Abroad, Nigerian
students graduate on schedule but pay through the nose, some end-up with
worthless degrees
Ghana grosses over N200b yearly from
100,000 Nigerians, Britain over N45b
…Countless others enrolled at illegal tertiary
schools in Benin Republic, Anglophone school also big business in Togo
By MAURICE ARCHIBONG, after months-long tour of
several nations
(+233242829216), mauricearchibongtravels@gmail.com
 |
| President Goodluck Jonathan, during his visit to Cotonou, Benin Republic on 31 December, 2010. PHOTOS: MAURICE ARCHIBONG: All Rights Reserved. |
A mauricearchibongtravels
investigation shows that the over 100,000 Nigerians currently enrolled
at various universities and colleges across Ghana contribute more than N200
billion (US$1.5 billion) to the economy of the old Gold Coast.
In
the same vein, Nigeria loses more than N45billion through school fees and
living expenses on her nationals studying in different tertiary institutions
across the United Kingdom. Addressing reporters at Transcorp-Hilton Hotel in
Abuja recently; Mr. Brian Wilson, Programmes Director of British Council’s
Education Exhibition, revealed that 18,000 Nigerians were currently pursuing
various undergraduate and post-graduate courses in Britain.
Interpretation:
Let’s take £10,000 (N2.5million) as the average (probably higher) spent by a
Nigerian studying in the UK. If we multiply £10,000 by 18,000, it boils down to
£180,000,000. Convert £180,000,000 to naira and you get N45billion. However, it
is worth pointing out that this N45billion does not include money spent on
training countless Nigerian children enrolled in secondary schools in Her
Majesty’s home country.
Interestingly,
more Nigerians are also studying at various institutions in virtually every
country across the world. Collectively, hundreds of thousands of Nigerians are
also studying in Canada, Germany, US and elsewhere. In far-away China, for
example, we know of a 27-year-old Nigerian, Mr. Onyemauche Kingsley Ike, from
Orlu in Imo State; who is a final-year medical student at Beijing Capital
Medical University.
However,
this report basically revolves around mauricearchibongtravels’ study of
the situation in three contiguous countries in West Africa: Benin Republic,
Togo and Ghana. Apart from a huge number of Nigerians enrolled in different
institutions in Togo, countless others are among tertiary schools’ students of
some 20 universities as well as secondary and primary schools in next-door
Benin Republic.
Although
data are largely unavailable, Nigerians annually spend billions of dollars on
tuition, accommodation and feeding as students in foreign lands. Apart from the issue of capital flight, mauricearchibongtravels
can also authoritatively reveal that even as the degree and certificates some
of the graduands get, after years of studying at foreign institutions, may not
be worth the paper they are printed on, the hundreds of thousands of Nigerian
youth in countless tertiary institutions in various countries across the world
also end-up victims of social dislocation.
A
glaring instance of the distortion some Nigerians studying in foreign lands
suffer came to light during a visit to a junior secondary school by the Nigerian
envoy to an ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States) member state;
recently. In response to a question by the visiting top-flight diplomat, one of
the high school students actually submitted “Dr Thomas Yayi Boni” as the name
of President of Nigeria. Naturally, many were alarmed, even embarrased, by this
development.
If
the above faux pas could be written-off as an inconsequential blunder on
the part of a minor with inadequate knowledge of Current Affairs, how does one
explain the experience of Ms Chika Achebe? Three years after taking a BA
(Bachelor of Arts) degree in French Language from University of Science and
Management in Benin Republic, Achebe is still unemployed.
Reason:
on her return to Nigeria, Ms Achebe was declared ineligible to do national
service aka National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme because the
institution, where the young woman spent four years pursuing her BA French
course, is not recognised by Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Education.
In
other words, Achebe does not qualify for NYSC because she attended a university
allegedly lacking necessary accreditation to run the course for which she
committed four years of her life, not to talk of colossal sums of money spent
on school fees over the 48-month period that she was an undergraduate at the
Benin Republic-based school, whose name she gave as University of Science and
Management (USAM).
Interestingly,
after bagging a degree which according to authorities is worthless in Nigeria,
Ms Achebe recently went to acquire skill in soap-making with a view to becoming
self-employed. Speaking with mauricearchibongtravels in Porto
Novo recently, Achebe rued that she could not have imagined that her alma mater
lacked accreditation to run the course she lost four years and a lot of money
to.
Nigeria’s
Federal Ministry of Education has an Evaluation and Accreditation Department,
established to guide students seeking admission to foreign institutions. Did
Achebe contact this agency to verify her former school’s eligibility to run the
programme before proceding to study there? Her reply was that, she expected her
country’s embassy in each country to assist Nigerians by providing a list of
recognised universities in places, where our missions are located.
Unfortunately,
Nigerian Embassy Cotonou, Benin Republic; had no substantive envoy at the time
Achebe commenced her studies at USAM. But, when contacted, incumbent Nigerian
Ambassador to Benin Republic, Amb Lawrence Olufemi Obisakin, revealed his
mission was working assidously toward raising awareness on the issue.
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| HE Lawrence Obisakin PhD, Nigeria's Ambassador to Benin Republic. |
This
ambassador helped to put the disturbing trend in context, thus; “After
enquiries we conducted recently, it was discovered that many of the private
universities in Benin Republic lack necessary accreditation for many of the
courses they run. Unfortunately, many of these schools have a large population
of Nigerians among their students”.
In
deed, sources at Houdegbe North American University (HNAUB) revealed that
Nigerians account for more than 70 per cent of the students at this college
located in Quartier Houdegbe, close to PK 10 (Peka Dix) roundabout, Cotonou.
Ambassador Obisakin subsequently revealed that a Joint International Committee
had since been floated with a view to identifying tertiary institutions
operating in Benin, where Nigerians could register for recognised courses.
Benin’s
Ministry of Tertiary Institutions and Nigerian Embassy Cotonou as well as other
stakeholders are members of this joint committee. When contacted, Mr. DanKano
Kakshak, Minister I at Nigerian Embassy Cotonou and Supervisor of Nigeria
International School (NIS), confirmed the establishment of the joint committee.
Kakshak, who sits on that committee, added that the body has been very busy and
that its report would be ready, soon.
He,
however, would not divulge any aspect of the draft, explaining that it was an
international issue; and, that at the appropriate time; after all stakeholders
had dotted the “i”s and crossed the “t”s; the report or parts thereof,
necessary for public consumption, would be revealed.
Some
Nigerians turn to foreign universities after many years’ attempt to gain
admission to a local university proved futile. While many migrated because they
could not scale the JAMBE (Joint Admission and Matriculation Board Examination)
hurdle, some claimed their parents/guardians sent them to foreign universities
because of the degeneration of Nigeria’s educational sector over the last 20
years or so.
This
perceived drop in the quality of the Nigerian academia was on many tongues
during the 2013 British Council Education Exhibition held in Abuja. In fact,
Mr. Wilson, the Programmes’ Director, merely echoed the minds of millions of
Nigerians, when he advised Nigeria’s Federal Government to do more toward
improving the standard of education in our country.
Discouraged
by the rather exorbitant fees charged by British universities, which for most
Nigerians is unaffordable, innumerable parents and guardians find nearby Ghana
particularly attractive. Such parents/guardians prefer sending children and
wards to that country’s tertiary institutions because like Nigeria, Ghana is
also an anglophone nation.
Some
respondents also drew attention to the widely-held belief that, international
recognition of degrees/certificates awarded by colleges in the old Gold Coast
must be among the reasons so many Nigerian students are now found in Ghana’s
universities. Whereas Nigeria had widely respected universities, which produced
Nobel Laureate Prof Wole Soyinka and Prof Chinua Achebe as well as countless other
distinguished academics in previous decades, the situation has worsened so
badly that Ghana’s first college, University of Ghana (UG), Legon; trumped
every Nigerian tertiary institution in the 2012 World Ranking of Top Universities in
Africa.
That
rating put University of Ghana at 14th best in Africa; whereas the
few Nigerian universities that made it into that list fell very far below. A
Nigerian youth studying at Houdegbe North American University Benin (HNAUB)
told mauricearchibongtravels
that his father sent him to study in Benin Republic because his elder sister
spent seven years at Othmanu Dan Fodio University, Sokoto; before taking a B.Sc
(Bachelor of Science) in Bio-chemistry. Normally, that programme runs for four
years, but the young woman lost three years due to various work stoppages by
academic and non-academic staffers in Nigerian universities.
Speaking
further, the young man (name withheld), who hails from one of the states in the
North West geopolitical zone; added: “Occasionally, universities in northern
Nigeria are shut because of terrorist attacks: I believe you can recall the
case of massacre of students of Federal Polytechnic Mubi, Adamawa State. Also,
some parents believe that those of us sent abroad to study are spared the
menace of cultism”.
The
above are truly among factors responsible for Nigerian youth flooding some
universities outside their country. The plenitude of Nigerians in search of
university admission has prompted countless investors in various neighbouring
lands to establish academic institutions. Across Benin Republic and Ghana as
well as Togo between them, countless Nigerian students were found during our
survey.
Nigeria’s loss, others’ gain
Evidently,
Nigeria’s loss is invaluable gain to Ghana, Britain and every other country,
whose schools feature a large population of our compatriots. For example, countless
Nigerians recently applied to Ghana Institute for Management and Public
Administration (GIMPA) for admission to its 3-year Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) Law
Programme.
“The
GIMPA course is much sought-after because its degree is respected and its
admission requirement is simple”, explained Mr. Kelechukwu Ike, a Nigerian
living in Ghana. “Apart from being able to foot the $10,000 (roughly N1.6
million) tuition fee; all you need is a first degree in any area”, explained
Ike, who is an alumnus of University of Ghana.
But,
like other non-Ghanaians, Nigerians are victims of discriminatory fees. Aside
from having to pay, sometimes as much as $6,000 (roughly N980,000) for tuition,
per session; the non-Ghanaian must have earlier coughed out some money for an
admission application form. Instance: When AUCC (African University College of
Communications) recently announced it was admitting students for the 2013/2014
academic session, each Ghanaian was required to pay 50cedis (barely N3,500) for
an admission application form; against $80 (over N12,000) for each foreigner.
Apart
from the staggering fees, which Nigerian and other non-Ghanaian students pay
for tuition, foreigners studying in Ghana also literally pay through the nose
for accommodation. For example, Comrade Dumo Black-Duke, President of the
Association of Nigerian Students in Ghana, revealed he pays the equivalent of
N18,000 as monthly rental on the self-contained one-room flat, where he
resides.
At
this rate, Dumo coughs out N432,000 per year on accommodation alone. And, that
is not all: He has a monthly energy bill of N10,000 (N120,000 per year) to
settle. Additionally, this Nigerian student has another N1,000 water rate to
tackle monthly (N12,000 per annum) as well as a quarterly levy of N7,000
(N28,000 per year) to evacuate his flat’s soak-away. Evidently, Dumo alone
contributes roughly N600,000 to the Ghanaian economy, each year. It is worth
noting that this N600,000 is far less than what Dumo spends per annum because
more money goes into feeding and transportation daily.
Aside
Dumo, at least two other Nigerians studying in Ghana also cited accommodation
as an enervating problem. The duo, both 200-level law students and school-mates
at Zenith University College, Accra; are Mr. Zinami Iwariso, who hails from
Abua in Abua-Odua LGA, near Ahoada in River State and 22-year-old Patrick
Chijioke; an indigene of Ihiala LGA in Anambra State.
These
law students explained that, though some of the tertiary institutions own
hostels, the ever-increasing population of foreign students mean growing
inadequacy, and; therefore, scarcity. Such is the biting situation that “in
some private hostels, students pay as much as N360,000 per annum”, Zinimi
revealed. This boils down to N30,000 per month!
Despite
all the challenges Nigerian students studying in overseas varsities face,
countless youths are yearning to go abroad to further their education; because
they were unable to get admission to local tertiary institutions, having failed
to scale the JAMB (Joint Admission and Matriculations Board) hurdle, time and
again. An example popped up as this script was being written, when 19-year-old
Chioma Ohaegbu called our Ghana phone number seeking information about applying
to any college in the old Gold Coast.
Imo
State-born Miss Ohaegbu revealed she completed her secondary school education
in 2010. Today, three years on, Miss Ohaegbu lamented she was tired of waiting
endlessly for admission to a Nigerian university, when some of her high-school
mates were making progress. In response, we had linked Miss Ohaegbu to Mr.
Kelechukwu Ike, who set up an educational consultancy unit under his company,
Kekeson and Gregory, to address such issues.
Desparation
on the part of countless parents/guardians to get children/wards into tertiary
institutions locally or abroad has spawned fraud and many conmen have been
cashing-in on this desparation. Some of such fraudsters posing as admission
agents sometimes charge and collect fees that in reality do not exist. One of
such levies, Acceptance Fee, is non-existent as far as placement in a Ghanaian
college is concerned.
According
to Ike, racketeers were exploiting poor awareness on the part of Nigerian
parents and their wards. He revealed that to save Nigerians from conmen robbing
people under the camouflage of university placement, he had to add Education
Consultancy to his line of business.
An
alumnus of University of Ghana (UG), Legon; Ike revealed that his company,
through deep-rooted experience of educational institutions in Ghana, know the
process of admission; from picking an application form to matriculation.
Ike,
who is Principal Partner of Kekeson and Gregory Ghana Limited; recalled: “We
were more that 1,000 Nigerian students at University of Ghana by 2004, while I
was a student, there. However, unconfirmed estimates showed an annual increase
by roughly 50 per cent in the number of Nigerian students coming to University
of Ghana”.
As
to why he left Nigeria to seek admission in Ghana, Ike had this to say: “I
thought that my fate was peculiar until I came to Ghana. I had taken JAMB for
six consecutive years without getting admission to any university in Nigeria.
At some point, I actually thought my fate was peculiar, until I came to Ghana”.
Concluding,
KK remarked: “Apart from universities, countless other Nigerians are studying
at Ghana Maritime Academy, Ghana Aviation Institute. I must, however, point out
that the cost of books, accommodation and feeding were not part of the between
the $5,000 and $6,000 we paid per session. There is serious capital-flight
taking place. Interestingly, the costlier part of studying in Ghana is
accommodation, books and feeding”.
Inside Benin Republic
By late 2012, some 75
Anglophone private schools could be found across Benin Republic’s economic
capital, Cotonou; whereas 20 years ago, such institutions were very rare in
this country. Such is the plenitude of these anglophone/bilingual institutions,
that their founders/owners came together to establish a chapter of the Nigerian-based
National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools in Cotonou.
Interestingly, a number of
schools owned by non-Nigerians are also running bilingual system with a view to
attracting Nigerian students. “There’s a big boom in education across Cotonou”,
Mr. Calistus Maduakor, proprietor of Abundance schools’ chain; revealed. This
boom, he opined, is traceable to relocation by countless Nigerian families to
Cotonou in the last 20 years.
According to Mr. Maduakor,
some of these institutions are doing purely Nigerian curriculum but there are
others that pursue international or bilingual system, so that products of such
schools can enjoy the benefit of both worlds. However, what is spent on the
education of Nigerian children attending nursery, primary and secondary schools
in Benin Republic could be described as insignificant, compared with what
obtains at the tertiary education level.
Nigerians in search of the
proverbial Golden Fleece have literally flooded Benin Republic. In fact, the
demand for higher education by Nigerians has led to a proliferation of
universities in this neighbouring country; whose capital city, alone, now
throws up over 20 universities, against only one 20 years ago.
Aside young Nigerians, some
middle-aged ones are also anxious to go to school. It could be recalled that
during a visit by President Goodluck Jonathan to Cotonou on 31 December, 2010;
some members of Nigerian community in Benin Republic actually pleaded with Dr
Jonathan to facilitate the establishment of a Nigerian university’s campus in
the neighbouring country.
Speaking at the event, which
was a reception for the visiting Nigerian President, a wealthy Cotonou-based
merchant lamented that he took to trading because want of money to pay school
fees. But, now that he was rich enough to pay his way through college, this
trader said he was anxious to go back to school.
As to why he had not enrolled
in one of Benin’s public or private universities; the man revealed he had plans
to return to Nigeria someday; therefore, he preferred Nigerian-style education
at an institution recognised by his country’s ministry of education. In
response, President Jonathan had promised to explore through the Federal
Ministry of Education, the possibility of having a Nigerian university’s campus
in Benin Republic.
Universities in Benin Republic
In
Benin Republic, Université
d'Abomey-Calavi (UAC), founded in 1970, is public-owned; and for
decades, was the only such tertiary institution in the land until Université de Parakou
(Parakou University) in Parakou, Borgou Region, some six hours’ drive north of
Cotonou; entered the picture.
Considering
that this duo began as State establishments, there can be no question over
their accreditation. However, these two colleges barely have enough place for
Beninese nationals, let alone the deluge of Nigerian youths seeking admission.
The majority of such Nigerians, therefore, naturally gravitate toward private
universities; and, here the problems lie.
It
is worth pointing out that, the 2012 edition of the International Colleges and
Universities Web Ranking list six universities as the Benin Republic’s
leaders. Université
d'Abomey-Calavi, Cotonou; Université Catholique de l’Afrique de l’Ouest (Catholic University) in
Cotonou; Université de Parakou (University of Parakou), Parakou; L’Université
Polytechnique Internationale du Benin, Cotonou; Université des Sciences Appliqueé et
Management (University of Applied Sciences and Management) in Porto Novo; and, Université
des Sciences et Technologie du Benin (University of Sciences and Technology,
Benin) in Cotonou; make up the sextet.
However,
other universities, some respectable amid sub-standard ones, have mushroomed
over Benin at an alarming rate. Houdegbe North American University Benin
(HNAUB) in Akpakpa; L’Université Polytechnique Internationale du Benin (UPIB) around
Etoile Rouge; Université CERCO and Université ISM Adonai, both in the Sikecondji
neighbourhood of Cotonou; are among the over 20 universities that can be found in
the Beninese economic capital.
Apart
from these and the Top Six, Benin Republic also boasts Université Catholique de
l’Afrique de l’Ouest (Catholic University of West Africa) in Cotonou; Institute
d’Enseignement Superieur Sonou Afrique in Porto Novo, which is also home of
Protestant University of West Africa. Other universites in former Dahomey
include Université
ESGIS, Université
HECM, IRGIB-Africa, vicinal to Carrefour la Beninoise, PIGIER Benin, close to
Cinema Vog on Avenue Steinmetz; UCAO and HEJT both in Cadjehoun, Ste Felicité in Godomey;
as well as Projet ESAAM in Akpakpa.
That
the Cotonou neighbourhood of Gbegamey alone throws up three universities helps
to put things in perspective. The three universities in Gbegamey are COURS
Gama, ISMA and Verachagune. Cotonou’s other universities include Esperanza near
Camp Guezo, Fopaze and Weldios, both in Gbedjromede; Cle de la Reussite in
Vodje, Menontin; and, CERI Formation in Fifadji.
Although
Benin’s Ministry of Tertiary Institutions is not lax, at all, in its duties; it
would seem that the ease with which one can register an academic institution in
that country has fostered proliferation.
mauricearchibongtravels was told that, it takes less than a year to get a
license from Benin’s Ministry of Tertiary Institutions to run a school. “Once
you have the necessary qualification, especially a background in education;
qualified and competent workforce as well as decent premises; you apply, with a
sample of the curriculum you intend to run. As part of the vetting process,
officials of relevant government agencies will visit the proposed school
premises on inspection. Where they are satisfied, you are likely to get
approval within six months”, one of our respondents revealed.
Apparently,
whereas the State took steps to smoothen the path to the establishment of
schools; some investors, on the other hand, appeared more interested in
raking-in money.
Though
founded in 1992, it would seem that HNAUB, which aims to be The
Reference in West Africa; was licensed by Benin Government, vide Decree
No 089/MESRS/CAB/DC/DPP/SP du 19/10/2001 as well as No 067/MESRS/CAB/DC/DPP/SP
du 18/10/2002; going by this university’s prospectus.
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| Gate of Houdegbe North American University Benin (HNAUB), located near PK Dix, Cotonou. |
Houdegbe’s
Faculties and Departments include Kwame Nkrumah School of International
Affairs, Political Science and Public Administration; General Mathieu Kerekou
School of Health Science, Sir (Dr) Kesington Adebukunola Adebutu Faculty of
Law, Prt Andre Kolingba Institute of Languages
and School of Translators, School of Economics; and, Rev. Dr Leon
Sullivan School of Business Administration.
During
our latest visit to Houdegbe, on Tuesday, February 26, 2013; we finally got to
meet a senior staffer of the institution. The top-brass, Mrs. Thelmathecla Udo,
is Director of Admissions at HNAUB. Her face lit up, when we mentioned
University of Ghana, Legon; among the universities our investigation had taken mauricearchibongtravels,
to.
Whereas
Mrs. Udo enthusiastically told us that she is an alumna of Ghana University,
the lady was not forthcoming with answers to our questions on HNAUB. Our
questions: “We were told by several Cotonou-based respondents that, ‘Nigerians
account for over 70 per cent of Houdegbe University’, is this true? We also learnt
from visits to Accra, that University of Ghana, Legon has a total student
population of 39,376. What is the situation at Houdegbe University”?
In
response, Mrs. Udo had advised us to submit a formal questionaire. “And, after
going through your memo, we would know what exactly you want and how to go
about addressing the issues”, this director of admissions remarked.
In
any case, while waiting to see Mrs. Udo (we actually spent over an hour in the
Admissions’ General Office before seeing the woman); one observed that a
booklet containing receipt issued for the purchase of admission application
forms; was close to its last pages. Even at that, many Nigerians, prospective
students and parents/guardians, were on queue to buy forms or make enquiries.
It
was in the process of waiting to see Mrs. Udo that we noticed some tell-tale
signs on a shelf behind one lady issuing admission forms. On the multi-rack
shelf were different piles of forms filed by prospective students. Whereas Business Administration featured the
highest pile of application forms, followed by Medicine/Pharmacy; application
by those wishing to study Mass Communication were barely 12. Were Nigerian
youth, supposed leaders of tomorrow, wary of journalism and its occupational
hazards? Whatever the case, how does one
get admitted to HNAUB?
Road to matriculation
For
starters and perhaps a crucial factor behind the influx of Nigerians to
universities in Benin, Ghana and elsewhere, prospective students have no
obstacle like JAMBE (Joint Admission and Matriculations Board Examination) to
contend with.
The
admission process, which could be likened to Direct Entry, begins with picking
up an application form. The price for this form varies from school to school.
In fact, the cost of admission form even differs within the same university,
depending on what course the prospective student was applying for.
At
Houdegbe North American University Benin, where the price is standard, an
admission form currently goes for 15,000francs (N5,000). It would seem that the
torrent of Nigerians virtually dying to get admitted to HNAUB pushed up the
cost of the admission application form because, two years ago; this document
sold for 10,000francs or the equivalent of N3,500 at the time.
At
HNAUB, the prospective student is expected to have “a minimum of five credits
in WAEC/GCE/ O Level NECO at not more than two sittings and must include
English Language and Mathematics and other courses relevant to choice of study”
(sic). We further learnt that, aside from the 15,000 francs for purchasing an
admission application form, each successful freshman subsequently has a tution
fee of 920,000francs (over N320,000) to pay.
Interestingly,
more fees await each HNAUB student: there is Hostel Charge, which extracts
300,000francs (N100,000) per student, each semester; and, another 30,000francs
(N10,000) Caution Fee. Moreover, a student is also required to pay another
30,000francs (N10,000) as Health Insurance premium, per semester. Although
Houdegbe boasts excellent hostel facilities on campus, the rooms and bed-space
are grossly inadequate for the ever-increasing number of Nigerian students
washing over here. Not to worry though, because some investors have put up
multi-storey structures with dozens of rooms near HNAUB to cater for students
that cannot find accommodation on campus.
So,
what does the student get at the end of the day? This university’s authorities
claim the institution “is situated in a serene, pleasant and healthy
environment, ideal for academic excellence”. While visits by this writer
verified their claim, questions would be asked as to the accreditation of some
courses. In terms of blocks, Houdegbe could hardly be faulted. Our penultimate
visit, on Wednesday, February 20, 2013; showed how rapidly infrastructures at
this complex have grown, compared to what we met on ground in late-2010; when
we came this way.
This
institution now boasts a World Politics Hall and a Zamfara State Hall among
several structures that have been added to the ever-growing list of buildings
that have sprouted here over the last 18 months. But, blocks alone do not a
university make. Perhaps, even more important than physical infrastructure are
the presence, adequacy and competence of the academic staff.
At
the rate this university has blossomed over the last 10 years or so, one could
not help but wonder how their teaching staffs is sourced. Bachelor of Art (BA)
in Political Science or Public Administration might not raise eye-brows here.
But, a Doctor of Medicine or Doctor of Pharmacy, for example? Benin Republic’s
Ministry of Tertiary Institutions as well as Nigerian Embassy Cotonou need to
clarify things, fast. Especially as our recent tours revealed that Nigerian
youths are literally falling over themselves to get admission, here.
Inside Togo
The
one-time German colony of Togo is one country, where things are still largely
tightly-controlled. For example, whereas some countries around Togo throw up
about a dozen GSM operators, only two networks (Government-owned Togo
Cellulaire and private-run Moov) are licensed operators in this former French
colony.
As
regards universities, the situation is very similar. There are only two
universities in Togo. These are Université de Lome, established in the capital
city in 1965; and, the latter-day Université de Kara, in the country’s northern
parts. With just two colleges in this nation of roughly 6 million population,
there is, evidently; barely enough room for indigenes seeking university
admission. Expectedly, therefore, most non-Togolese have to look
elsewhere.
 |
| Nigerian Envoy to Togo, Amb Matthew S. Adoli. |
Although
some Nigerians were found at Togo’s oldest degree-awarding public institution,
Université
de Lome; many were students of colleges back home but are in Togo for the
compulsory One Year Linguistic Immersion Programme. Nonetheless, countless
Nigerians are enrolled in numerous anglophone nursery, primary and secondary
schools in Togo.
 |
| Signboard of one of the many Anglophone schools in the Togolese capital, Lome. |
In
other words, Togo is not among countries flooded by Nigerians in search of the
proverbial Golden Fleece. However, this is not to say that the demand by
Nigerians in Togo for primary and secondary schools for their children and
wards are not very high. Although the idea of a Nigeria International School
Lome was mooted more than 20 years ago, that institution has not materialised.
In fact, the construction of Nigeria International School Lome is far from completed,
even though a Building Committee has been in place for over a decade.
 |
| Mrs. Osuagwu Lovina Mamuromu, proprietor of FMC schools in Lome. |
Taking
advantage of the inability of Nigeria International School Lome to metamorphose
from egg to larva, not to talk of pupa; private entrepreneurs had since
intervened to meet the needs of thousands of Nigerian children living with
parents and guardians in Togo. This explains why there are now no fewer than 12
anglophone schools in Lome, capital of Togo. A Nigerian-born proprietor of one
of Togo’s anglophone schools, Mrs. Osuagwu Mamuromu of Faith Mission Centre
(FMC), Lome; spoke with mauricearchibongtravels.
Inside Ghana
About
15 years ago, there were less than 15 universities across Ghana. Today, the
situation is very different. Many missions, both Christian and Islamic, have
established universities. Although the majority of Nigerian students in Ghana
are enrolled in schools based in the Ghanaian capital, Accra; many others are
pursuing various courses at various colleges in Kumasi, Cape Coast, Winneba and
elsewhere in that country.
 |
| Amb Onafowokan with pupils of Holy Infant Nursery/Primary/Secondary Schools in Agbor, Delta State during their visit to Nigerian High Commission Accra as part of their week-long excursion to Ghana. |
mauricearchibongtravels also discovered that thousands of Nigerian youths are
studying at University of Ghana (UG), Legon; Kwame Nkrumah University of
Science and Technology (KNUST), University of Cape Coast (UCC) and University
of Education in Winneba (UEW). The above-named quartet is among Ghana’s six
public universities, and; the remaining two of the sextet are University of
Development Studies, where Mr. ABT Zakariah (PhD) is Registrar in Tamale,
Northern Region; and, University of Mining and Technology in Tarkwa.
Founded
in 1948, University of Ghana, which began as University College of the Gold
Coast, following recommendations of the “Asquith Commission on Higher Education
in the British Colonies”; is the oldest such institution in this country.
Today, as authorities, alumni and other stakeholders prepare to celebrate this
college’s 65th anniversary; UG boasts 39,376 students.
This
almost-40,000 number of students makes UG the largest in terms of student
population among all tertiary institutions in the old Gold Coast; according to
the January 28, 2013 edition of The Daily Dispatch. Although
University of Ghana is quite popular among Ghanaians, the country’s other
preferred colleges include; Kwame Nkrumah University of Technology (KNUST) in
Kumasi; University of Cape Coast (UCC) and University of Education, Winneba
(UEW).
The
Presbyterian University College, a multi-campus affair with one such outpost at
Abetifi-Kwahu in Okwahu, is among the dozens of tertiary institutions run by
Christian missions across Ghana. There are also the Catholic University of
Ghana in Sunyani; Pentecost University College, Accra; Christ Apostolic
University College in Kumasi as well as the Evangelical Presbyterian University
College (EPUC), which prides itself as The premier university of the Volta Region;
in Ho.
Furthermore,
there is the Methodist University College, Weslyan Centre for Professional and
Continuing Education in Dansoma; and, the Anglican University of Technology
(Ang.U.Tech) in Legon, Accra but with other campuses, including one at
Nkoranza. Not to be outdone, Muslim faithful have also set up a University for
Islamic Studies in East Legon, Accra. Aside these mission-owned colleges, Ghana
literally throws up over 50 universities or degree-awarding institutions.
These
include Ashesi University College, Berekuso; Regent University College of
Science and Technology, Accra; University College of Agriculture and
Environmental Studies, Bunso; Kings University College, Accra; All Nations
University College, Koforidua; Central University College in Dawhenya, on the
fringes of Greater Accra Region; Valley View University; Zenith University
College; Dominion University College, and West End University College in
Ngleshie-Amanfro on the Weija-Kasoa Highway; both affiliated to UCC; and,
Academy of Management and Leadership, which like numerous such institutions run
“UK Accredited Programmes”.
Other
universities in Ghana include Wisconsin International University College in
Legon, Accra; Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA);
University College of Management Studies (UCOMS), which began in 1974 as
Institute of Management Studies. Located on the Weija-Kasoa Highway, UCOMS is
affiliated to both University of Education Winneba (UEW) and Kwame Nkrumah University
of Science and Technology (KNUST).
There
is also Ghana Technology University College, originally named Ghana Telecom
University at Tesano in Accra. Accra Institute of Technology (AIT), a KNUST
affiliate; Knutsford University College, off Bamako Road in East Legon, Accra
and affiliated to University of Ghana; Garden City University College in
Kenyase, Kumasi; Mahatma Gandhi University; Radford University College (RUC) in
East Legon, founded by Nana Worae Wiredu; KAAF University College; Trans Africa
University College (TAUC) near Kwame Nkrumah Circle in Accra; and, African
University College of Communications (AUCC); are among Ghana’s tertiary
institutions besieged by education-thirsty Nigerian youth.
 |
| Frontal of Trans African University College (TAUC), Accra, Ghana. |
Evidently,
many of Ghana’s tertiary institutions operate from campuses scattered across
the country; some have undergone name-change, but; most importantly, virtually
all of these private schools are recognised by Ghana’s National Accreditation
Board (NAB). Moreover, majority of them are affiliated to The Big Four; viz:
University of Ghana, Legon; Kwame Nkrumah University of Technology (KNUST) in
Kumasi; University of Cape Coast (UCC) and University of Education, Winneba
(UEW).
In
essence, therefore, the issue of taking a degree from an unrecognised college
is, ab initio, largely ruled out. In other words, such schools follow British
curricula and prepare their students as external candidates for recognised
certificates, diplomas and degrees.
 |
| L-R: Mr. Ike, Hon. Asamoah Boateng and Hon. Albert Kandapa, a former Tourism Minister in Ghana and former Energy Minister, respectively at an event in Biriwa, near Cape Coast. |
Whatever
their warts, however, several universities and colleges in Ghana are becoming
even more and more popular because they are dynamic in terms of course content
and curriculum development. For instance, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science
and Technology (KNUST) recently began a course in Road Safety and Traffic
Management. With such development, it is hoped, the stifling traffic jam that
sometimes turn the barely 30km journey between Accra’s Kwame Nkrumah Circle and
Tema into a two-hour drill would soon be a thing of the past.
Conclusion
The
President of Institute d’Enseignement Superieur Sonou Afrique in Porto Novo,
Mr. Theophile G. Kodjo, said he and other stakeholders have tried to raise
awareness on the importance of parents and their children verifying the
accreditation of Benin-based tertiary institutions before enrollment.
“Unfortunately”, he rued; “the problem persists”.
Before
sending a child or ward to study at any university outside Nigeria, parents and
guardians would do well to observe the adage, Look before you leap.
And, even after looking; contact the Evaluation and Accreditation Department of
the Federal Ministry of Education for clarifications, before that crucial leap.
Can Open University of Nigeria (NOUN),
redress the situation?
Meanwhile,
President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan’s envoy to Benin Republic, Ambassador
Lawrence Olufemi Obisakin, has observed that one way of arresting the risk of
Nigerians enrolling at Benin-based universities operating without requisite
accreditation, is to establish outposts of the National Open University of Nigeria
(NOUN) in some settlements in that neighbouring country.
Hear
him: “Our efforts include getting NOUN to set-up Study Centres in Cotonou,
Porto Novo and Parakou. With such centres, a Nigerian can be sure that whatever
programme he or she enrolled for, already had the backing of the National
Universities Commission (NUC) and the Federal Ministry of Education”.
Where
such proves a success upon implementation, it may well serve as a template for
different countries with a staggering population of Nigerian immigrants.
Meet 3 Nigerian students in Ghana
Comrade
Dumo A. Black-Duke is President, Ghana Chapter of the National Association of
Nigerian Students. Currently 30 years old, and a final-year Human Resource
Management student at Zenith University College, Mr. Black-Duke hails from
Buguma, Asari-Toru LGA in Rivers State. Black-Duke, who described the tuition
fee at his school as moderate; added: “It’s only $1,200 (roughly N200,000) per
semester”.
 |
| Mr. Dumo Black-Duke. |
As
President of the association of Nigerian students in Ghana, does Black-Duke
have any idea how many of his compatriots were currently enrolled at different
tertiary institutions across the old Gold Coast?
Hear
Black-Duke: “Presently, there are over 80,000 Nigerians studying in Ghana. This
80,000 figure is based on estimates given by Prof Charles Soludo, while he was
Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). At that time, a CBN report, which gave
71,000 as the number of Nigerian students in Ghana also revealed that we were
contributing $1billion (N160billion) to Ghana’s economy, apart from
accommodation and feeding expenses”.
With
regard to the number of Nigerians in his school as well as that institution’s
over-all student-population, Black-Duke revealed: “At the moment, the
population of students at my school is roughly 6,000 and Nigerians account for
at least 70 per cent of the total enrollment. This means that, there are at
least 4,200 Nigerians studying at my school, alone. In fact, half of the
roughly 400 students in my set are Nigerians. In my school, there are Nigerians
from virtually every ethnic group, Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba and various minority
ethnic nationalities”.
As
to why he came to study in Ghana, Black-Duke had this to say: “I wrote JAMBE
for four years without getting admission. In 2008, I wrote JAMB exams for the
last time before making up my mind to look elsewhere. Here in Ghana, at my
school for example; all that is required is six O Level credits, including
English and Maths.
“But,
if you are planning to be in the Faculty of Art, you need one core Science,
and; if you are looking for admission to study a science course, you need one
core Art subject. Once the plan to commence admission is announced, you pick
the form. At my school, admission application form costs only 60cedis (less
than N5,000), he further revealed.
When
asked what his plans were, upon completion of his studies in Ghana, Black-Duke
mused: “I believe I will be busy and occupied after graduation. I believe we
should work toward making ourselves employable and I am seriously considering
this option. We are making efforts to have comparative advantage over others.
For example, I have experience as an international student. Some employers, if
I chose to look for work in some multinational, could consider this an
advantage for me”.
How
about accreditation? Black-Duke again: “Accreditation is a challenge some
Nigerian students face in Ghana. The issue of accredition is a major issue we
are trying to resolve, Black-Duke admitted; adding, my school is affiliated to
University of Cape Coast (UCC). Most of the private universities do not issue
their own degrees because they are affiliated to the Big Four. So, on
graduation, we actually end up as holders of degrees from one of the Big Four
universities in Ghana.
“University
of Ghana (UG), Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST),
University of Cape Coast (UCC) and University of Education Winneba (UEW) are
the Big Four government-owned universities. Currently, there are only two
autonomous private universities, whose products’ degree/certificate carry the
schools’ name and crest. These are Central University and Valley View
University (the first accredited private university)”.
Concluding,
Black-Duke said: “In Ghana, before you open a college or university, you have
to meet the conditions of the National Accrediation Board (NAB) and such
private university must operate for a decade before going autonomous.
Patrick Chijioke
While
in Ghana, mauricearchibongtravels also spoke with 22-year-old Patrick
Chijioke. A 200-level Law student of Zenith University College, Mr. Chijioke
hails from Ihiala LGA in Anambra State. He revealed he had also attempted JAMBE
twice without success, before setting out for Ghana in search of opportunity to
further his education.
 |
| Mr. Patrick Chijioke. |
Was
the road to matriculation smooth or bumpy for Chijioke? “The process begins
with if you passed WASCE with six credits. If you did, then you have scaled the
first obstacle. Next, you have to buy an application form, which costs 80cedis
(less than N7,000). After filing your application, you will be invited to sit
an aptitude test. After this test, the result is likely to be released in two
weeks, successful applicants will get their letter of admission”, he said.
What
is his take on fees as a Nigerian studying in Ghana? Hear Mr. Chijioke: “At my
school, Zenith University College, we pay two tuition fees: One to Zenith
University and the other to University of London to which my university is
affiliated. As a beginner, the total fee to University of London is £804 (over
N200,000), apart from the 1,300cedis (over N90,000) paid to Zenith University
College. However, it came down a bit in the second year, because whereas we
paid the same 1,300cedis to Zenith University; the payment to University of
London, £375, was considerably lower”.
Any
idea, if the fees would be revised again, when he got to third year? “I really
cannot say. But, when we asked Zenith University’s Accounts Manager, he said
there could be an increase. However, we still do not know to what extent”.
Does
he foresee problems practising law in Nigeria, since some of the core courses
in his school’s Law Curriculum revolve around Ghana? “We are using the English
Legal System. So, most of our studies are trained toward English/Nigerian
System. However, there are slight differences, when it comes to Law Reports. But,
such issues are easily addressed because we have web-sites, which we visit for
the latest English Law Reports”, he remarked.
For
a 22-year-old deprived of emotional support from family and friends because he
had to travel to a foreign land for studies, how was Chijioke handling this
aspect? “At Zenith University, I believe they have a Counselling Officer. But,
I’ve never had cause to consult that department. I was barely 20 years old,
when I came here. Since primary through secondary school, I’ve been separated
from my parents because of education. So, I’m like used to being on my own.
Generally, I have been handling my issues myself, but; I must confess that my
course-mates, both classmates and seniors, have been very supportive”, he
explained.
Was
Chijioke enjoying life as a Nigerian in Ghana? “I’m the kind of person that I
don’t get attached to any environment. Moreso, for some reason, I don’t find
Ghanaian cuisine very interesting. So, I can’t wait to graduate and return to
my country”, he concluded.
Zinami Iwariso
Mr.
Zinami Iwariso, who hails from Abua in Abua-Odua LGA, near Ahoada in River
State, is also a 200-level Law student at Zenith University College. Who foots
the bills for his studies in Ghana? “My parents pay my fees”, he said.
 |
| Mr. Zinami Iwariso. |
How
was he coping, cut-off from his parents and siblings as regards emotional
support? “Being detached from parents, family and friends has been challenging,
but I’ve been surviving and will continue to do so; especially with support
from friends and the school’s counsellor”.
Was
he saying that he ever had cause to visit his school’s Counseling Department?
“Yes”, he replied. What took him there? “It was an academic problem that led me
to consult my school’s counsellor, the very first time. It was a course, I had
difficluty comprehending. I was given some very bulky textbooks to read over a
very short period of time and couldn’t cope. But, after joint consultations
with counseling officers, other less voluminous books were prescribed for me.
This brought the crisis to an end”.
As
a young man, there is the issue of falling in love or starting a relationship
with a young girl. Has he encountered any challenge in this regard? “Yes. I had
a challenge with one girl, a Nigerian girl”, he confessed. How did it go? “We
both made mistakes and it was emotionally damaging to me. But, with time; I’ve
got over it”, he said conclusively.
A:
Universities/Colleges in Benin Republic at a glance
Public Universities
1. Université d'Abomey-Calavi, Cotonou
2. Université de Parakou, Parakou
Others include
3.
Cle de la Reussite
4.
CERI Formation in Fifadji.
5.
COURS Gama,
6.
Esperanza,
7.
Fopaze
8.
HEJT
9.
Houdegbe North American University Benin (HNAUB), Akpakpa;
10.
Institute d’Enseignement Superieur Sonou Afrique in Porto Novo,
11.
IRGIB-Africa,
12.
ISMA
13.
L’Université
Polytechnique Internationale du Benin (UPIB);
14.
PIGIER Benin,
15.
Protestant University of West Africa
16.
UCAO
17. Université Catholique de
l’Afrique de l’Ouest, Cotonou;
18. Université des Sciences
Appliqueé et Management, Porto Novo
19. Université des Sciences et
Technologie du Benin, Cotonou
20.
Université
CERCO
21.
Université
ISM Adonai, Cotonou;
22. Université ESGIS,
23. Université HECM,
24. Verachagune
25. Weldios
B:
Universities/Colleges in Togo at a glance
Public
1.
Université
de Lome
2.
Université
de Kara
C:
Universities/Colleges in Ghana at a glance
Public Universities
1.
University of Ghana (UG), Legon
2.
Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST)
3.
University for Development Studies
4.
University of Cape Coast (UCC)
5.
University of Education in Winneba (UEW)
6.
University of Mining and Technology, Tarkwa
Select others
7.
Academy of Management and Leadership
8. Accra Institute of Technology
(AIT)
9. African University College
of Communications (AUCC)
10. All Nations University
College, Koforidua
11. Anglican University of
Technology (Ang.U.Tech), Accra
12.
Ashesi University College, Berekuso
13. Catholic University of
Ghana, Sunyani
14.
Central University College in Dawhenya
15. Christ Apostolic
University College in Kumasi
16.
Dominion University College
17. Evangelical Presbyterian
University College (EPUC), Ho
18.
Garden City University College in Kenyase, Kumasi
19.
Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA)
20. Ghana Technology
University College, Accra
21.
KAAF University College
22.
Kings University College, Accra
23.
Mahatma Gandhi University
24.
Methodist University College, in Dansoman
25.
Pentecost University College, Accra
26.
Presbyterian University College
27.
Radford University College (RUC), Accra
28.
Regent University College of Science and Technology, Accra
29. Trans Africa University
College (TAUC)
30.
University College of Agriculture and Environmental Studies, Bunso
31.
University College of Management Studies (UCOMS)
32.
University for Islamic Studies in East Legon, Accra
33.
Valley View University
34.
West End University College, Ngleshie-Amanfro
35.
Wisconsin International University College, Accra
36.
Zenith University College, Accra
NB:
This list is by no means exhaustive.
