Why
Nigerians prefer Ghanaian educational system
As at 2011, Republic of Ghana is proud of the number of her quality tertiary institutions, a record which has encouraged more Nigerians and people from other parts of the world to make Ghana institutions their choice.
A trip to one of the most popular higher institutions in Ghananian which is dominated by Nigerians, popularly called All Nations University (ANU), also known as 'All Nigerian University was revealing. Onome Elvis Enakemu, is a 300 level student and President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), All Nations University chapter, said '' first and foremost, I believe there's God in every decision a man makes. I believe there's a specific plan of God for my life here in Ghana, because if I the circumstances that brought me to school in Ghana, you would no doubt believe that there's God's hand in it.''
Speaking about his ordeals, in an effort to gain admission to several state universities in Nigeria but to no avail, Enakemu said he had to make a better choice outside the shores of Nigeria, a decision not taken as a result of his parent's fat bank account. '' Before I finally gained admission into All Nations University, Koforidua, I had the privilege of passing through four Nigerian universities namely; Anambra State University of Science and Technology and the University of Port Harcourtcomparing the system in Ghana with that of Nigeria is like comparing death to sleep stut, in the sense that the system which Nigeria educational system operates has to do with students succeeding with every means possible.
"It means you may not attend classes but you may come out with flying colours, because lecturers could be manipulated in order to get marks. But here in Ghana, more specifically, All Nations University, the system is strict and it encourages discipline and hardwork. An average Nigerian who comes to study in Ghana usually gets serious about their studies, knowing what it cost their parents to make such financial sacrifices. In one word, the major difference is, in Ghana hardwork and discipline is encouraged but Nigerian educational system is flexible and many things could be manipulated.''
While relaying what spurred his interest in contesting for the election to the NANS office and the storm he and his executive members had to go through before they were recognised by the school authority, Enakemu said it was no doubt a struggle.'' I have the qualities of a leader, so considering all the discrepancies we have noticed in the system here, as regards how Nigerians have undergone series of unnecessary unpleasant experiences, because of the misunderstanding they have with their counterparts, I felt it was important for someone like me ensure peaceful co-existence between Ghananian and Nigerian communities. So, that's what prompted my decision to run for the post, despite all challenges.
''But as for the challenges we faced, it is because it's actually the first time election for the office was held. NANS was not recognised in the university; though there was an interim government which was not recognised in the University but we thank God that All Nations university (ANU), Ghana now recognises the association, a step which has helped us in forging ahead."
Moreover, Enakemu did not hesitate to state the objectives of the NANS in Ghana, which he said was to project and protect the interest of every Nigerian student in ANU -in line with the vision and mission statement of the school and also to rebuild the image of Nigerians.
"Our prayer is that we would get as much support as possible in order to achieve our objectives for a greater Nigeria. Very soon, the world, starting from Ghana, would begin to know that Nigerians are not what they think we are, because we at ANU would prove to them that we are good people and a product of a great nation.''
While one would think tribalism and discrimination was an act only experienced by blacks in Western countries, Enakemu revealed that same thing happens to Nigerians in Ghana as many Nigerians who could not speak their language bear the consequences of discrimination from an average Ghanaian. ''Let me say that when I first came, there was this frction between the Ghanaians.Nigerians due to excessive spending on the part of Nigerians who were here before now. Ghanaians believe Nigerians are very wealthy, so with that notion and wrong perception of Nigerian students, they make attempt to exploit us. For example, when you take a taxi drop, you will have to pay 1 cedi (N100) extra when they discover you are a Nigerian.
"When you go to their market, and you are unable to speak their language, they would sell their wares to you at high prices. The worst part of it is when you are seeking for accommodation, and the landlord or agent gets to know that you are a Nigerian, then you are in for it; because you would definitely pay more than what any Ghanaian would pay for the same house.''
Suggesting the possible way out of this exploitation, he said, ''I think the possible way to stop this is to make them understand us and see us as their brothers. But as for the association's plans, I don't think there is any concrete plan to correct that notion. As a matter of fact, there are many Ghanaians who have built estates with the resources they gained from Nigerians in the process of merchandising of goods and services to Nigerians. But one thing I preach often is, Nigerians have to give respect to the Ghanaians. They need to come to the realisation of the fact that there's no need for showing their excessiveness in terms of money their parents give them because it comes naturally to be tempted to gain excessively from a foreigner who lives a flamboyant lifestyle. Moreso, Ghanaians believe that Nigerians are oppressive and intimidating, and they also try as much as possible to make sure that such discrepancy is corrected.
''Again, Nigerian government needs to restructure our educational system, because one of the problems esting deep into the Nigerian image is poor educational structure; if the government could transform our educational system and ensure that everything that has to do with corruption, examination malpractice, mass failure of students is eradicated, I believe it would go a long way in boosting our hope and confidence in Nigerian educational system. As a result, giving Nigerians no reason to travel out of the country before they could get good education,'' Enakemu said.
When asked to evaluate how expensive it is to school in Ghana's private University, quite positive, stating that some private universities in Ghana tuition fees are less compared to some private universities in Nigeria ''I know of some universities in Nigeria tht are pretty expensive, and when compared to obtains in Ghana, I can boldly say you would conclude that it is better to school in Ghana. In ANU, we pay in U.S dollars aud it is approximately half a million in naira.''
On whether the chapter of the association have a relationship with the Nigerian High Commission in Ghana, ''so far, there is none. Actually we are looking for a way to connect the Nigeria high Commissioner, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, in order to let him know our challenges and grant us necessary help within his capacity.
"We also want to urge the Federal Government to remember to support their citizens studying in the diaspora, because we are leaders of today and tomorrow,"
As for his message to other Nigerian students in diaspora, ''I will advise Nigerians to see themselves an ambassadors anywhere they are. They should remember that many problems Nigerians are facing today in Ghana concerning accommodation, high cost of services and goods and even initiating relationship with their ladies is caused by the Nigerians who took advantage of everything and spoiled the image of Nigeria.''
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