Editorials in the "West African Pilot", an English-language newspaper published in Lagos, for the years 1945, 1957, 1960, and 1963 (years of crucial importance to Nigeria) were studied to determine the effects of modernity, tradition, fluctuating socioeconomic conditions, and particularly political influences exerted on the press. Each…

African governments have immense power over their universities and are often tempted to tinker with the workings of these institutions, ostensibly to make them more responsive to the requirements of the nation. Such interference can be dangerous. Academic freedom is vital if the university is to truly serve society. (JHZ)