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In primary school in south-eastern Nigeria, I was taught that Hosni Mubarak was the president of Egypt. I learned the same thing in secondary school. In university, Mubarak was still president of Egypt. I came to assume, subconsciously, that he - and others like Paul Biya in Cameroon and Muammar Gaddafi in Libya - would never leave.
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
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Interpretation

What this quote means

This quote reflects the assumption of enduring leadership in certain countries based on educational teachings.

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie reflects on her educational experience in Nigeria, where she was taught about prominent leaders like Hosni Mubarak, Paul Biya, and Muammar Gaddafi throughout her schooling. Her continued exposure to the same information led her to develop a subconscious belief that these leaders would remain in power indefinitely, illustrating how education can shape perceptions of political stability and the permanence of leadership.

Themes

LeadershipEducationPoliticsAssumptionPower

In practice

Example use cases

In a discussion about political longevity, this quote can highlight how education shapes perceptions of leadership.

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