Have you considered what life is like at some universities in Nigeria and other parts of Africa? Pay4Me followed the stories of six students from Rwanda and Nigeria who have different views of schools and studying abroad. Don't just take our word for this, hear what it's like for these students and their challenges.

Alaiye Oluwaseye Elizabeth

School: Lagos State College of Nursing, Igando.

Course: Midwifery

Have you considered studying abroad before attending your school?

Yes, I did

Do you consider studying and working in Nigeria

I am not considering working or studying in Nigeria - "En route Japa ."I want to Japa to Canada. I chose this as my dream country because of its thriving economy, high-quality education, and welcoming atmosphere.

How do you spend your leisure in school?

I spend my leisure hours doing any of these: watching a movie on Netflix, watching videos on TikTok, checking what's trending on Twitter, or watching Amy's Vlog on YouTube.

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Did you apply for this course, or did the system force it on you?

I applied for this course. I've always wanted to be in the medical line involving just women and children, so being a student Midwife is a dream come true for me.

What would it be if you changed one thing about your education?

Unstable academic calendar.

What are the challenges Nigerian students face in school?

Financial challenge is a significant challenge for the majority of Nigerian students. Living "satisfactorily" as a Nigerian student with the current economic status is difficult. Aside from that, an unstable academic calendar, inadequate infrastructural facilities, and a shortage of lecturers are other pressing challenges faced by most Nigerian students.

What makes it easier for Nigerians to excel abroad as students?

We've been bred through tedious schoolwork with little to no flexibility. Also, theoretically, we're sound, but when it comes to the experimental aspect, we're just 50% exposed to doing things. Most Nigerian students (speaking from the clinical aspect) have been used to "alternative practice" or "abstract thinking," so when left to go to a country that supports our ideas, we can think abstractly and actualize those thoughts.

Mesioye AbdulQuadri

School: Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta

Course: Veterinary Medicine

Are you considering studying and working in Nigeria?

I presently work and study simultaneously in Nigeria. It is a scene of one pausing the other. I know once exams are approaching, I do not take any work. Then, if I do, I know the client has to pay me extra for doing the job at such a time. I am into tailoring, and I have dedicated a majority of my nights to studying and part of the nights also to learning.

On Saturdays, during the day, I have time dedicated to sewing so I can read. Lastly, during the first week of resumption, I only sewed and neglected to study for work. So, working and studying simultaneously in school is the one that requires sacrificing one for the other at a certain period.

Read: 10 Cheapest Universities in Europe for International Students

Are you thinking of studying abroad for your master's?

Yes, I have given studying abroad a thought to further my studies, as I have learned that veterinarians are better trained there and are more valued, especially in Canada. I have learned they pay doctors very well. Maybe the United Kingdom because they take animals seriously, and that's an avenue to see my team in the UK, I mean Arsenal.

How do you spend your leisure in school?

I have a leisure period, but it is minute. My little leisure time is spent watching football, so I know I watch two Arsenal matches four hours per week each week. My remaining time is for school, work, and other extracurricular activities not meant to be used as recreation.

Six Students Talk About Why They Want to Drop out of Schools: Student Spotlight

Did you apply for this course, or did the system force it on you?

Hmm, it's a long story. I intended to play football as a kid, but my mother wouldn't allow me then. Since they didn't let me, I vowed to do an agricultural course like animal production😂. So, I proceeded with that mindset to obtain jamb form. However, unfortunately, I made a wrong subject combination, reverted to A level, and was still pursuing agriculture. Father was hesitant after he saw my results, and they told him I was the best student; he then reported me to a lecturer who later told me the beauty of Veterinary Medicine. I changed willingly, but it was influenced.

What are the challenges Nigerian students face in school?

Hardship studying is part of transport, power supply, and unfavorable learning rooms.

What makes it easier for Nigerians to excel abroad as students?

We Nigerians learn with stress and pressure and no resources to learn, so we tend to do better without the pressure abroad and with resources at hand.

Have you ever considered dropping out of school?

Yes, the time I lost my Mother. Everything seemed hard then, and I couldn't just continue. There were days I wouldn't read for tests, but I am too blessed I wouldn't still fail. So, I decided to continue and make MAMA PROUD. We thank the good Lord that I have overcome that feeling.

Eunice Babatunde

School: African Leadership University, Rwanda

Course: Entrepreneurial Leadership

Have you considered studying abroad before attending your school?

Yes, I did. Applied to over 45 schools in the space of 2 years

Do you consider studying and working?

Yeah, I currently work and study. I use a scheduling system, prioritizing what's most important per day/week. I also don't work daily to create a healthy schedule for myself. So basically, I create a balance by prioritizing and keeping to schedule and a well-defined delivery system for my business, which I also study three times a week.

Can we know how you spend your leisure in school?

I spend my leisure time doing my business, sometimes taking walks to get off phone/laptop screens, and sleeping.

What would it be if you changed one thing about your education?

Regarding teaching methods, I would craft different niches for as many different kinds of students

as possible.

What are the challenges Nigerian students face in school?

Union strikes, terrible lecturers, archaic curriculum

Read: Ezeanya’s Story: Geography Stopped Me From Becoming a Pilot, And Sapa Humbled Me

What makes it easier for Nigerians to excel abroad as students?

We're already used to studying on our own, and we are great at it, so going to a place where every resource is available for you to excel only makes it easier for someone who already does well when doing everything alone.

Have you ever considered dropping out of school?

Yes, just every other day.

Sunmisola Ganikale

School: University of Lagos

Course: Electrical and Electronics Engineering

Have you considered studying abroad before attending your school?

Yes.

Are you considering studying and working in Nigeria?

Yes, I can balance work-study with proper time management.

Are you thinking of studying abroad for your master's?

I want to study in the USA due to its many opportunities.

Can we know how you spend your leisure in school?

I spend my leisure time playing football, hanging out with friends, and sleeping. However, sometimes the workload is too much to have leisure

.Did you apply for this course, or did the system force it on you?

A bit of both.

What would it be if you changed one thing about your education?

Exposure and information

Six Students Talk About Why They Want to Drop out of Schools: Student Spotlight

What are the challenges Nigerian students face in school?

Improper checks and balances for our grading system and metric, lack of adequate materials and lectures

What makes it easier for Nigerians to excel abroad as students?

Generally, it is because we have been subjected to more rigorous and difficult standards in Nigeria, so when we move to systems where all is in order, we flourish.

Have you ever considered dropping out of school?

Yes.

Erovwosere Great

School: Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology

Course: Computer Science

Have you considered studying abroad before attending your school?

Yes, I did.

Are you considering studying and working in Nigeria?

No, I don't.

Are you thinking of studying abroad for your master's?

Yes, I am thinking of Canada. I feel it's an excellent place to learn in general.

Can we know how you spend your leisure in school?

I spend my time attending online classes and hanging out with friends.

Did you apply for this course, or did the system force it on you?

The system forced it on me

What would it be if you changed one thing about your education?

I would change how there is less practical and more theoretical teaching in schools. We go to school to know everything, so it would be nice to have a little hands-on experience sometimes and not all talk.

What are the challenges Nigerian students face in school?

Infrastructure, Time management, Quality of education, funding, Security, etc

What makes it easier for Nigerians to excel abroad as students?

Quality education, time management, and study skills, mentorship from lecturers, etc

Have you ever considered dropping out of school?

No

Kelly Erovwosere

School: University Of Benin

Course: Chemical Engineering

Have you considered studying abroad before attending your school?

Absolutely.

Are you considering studying and working in Nigeria?

Yes, I do—all the time.

Are you thinking of studying abroad for your master's?

Yes, I am. I want to study in the UK. I'm not sure why, though. I'm just really drawn to that country.

Can we know how you spend your leisure in school?

When I don't have an overload of classes and tests to worry about (which is once a week), I hang out with my friends or do some art.

Did you apply for this course, or did the system force it on you?

I applied for it, funny enough.

Six Students Talk About Why They Want to Drop out of Schools: Student Spotlight

What would it be if you changed one thing about your education?

Have the teachers intent on students understanding and applying what they're teaching rather than setting us up to fail.

What are the challenges Nigerian students face in school

We go home and teach ourselves online because of the negligence of lecturers. Also, juggling work and school and mental health disorders.

What makes it easier for Nigerians to excel abroad as students?

I'm not sure—maybe a more intentional school system.

Have you ever considered dropping out of school?

All the time.

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