By 
By Lengdung Tungchamma
Computers were not always thought to be “personal computers”. Over the years, the gradual efforts of many different men and women climaxed after the world war. The work of famed mathematician Alan Turing set the pace for the unfolding of a kind of revolution the world has never seen before. What emerged out of the World War were massive, football-sized machines that performed mathematical functions, and not very much functions at that.
“These hobbyists, nerds, and misfits … their inventions have influenced the world more than the decision of politicians.”
By 1970, these devices had evolved to the point where hobbyists, nerds, and electronic buffs could purchase and program them for fun. But even at this point, the nerds were not considered to be important people in society and their hobbies (tinkering devices) were almost unknown to the rest of the world. Led by the evolution of microprocessors, computers became smaller as the years progressed. Almost all, if not all, of the computer development, happened in California Santa Clara Valley, a place nicknamed Silicon Valley. Silicon Valley was the home for nerds who didn’t care to shower, check their clothing, build a family, schooling and all the other things that the society cared about. It was a safe haven for the misfits.
Sometimes in the 1970s, these hobbyists began to form companies. Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak formed Apple, Paul Allen and Bill Gates formed Microsoft and several others founded other companies. These companies changed the definition of computers. Computers became “personal computers”. A few years after that, these hobbyists, nerds, and misfits became very rich and their inventions have influenced the world more than the decision of politicians.
“In the intellectual conversations we hold as a nation, we have allowed the IDIOTS to triumph. I have always wondered how we allowed bigots to become the dominant commenters on national issues.”
In 1996, Robert Cringely chronicled the evolution of the computer age from the end of the Second World War to 1995, he titled it “TRIUMPH OF THE NERDS”. Those hobbyists, nerds, outcasts, misfits triumphed. They made more money than anyone in modern history. One of them, Bill Gates was the richest man in the world for 20 years. Their hobby has become one of the most paid occupations. Computers have influenced every facet of life. Their companies are worth billions of dollars, they are among the most admired men and women in the world. Those born in the years after 1980 cannot even imagine a world without their inventions! The nerds, indeed, triumphed. They are now heroes. They rule the world!
Since 1960, there was always a problem with (and in) Nigeria. Despite these, Nigerians always had hope. The elite held on believing things will be better. Each military regime raised their hopes only to dashed it with something worse than the previous regime. During the IBB regime in the 1980s, these elites became tired of the failed promises. They departed from Nigeria to seek other opportunities better lives for them and their families. Most of those who left were the very best of the nation!
What resulted was that those who were left behind were not the best and this crop of men and women suddenly took over jobs, offices, and tasks that they did not know how or deserve to be doing. Some of the best who were left behind retired because the system became toxic for them. The impact of this mass exodus is still evident in the way things are done. Of course, there were still some very outstanding persons that stayed behind.
“It was in 1980’s that the nerds triumphed in America and built the infrastructure that powers the economy of the 21st Century. It was also in 1980 that the idiots triumphed in Nigeria.”
As the years advanced, this cloud of hopelessness did not depart. More skilled people departed, while the system continued to be dominated by the corrupt, inept and unscrupulous citizens. Right now, when one diagnoses the system we have in place, it is largely dominated by these same class of citizens. The ones who ask for a bribe before doing their job, do not come to work, do not want to innovate, do not care about whether or not country gets better, no, in fact, they do not want the country to get better. The IDIOTS HAVE TRUIMPHED. They now own the system.
Not just in this, in the intellectual conversations we hold as a nation, we have allowed the IDIOTS to triumph. I have always wondered how we allowed bigots to become the dominant commenters on national issues. Those who should lead have receded, those who should lead the conversations have chosen to be silent, those who should form policies have rather opted to have their peace.
Our most popular public figures are those who should not have a place in a sane society. The heroes that my generation encountered are the most corrupt and inept of the previous generation. Even today, societal issues are left in the hands of men and women whose voice should not be heard in a country that is normal. Our very best still do not have a place in society, neither does it appear that they want a place. The best are rejected, while those willing to play according to the caprices of the system rise easily.
It was in 1980’s that the nerds triumphed in America and built the infrastructure that powers the economy of the 21st Century. It was also in 1980 that the idiots triumphed in Nigeria.
It’s time to change this.
