Nigeria, May 18 -- I stumbled upon a flyer from Christ College, Zaria-an unassuming school by many standards-listing students who scored 300 and above in the UTME. Fifteen names graced the page, the lowest score being a staggering 302 and the highest, an almost mythical 371.

My first reaction was a mix of awe and mischief. I chuckled and muttered under my breath, "So, where are the big-name schools now?" You know the ones-those elite institutions nestled in Abuja, Lagos, Jos, Kano, and Minna, where fees can rival university tuition, and where some believe excellence is simply a price tag away.

I admit, my suspicion might come off as petty or premature, maybe even biased. But it's a suspicion rooted in years of quiet observation. I remem...