearing the deafening noise of those granulation machines all day? I don't think that's the life I want. I know it's a vital part of the profession, but it’s definitely not for me, for now sha. Still, I’m really grateful to experience these different paths firsthand.

So yes, that’s my little update.

Now... let’s talk about today’s letter.

I’ve been thinking a lot about us lately. About Nigerians, maybe even Africans generally.

And before anybody comes for me, let me explain what I mean. I don't think Nigerians lack intelligence, and I don't even know if "not logical" is the right phrase. I really don't want this to sound insulting, because that’s honestly not my intention. But sometimes I look at the things we do, or the things we believe, and I genuinely find myself asking: *"Why are we thinking this way?"*

There are some practices that are clearly harmful, yet people will defend them to the death simply because "that’s what we've always known." And what surprises me the most is that this isn't just happening among uneducated people. It’s happening with literate people. People with degrees. And that’s when I realized: going to school doesn’t automatically make you educated. Some people pass through school, but school never actually passes through them. They have the certificates, but they never learned to question, to analyze, or to think beyond what they were told.

It often feels like culture, tradition, or religion completely overrides logic.

Now, let me pause and clarify before someone misunderstands me. I’m a Christian. I love God, and I try my best to live according to my faith. This isn't me saying religion or faith is bad. Not at all. I know where faith comes in, and I know what genuine faith looks like. But I also know what happens when people stop thinking and simply hide behind a religious label.

The other day I saw a post online where someone argued that the problem with Africa is that we keep trying to raise "God-fearing" children instead of "critical-thinking" children, and that's why we aren't developing. Someone replied to them, saying, "The funny thing is, if you were actually a critical thinker, you wouldn’t make that statement."

And they were right! Because why do we act like those two things are mortal enemies? A person can fear God and still think critically. You can have deep faith and still ask hard questions. You can believe in God and actually use the brain He gave you. Those two things don't cancel each other out.

Take healthcare, for example. There’s a particular denomination that, for years, believed members shouldn’t receive blood transfusions. Many people died because of that doctrine. Then, years later, the teaching changed to allow it under certain conditions. When I heard that, I couldn't stop thinking about all the lives that were already lost. It made me ask myself: *What exactly are we doing?*

Again, I’m not attacking anyone. But as someone entering the medical field, it hits differently. I love when pastors say, "Pray, trust God, but *go to the hospital*." God absolutely heals, but that doesn't mean we ignore the doctors, the science, or the resources available to us. Faith shouldn't become an excuse to neglect wisdom.

Then I saw a video on TikTok of a church building that was completely flooded, yet people were still inside holding a service. I just kept thinking... *Why?* There could be electrical hazards, snakes, waterborne diseases—all sorts of danger. Wouldn't it make more sense to postpone or find a safe space? Where is the line between faith and reckless endangerment?

It’s the same thing with culture. Culture is beautiful; it gives us our stories and our identity. But there are traditions that are simply archaic. There are beliefs causing more harm than good in 2026, yet you’ll find young, "educated" people holding onto them without ever stopping to ask why. Take for example, that Ozioro “raping” festival.

When did asking questions become a sign of disrespect? When did thinking become rebellion? Our biggest issue isn't a lack of brainpower. It's that we've become uncomfortable with discomfort. We let sentiment, culture, and rigid religiosity override reason. But they don't have to.

We can hold onto our faith while keeping our minds sharp. We can preserve our culture while letting go of traditions that no longer serve us. We can respect authority without surrendering our ability to ask, “Why?" If education isn't teaching us how to think, how to question, and how to reason, then it’s just expensive compliance. And I think we deserve better than that.

Anyway, these are just the thoughts that chased me through the noise of the granulation room this week. Maybe I’m missing something, but I’d genuinely love to know what you think. Drop your thoughts in the comments, and let’s talk.

Until next week, I love you, bye!❤️