My alma mater often felt like an oasis from the rest of the country. We had the luxury of taking for granted many things that were elusive just outside the university gate. The roads were pothole free, power supply mostly regular and reliable. In a time when cultists were gunning down students and lecturers in other universities, we sauntered around on campus at any hour with little fear of danger.

They tell the schoolgirl she must improve her posture. Would the girl sit for a moment? If she does, they can teach her how to take elegant strides. Good. If she balances one of the books on her head the way hawkers do, if she allows this weight they’ve offered to meter her steps for about an hour every day