An education consultant, Salewa Olayinka, has said the reason some Nigerians rush to acquire tertiary education in Europe and America is to interact with international professionals in their fields.
The graduate of Birmingham University, United Kingdom, said Nigerians appreciate the importance of acquiring world-class degrees and the opportunity to network with some of the best professionals from various countries of the world.
Though she graduates can compete internationally, she noted that the rigour and financial implications of studying abroad, particularly in Western countries are worth the while.
Olayinka is the Chief Executive Officer of the Akure-based D. Dot Resources and Allied Limited, a representative of Birmingham University in Nigeria and management and training as well as consultant on admission to Birmingham University in Nigeria.
She said: "Nigerians run overseas for tertiary education because they understand that education goes beyond the borders of their country. They appreciate the need to broaden their horizon because the world has become a global village. They appreciate the need to interact with international professionals in their fields.
"This effort is worth it because the quality of education they receive abroad is very high. For instance qualifications obtained in the UK are recognized worldwide although students from Nigerian universities can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with their peers abroad."
She however advised students seeking admission abroad to equip themselves with knowledge of the universities they want to attend, seek enough knowledge about the proposed course of study and establish how the courses fit into their career plan and how well the courses can be applied in their home country. "It is not enough to just acquire knowledge, it is important to be able to apply it in the home country," she said.
Explaining the work of the firm and its relationship with Birmingham University, Olayinka said: "Basically, D. Dot Resources Operation is all about management and consultancy and training in diverse areas of human resources management.”
We consult in this area to private, public and individuals. Also we render career advisory services to enable people make informed career choices.
"Our partnership with Birmingham University is in the area of education. We offer services and advice on how to gain admission to the university for residents of Nigeria, accommodation and payment of fees."
Source: The Nation.
