Almost everyone has or once had a dream, to aspire for greater heights and opportunities which would broaden their horizon and make them have a fulfilled career path. I know I did… still do actually!
#Big grin.
Few days ago, my 16 year old niece travelled to the UK to continue her academic sojourn in Birmingham City University, England. Being the first child of the family, it was only natural that she was wished Godspeed and luck amidst mixed feelings. Everyone was caught in between feeling excited for her – because we were sure she would make us proud, considering the fact that she has always been a straight ‘A ‘student during her high school days and was also the school’s head girl and valedictorian of her time- and feeling a bit nostalgic from the prospect of missing her.
But come to think of it, why would anyone who has the choice of studying abroad choose to study in Nigeria, despite being the giant of Africa and all? … Food for thought.
However, when you look at it in a different light, Nigeria has still produced legends that have made our country an ‘item’ in one good way or the other. Lots of our Nigerian graduates didn’t all turn out bad for themselves. Did we? Notwithstanding, if you had the choice to choose where to study, would you trade a good study abroad -where you can benefit a whole lot of add on opportunities- for our Nigerian schools?
Before she embarked on the sojourn, I advised and chatted with her at length and during the course of our confab, some of these thoughts and conversations ensued;
· It’s not all about looking good for your CV, but the fact that you would get to study in a well equipped, more conducive environment.
· You would also get to meet a wide range of people and learn different lifestyles, giving you a less myopic view to things that matter.
· Better job opportunities.
· Adjusting to climate change.
· Scholarship and financial aids too and a lot more.
I’m a big supporter of the numerous benefits which studying abroad has to offer, but if you’re a strong advocate of Nigerian universities, then let’s hope and pray that in the near future, things would improve for the better in the Nigerian education sector.
XOXO,
Yours Truly.
Nikimandi
