Waring or Welfaring ?
Isaac Megbolugbe
March 13, 2026
Physics, Missiles, and Nigeria’s Academic Illusion
March 12, 2026
For decades, sanctions tried to suffocate Iran. Instead, they forced the country to turn inward—into its laboratories, universities, and research institutes. Isolation became a catalyst for scientific self-reliance. Eventually, the world witnessed something remarkable: the battlefield quietly became a physics laboratory. Missiles do not obey politics. They obey equations.
At the heart of every ballistic trajectory are the laws formulated centuries ago by Isaac Newton. A projectile does not know whether it was launched by a rich nation or a sanctioned one. It does not care about GDP, oil reserves, or international alliances. It only knows mathematics.Give it velocity, mass, and direction, and it will faithfully follow Newton’s laws across continents. Now the world is in energy crisis because even the powerful countries do not want to cross the Strait of Hormuz for fear of Iran’s ballistic missiles.
That is the brutal neutrality of physics.
Today, the powerful countries are understudying the science behind Iranian ballistic systems with great attention.
But here is the uncomfortable question for us in Nigeria.
What do we think physics is?
In our universities, physics is often treated as a consolation prize—a department for students who could not secure admission into medicine or engineering. High UTME scores chase medicine. Prestige chases engineering. Physics gets the leftovers. Yet the uncomfortable truth is this: the real strength of world powers begins in physics laboratories, not hospital wards or construction sites.
Semiconductors? Physics.
Space technology? Physics.
Nuclear energy? Physics.
Missile guidance systems? Physics.
Artificial intelligence hardware? Physics.
The most powerful technologies shaping the 21st century are built on foundations laid by physicists, chemists, and biologists. From nuclear power, to chemical power, to biological power, and to the power of ballistic missiles. But in Nigeria, the disciplines that shape the future are treated as academic afterthoughts. They are the most poorly funded programmes in our universities.
We celebrate professions that apply knowledge, but we quietly neglect the disciplines that create knowledge. Until we reverse this mindset, we will remain enthusiastic consumers and slave of other people’s discoveries. Because nations that respect fundamental science design the future.
Nations that don’t simply import it.
Physics is not a fallback course. It is the grammar of power.
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My Response
Isaac Megbolugbe
March 13, 2026
Iran’s focus on ballistic missiles has indeed drawn significant attention, with some viewing it as a notable achievement amidst sanctions and international pressure. The country has been developing its missile capabilities, including short- and medium-range ballistic missiles, and has demonstrated its ability to launch mass salvos, potentially overwhelming air defenses.
However, this focus has come at a cost, with many criticizing Iran for prioritizing military development over societal and economic growth. The sanctions have certainly taken a toll on Iran’s economy, and the allocation of resources to the military sector has likely contributed to the country’s struggles in other areas.
It’s worth noting that Iran’s missile program is seen as a key component of its defense strategy, particularly given the country’s history of conflict with regional adversaries and the United States. The program has also been linked to Iran’s regional ambitions and its support for various militias and proxy groups.
I believe countries should not prioritize military development over everything else. Iran could have focused on societal growth much more. In my view or bias towards national development and human flourishing, I consider knowing what to create more crucial than knowing how to create it. I will not glory on physics (knowhow) over national development and society growth (knowwhat). I believe the lessons the author of the article are trying to draw are misleading and misplaced.
Humanity’s Essence: Spiritual Empowerment and Connection with God
My preference for social economy over military development is based on my spiritual perspective which highlights the interconnectedness of humanity, spirituality, and the natural world. Let’s explore this viewpoint further.
The Soul as Spiritual Infrastructure
– Empowerment through Spirituality: The soul is the essence of life, connecting us with God and guiding our purpose.
– Beyond Material Means: The focus shifts from merely understanding nature’s workings (through science) to recognizing life’s spiritual purpose.
Science and Discovery
– Understanding Nature’s Mechanisms: Physics and other sciences uncover the “how” of nature, reflecting God’s design.
– Human Agency and Responsibility: God grants humans authority and agency to develop and govern the world.
Essence of the World
– Life’s Purpose: The essence of the world is life itself, with its spiritual dimension, rather than just the mechanisms that sustain it.
– Connection with God: This perspective prioritizes spiritual growth and connection with God over mere discovery of natural laws.
Implications
– Holistic Understanding: Integrating spiritual and scientific perspectives can lead to a more comprehensive understanding of existence.
– Prioritizing Humanity: Elevating humanity’s spiritual essence can guide more compassionate, purpose-driven choices.
My prioritization of the social economy and human development resonate with my spiritual journey and understanding. This perspective influences how I approach life’s challenges or interact with others as a member of humanity. Humans flourishing is a feature of our responsibility for the agency God bestowed on us, not outright preoccupation with building means or weapons of warfare for destruction of society as the Iran War is exemplifying.
