“People are winning Nobel Prizes while Nigerians are cooking rice” — Onyeka Nwelue
A widely circulated social media clip attributed to filmmaker and writer Onyeka Nwelue has triggered online debate after he appeared to contrast international achievements such as Nobel Prizes with what he described as the daily preoccupations of many Nigerians.
On Saturday morning social media users began sharing a short video clip and text posts quoting Onyeka Nwelue as saying: "People are winning Nobel Prizes in Physics, Chemistry, Physiology, Medicine, and Economic Sciences; Nigerians are cooking rice." The clip and series of reposts spread quickly across X (formerly Twitter), Instagram and Facebook, prompting discussion and criticism online. 0
What was said (verbatim)
"People are winning Nobel Prizes in Physics, Chemistry, Physiology, Medicine, and Economic Sciences; Nigerians are cooking rice."
The sentence above is the line being circulated in social posts that attribute it to Onyeka Nwelue. Copies of the clip and text excerpts were shared by multiple accounts on X and Instagram. 1
Who is Onyeka Nwelue?
Onyeka Nwelue is a Nigerian writer, filmmaker and public commentator who has attracted attention for his books, documentary work and outspoken views. He has previously held visiting academic positions and has been profiled in national and international media for both his creative work and controversies surrounding his representations of academic affiliations.
Public reaction
Reaction to the clip has been mixed. Some users criticised the remark as insensitive and dismissive of Nigerians' achievements and daily struggles, while others defended it as hyperbole meant to provoke discussion about priorities and national development. Several influencers reposted the clip with commentary, and follow-up threads debated whether the statement was taken out of context. 3
Context and analysis
Observers who followed the spread of the clip noted two points worth considering:
- Context matters: Short video clips and quoted lines shared on social platforms frequently omit surrounding remarks that might change the intended meaning. At the time of writing there is no widely circulated full transcript or long-form video from Nwelue that provides full context for the remark. 4
- Public figures and provocation: Onyeka Nwelue is known for provocative public statements; commentators say that polarising lines often generate engagement but can also inflame legitimate concerns about tone and accuracy.
Responses from others (so far)
At the time this article was prepared there were no formal responses or clarifications published on major news websites directly from Onyeka Nwelue addressing this specific line. Online replies ranged from mocking and memes to earnest rebuttals reminding audiences of Nigerian scientists, academics and professionals who have won international awards and recognitions. 6
How to verify viral quotes
When a short, provocative quote circulates on social media, readers should:
- Look for an original video or a post from the person’s verified account.
- Check reputable news outlets for reporting or transcripts. (When a quote becomes a major story, mainstream outlets usually obtain context.)
- Be cautious about screenshots or short clips that may be edited or taken out of context.