Nigeria's Ongoing Issues

Nigeria is one of the wealthiest and largest country in Africa.  Unfortunately, like many places in Africa, it is still suffering from many problems.  For example on WHO/AFRO it says the adult literacy rate is only 11.1%.  This is drastically different than the world we live in, where it is hard to find someone illiterate.   Also the life expectancy is 45 years.  This is relatively good for Africa, but compared to us, only half our lifetime.  Although these problems are similar to those of other African countries, the real problem seems to be derived from the turmoil and divides between the country.  The textbook insinuates about the oil reserves, but does not directly state that Nigeria is under somewhat of an indirect rule.  It seems to be tied down politically due to foreign oil interests.  Though the government was able to profit greatly from the oil industry, much of its population is neglected and suffering.  The government was also having trouble with internal corruption as it "ruthlessly suppressed all opposition."  Not only does Nigeria have political unrest, but it also has deep religious divides rooted hundreds of years back.  The Muslim verses Christian conflict is still ongoing today.  Not only is it anguished by the present day conflict, but it also has historical divides fueling it.  As Muslim cattle herders moved to Nigeria, trying to get away from the dry Sahara grasslands, they ran into conflicts over land with the preexistent Christian farmers.  

It is ironic that one of the wealthiest countries in Africa could have such alarming statistics.  Although it seems that the wealth would mitigate the problems, it is the deep divides that torment Nigeria, throwing it off balance.