Many people want to know if there are advantages of studying in Nigeria over abroad. So, here we shall be looking at the reasons why studying in Nigeria is better than abroad.
If asked to choose between studying in a Nigerian University and any other University overseas, it is almost certain that a greater percentage of students would settle with the latter option of studying in a ”saner clime” where the educational standard and living conditions are better.
Nigeria may not be the best country in the world to live and study (especially at the tertiary education level) because of many reasons, but in discussing these, one must also consider the advantages that come with studying in Nigeria against her foreign counterparts.
Why Studying in Nigeria is Better than Abroad
Below are some advantages that come with studying in Nigeria versus abroad;
1. Ease of gaining admission:
Gaining admission to study in the University is not a very easy process, but in comparing the situation in Nigeria with other schools, one would agree that the difficulty level associated with securing admission is higher abroad than in Nigeria.
First, the entry requirements for admission into some foreign Universities can be so weighty and expensive, while in the Nigerian system, the basic requirements for admission are O’ level results (with at least credit passes in English language, Mathematics, and subjects relevant to your discipline) and a JAMB UTME score of 180 and above (depending on the set benchmark for the year).
Gaining admission into a Nigerian University is, even more, easier with other alternatives like the Interim Joint Matriculation Board (IJMB), Joint Universities Preliminary Education Board (JUPEB), and Cambridge A’ level which prospective undergraduates can explore if JAMB UTME does not work out. Meanwhile, foreign institutions may require additional proficiencies in TOEFL, IELTS, GMAT, and other tests before considering a candidate fit for admission. Check out: How to Gain Admission into Universities Without JAMB UTME.
2. Ease of getting University transcript
Graduates who wish to further their studies for Masters or Doctorate Degree would need a transcript which would be sent from the first degree-awarding institution to the institution where the individual intends to pursue a post-graduate program.
This usually takes a long time and much finances to push through if it is between two international institutions, but much easier if the individual wishes to continue in his degree institution or any other institution in the same country. Check out: How to Get Your Academic Transcript in Nigeria.
3. Cost/expenses
Except for privately owned Universities, Federal and State Government-owned Universities charge relatively affordable tuition fees, which is nothing to be compared to that of Universities abroad.
To live and study comfortably overseas, you must have a good financial standing that would cover not just your tuition fees, but the general running cost of living in the country of your choice, except you are on scholarship.
There have been cases where students can only pay tuition fees for the initial or sophomore level in college, but because of financial constraints cannot get past this level, and therefore resort to taking menial jobs in order to survive. Most of these students end up not graduating or graduating after a very long period.
4. Adaptation to the environment
That one was born and bred in Nigeria is enough advantage to live and study in Nigeria, reason being that he/she must have gained sufficient knowledge and experience regarding the weather, economy, politics, and every other factor one might consider when choosing a country to study in.
As a Nigerian studying in Nigeria, adaptation to a new environment would not be as difficult as living and studying in a foreign country where you would have to learn and abide by the laws of the land, language (if it is a non-English speaking country), adapt to the climatic condition and work environment if you choose to be working and studying simultaneously.
5. NYSC verification
Upon graduation from the University and at the point of registering for the mandatory one year National Service, foreign-trained graduates usually have a tougher time with verifying their documents.
Because of the alarming rate of foreign institutions turning in fake graduates for mobilization, the National Youth Service Corps had introduced the process of physical verification of certificates and other documents presented by Prospective Corp Members from foreign Corp Producing Institutions.
Some foreign-trained graduates have bemoaned about the cumbersome nature of this exercise, as they have to travel to far locations outside their state to verify their documents.
Also, if you study in a country that doesn’t use the English Language as L1, then you would have to get a translated version of the Corps Producing Institution’s correspondence and bear the accompanying cost.
This is not the case with Nigerian trained graduates, as the list of all graduates produced by the Senate Committee of every University is sent to the NYSC Headquarters for mobilization.