Lecturer explains why Nigerian youths prefer studying abroad

Some stakeholders have said Nigerian youths prefer to study abroad due to the decay in the nation’s education system. They spoke during a programme in Lagos on how Nigerians could study abroad with ease organised by the University of Sunderland, United Kingdom. The programme was held simultaneously in Lagos, Benin and Port Harcourt.

A Nigerian lecturer at the University of Sunderland, Larry Jones lamented that incessant strike in the nation’s tertiary institution had resulted in students spending up to six years for a course that should run for four years.

“One of the reasons many youths want to study abroad is the quality they get. University of Sunderland understands the importance of giving the best. Our system back home in those days is measured with that of the UK, what has happened? Over time, there is decay; there is a system that is not working for the young people. Something is wrong with our education system; we should change the way we do things. The way forward is for those coming to study abroad to go back and change things,” he said.

Deputy Director, International, University of Sunderland, UK, Ian Moody said the school had been having students from Nigeria for almost a decade now, and the exhibition is to help students gain admission into the institution which had been in existence for over 100 years.

“We have really found out that Nigerian students are of high quality and standard. They add more value to the curriculum of the university. We know it has been difficult getting Nigerian students into UK in terms of visas and fees. And what we want to do is give back to Nigerians and Africans in terms of offering scholarships.”