L-R: A portakabin used as lecture room at AIT and the seven-storey building housing SMU |
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culled from PUNCH.
culled from PUNCH.
Sequel
to the irregular academic calendar and alleged inadequate facilities,
Nigerian parents send their children overseas for tertiary education.
The idea is that these schools have state-of-the-art amenities and their
graduates are world-class. However, after a 10-day tour of some
Ghanaian universities, TEMITAYO FAMUTIMI reports the conditions under which Nigerian students study in this West African country
to the irregular academic calendar and alleged inadequate facilities,
Nigerian parents send their children overseas for tertiary education.
The idea is that these schools have state-of-the-art amenities and their
graduates are world-class. However, after a 10-day tour of some
Ghanaian universities, TEMITAYO FAMUTIMI reports the conditions under which Nigerian students study in this West African country
Welcome to Accra Institute of
Technology (AIT), a one-block Ghanaian tertiary institution offering first
degrees as well as post-graduate degrees up to the doctoral level.
Technology (AIT), a one-block Ghanaian tertiary institution offering first
degrees as well as post-graduate degrees up to the doctoral level.
AIT, which prides itself as being
modelled after internationally-recognised institutes of technology such
as the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and California Institute of
Technology, both in the United States of America, occupies an
uncompleted, rented one-block building on the premises of the Civil
Service Training Centre of the Ghanaian government.
modelled after internationally-recognised institutes of technology such
as the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and California Institute of
Technology, both in the United States of America, occupies an
uncompleted, rented one-block building on the premises of the Civil
Service Training Centre of the Ghanaian government.
Interestingly, over 60 per cent of the
students in this institution are Nigerians. Out of an estimated 2,000
students pursuing various degree programmes, the institution’s
registrar, Mr. Dominic Osei-Boakye, who spoke with our correspondent in
his three-by-four-feet cubicle office, says over 1,200 of its student
population are Nigerians. He adds that 15 per cent of the students are
from Francophone African countries, while the remaining 25 per cent are
Ghanaians.
students in this institution are Nigerians. Out of an estimated 2,000
students pursuing various degree programmes, the institution’s
registrar, Mr. Dominic Osei-Boakye, who spoke with our correspondent in
his three-by-four-feet cubicle office, says over 1,200 of its student
population are Nigerians. He adds that 15 per cent of the students are
from Francophone African countries, while the remaining 25 per cent are
Ghanaians.
Shameful facilities
To accommodate students for the purpose
of lectures and other academic activities, the AIT authorities have had
to construct fabricated metal containers instead of properly built
lecture rooms. In fact, when our correspondent visited the school, some
students were seen studying on the deck of the structure housing the
institution.
of lectures and other academic activities, the AIT authorities have had
to construct fabricated metal containers instead of properly built
lecture rooms. In fact, when our correspondent visited the school, some
students were seen studying on the deck of the structure housing the
institution.
Investigation shows that most of these
foreign students have either been denied admission into the universities
back at home or — in the case of Nigerians — the majority are those
that have been frustrated by the incessant strikes usually embarked upon
by members of the Academic Staff of Union of Universities. And, as
usual with foreign students in overseas institutions, they pay in
American dollars.
foreign students have either been denied admission into the universities
back at home or — in the case of Nigerians — the majority are those
that have been frustrated by the incessant strikes usually embarked upon
by members of the Academic Staff of Union of Universities. And, as
usual with foreign students in overseas institutions, they pay in
American dollars.
At the AIT, the school fees range
between $1,300 and $1,510 per semester, excluding feeding, accommodation
and procurement of academic materials.
between $1,300 and $1,510 per semester, excluding feeding, accommodation
and procurement of academic materials.
Sources at the Nigerian High Commission
in Ghana told our correspondent that the Nigerian High Commissioner to
the country, Amb. Ademola Onafowokan, was utterly disappointed during
his visit to AIT when he had to address Nigerian students in their
hundreds under a tree…
in Ghana told our correspondent that the Nigerian High Commissioner to
the country, Amb. Ademola Onafowokan, was utterly disappointed during
his visit to AIT when he had to address Nigerian students in their
hundreds under a tree…
Study centres, shallow standards
Duly registered tertiary institutions of
learning in the standing of AIT, with no clear-cut standard
infrastructure and basic facilities, are scattered across the length and
breadth of Ghana. Apart from AIT, other institutions operating from a
one-block structure includes the Sikkim Manipal University, Accra
campus; Radford University College, Accra; and Mahatma Gandhi
University, Accra campus.
learning in the standing of AIT, with no clear-cut standard
infrastructure and basic facilities, are scattered across the length and
breadth of Ghana. Apart from AIT, other institutions operating from a
one-block structure includes the Sikkim Manipal University, Accra
campus; Radford University College, Accra; and Mahatma Gandhi
University, Accra campus.
While Sikkim Manipal University is
operated by KnowledgeWorkz Limited, the supposed “authorised learning
centre” for the Accra and Kumasi campuses, Paramount Academy for Career
Excellence boasts being the “authorised study centre” for the Mahatma
Gandhi University in Ghana.
operated by KnowledgeWorkz Limited, the supposed “authorised learning
centre” for the Accra and Kumasi campuses, Paramount Academy for Career
Excellence boasts being the “authorised study centre” for the Mahatma
Gandhi University in Ghana.
Investigations reveal that the processes
involved in securing admission into these quasi universities are rather
too easy for comfort, because they only require the candidate to have a
good Senior School Certificate Examination result. This is in sharp
contrast to Nigeria where, in addition to scoring at least six credits
in the SSCE, candidates are also required to write and pass the Unified
Tertiary Matriculation Examination as well as the Post-UTME of their
individual institutions of choice.
involved in securing admission into these quasi universities are rather
too easy for comfort, because they only require the candidate to have a
good Senior School Certificate Examination result. This is in sharp
contrast to Nigeria where, in addition to scoring at least six credits
in the SSCE, candidates are also required to write and pass the Unified
Tertiary Matriculation Examination as well as the Post-UTME of their
individual institutions of choice.
Ghana’s public varsities
As for public universities in Ghana,
they are widely acclaimed as great citadels of learning, with stable
academic calendars, unlike their Nigerian counterparts where lecturers
sometimes go on strikes for months at a stretch, disrupting academic
calendars and making higher education a bore to most students. Anyway,
the lecturers in Nigeria usually do so on principles and with the
intention to get the system standardised.
they are widely acclaimed as great citadels of learning, with stable
academic calendars, unlike their Nigerian counterparts where lecturers
sometimes go on strikes for months at a stretch, disrupting academic
calendars and making higher education a bore to most students. Anyway,
the lecturers in Nigeria usually do so on principles and with the
intention to get the system standardised.
Investigations show that securing
admission into any of the nine universities is highly competitive, as a
prospective candidate must present his academic transcripts from his
home university, the original WASSCE result, while he also has to sit
for an internal examination relevant to the intended course, the overall
result of which will determine whether or not he will be offered
admission.
admission into any of the nine universities is highly competitive, as a
prospective candidate must present his academic transcripts from his
home university, the original WASSCE result, while he also has to sit
for an internal examination relevant to the intended course, the overall
result of which will determine whether or not he will be offered
admission.
The institutions are the University of
Ghana, Legon; Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology,
Kumasi; University of Cape Coast; University of Education, Winnieba;
University for Development Studies, Tamale.
Ghana, Legon; Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology,
Kumasi; University of Cape Coast; University of Education, Winnieba;
University for Development Studies, Tamale.
Others are the University of Energy and
Natural Resources, Ahafo; University of Mines and Technology, Tarkwa;
University of Professional Studies, Legon; and the more recently
established University of Health and Allied Sciences in the Volta
Region. All of these tertiary institutions have standard facilities and
structures.
Natural Resources, Ahafo; University of Mines and Technology, Tarkwa;
University of Professional Studies, Legon; and the more recently
established University of Health and Allied Sciences in the Volta
Region. All of these tertiary institutions have standard facilities and
structures.
High varsity fees
As stated earlier, Nigerian candidates
seeking a spot in Ghanaian government-owned universities are not only
required to have very good grades in their Senior School Certificate
Examinations, as international students, they also pay very high tuition
fees, compared to domestic students.
seeking a spot in Ghanaian government-owned universities are not only
required to have very good grades in their Senior School Certificate
Examinations, as international students, they also pay very high tuition
fees, compared to domestic students.
The university fees are higher than
those charged by the study centres, and they include fees for
accommodation (excluding feeding) which range between $6,000 and $8,000
per session.
those charged by the study centres, and they include fees for
accommodation (excluding feeding) which range between $6,000 and $8,000
per session.
Foreign students studying medicine pay
more, as their tuition is sometimes as much as $18,000 per academic
session. Again, excluding feeding and other incidentals.
more, as their tuition is sometimes as much as $18,000 per academic
session. Again, excluding feeding and other incidentals.
Lone private varsity
Nigeria currently has 34 private
universities, many of which have graduated several thousands of
students; and there are plans to found more; while the Federal
Government also established six more universities, scattered across the
country a few years ago. This is unlike what obtains in Ghana which has a
lone private varsity with the power of full autonomy.
universities, many of which have graduated several thousands of
students; and there are plans to found more; while the Federal
Government also established six more universities, scattered across the
country a few years ago. This is unlike what obtains in Ghana which has a
lone private varsity with the power of full autonomy.
Indeed, out of the over 50 private
universities certified by the Ghanaian government, only one of them is a
full-fledged institution chartered to award degrees — the Valley View
University, belonging to the Seventh Day Adventist. Situated on
Accra-Dodowa Road, near Oyibi in the Greater Accra Region, VVU awards
degrees on its own, without recourse to any government-owned or foreign
university.
universities certified by the Ghanaian government, only one of them is a
full-fledged institution chartered to award degrees — the Valley View
University, belonging to the Seventh Day Adventist. Situated on
Accra-Dodowa Road, near Oyibi in the Greater Accra Region, VVU awards
degrees on its own, without recourse to any government-owned or foreign
university.
This is contrary to what obtains in the
so-called affiliate Ghanaian universities that issue certificates in the
name of their mentor universities. The same thing applies to the study
centres and satellite campuses, which also depend on the foreign
institutions they are affiliated to for all their academic needs.
so-called affiliate Ghanaian universities that issue certificates in the
name of their mentor universities. The same thing applies to the study
centres and satellite campuses, which also depend on the foreign
institutions they are affiliated to for all their academic needs.
While statistics from the Nigerian High
Commission puts the number of Nigerians studying in Ghanaian
universities at over 110,000, local media report that Nigerians in
Ghana’s public universities are a little above 2,000. This probably
means that the majority of Nigerian students are spread across various
Ghanaian institutions that are affiliates, study/learning centres or
satellite campuses, with the exception of VVU.
Commission puts the number of Nigerians studying in Ghanaian
universities at over 110,000, local media report that Nigerians in
Ghana’s public universities are a little above 2,000. This probably
means that the majority of Nigerian students are spread across various
Ghanaian institutions that are affiliates, study/learning centres or
satellite campuses, with the exception of VVU.
While various countries have had cause
to confront the menace of unapproved or unlicensed universities, the
state of affairs in many accredited tertiary institutions in Ghana leave
much to be desired.
to confront the menace of unapproved or unlicensed universities, the
state of affairs in many accredited tertiary institutions in Ghana leave
much to be desired.
Scandalous structures
From uncompleted buildings, one-block
apartments to two-storey structures, many of the accredited private
universities in Ghana appear to be mere money-making ventures for their
owners. More worrisome is the fact that in many of the universities
visited by our correspondent, Nigerians form the bulk of their student
population, while they also top the nationality of guests at their
admissions offices.
apartments to two-storey structures, many of the accredited private
universities in Ghana appear to be mere money-making ventures for their
owners. More worrisome is the fact that in many of the universities
visited by our correspondent, Nigerians form the bulk of their student
population, while they also top the nationality of guests at their
admissions offices.
Sikkim Manipal University, Ghana, a
licensed university operating as a “learning centre” under the auspices
of Sikkim Manipal University, India, is sited in the seven-storey Abena
Ateaa Towers in the Ghanaian capital’s Ring Road Central.
licensed university operating as a “learning centre” under the auspices
of Sikkim Manipal University, India, is sited in the seven-storey Abena
Ateaa Towers in the Ghanaian capital’s Ring Road Central.
The Abena Ateaa Towers also houses the Nigerian-owned Access Bank, as well as the NIIT.
This single-structure institution can be
likened to a Nigerian university away from home, considering the huge
number of Nigerians there.
likened to a Nigerian university away from home, considering the huge
number of Nigerians there.
And though the university authorities
kept sealed lips on the exact number of Nigerian students in the school,
independent investigations by our correspondent revealed that over 90
per cent of its students are Nigerians.
kept sealed lips on the exact number of Nigerian students in the school,
independent investigations by our correspondent revealed that over 90
per cent of its students are Nigerians.
In one of the offices, assorted
statements of result of the final examination of the National Board of
Technical Education, as well as those of the National Examinations
Council, littered the table of the admissions counsellors as well as
that of the institution’s assistant registrar in charge of admissions.
statements of result of the final examination of the National Board of
Technical Education, as well as those of the National Examinations
Council, littered the table of the admissions counsellors as well as
that of the institution’s assistant registrar in charge of admissions.
As nationalistic as they can be, when
the news of President Goodluck Jonathan’s illness during his recent
London visit filtered in, all the 13 Nigerian students seated on one of
the corridors of the school engaged in heated conversation that later
digressed into a PDP/APC argument.
the news of President Goodluck Jonathan’s illness during his recent
London visit filtered in, all the 13 Nigerian students seated on one of
the corridors of the school engaged in heated conversation that later
digressed into a PDP/APC argument.
‘All the tribes are here’
When our correspondent sought to confirm their nationalities, one of them replies, “Guy, you dey funny oh. Seems you are new here. Na we full here. There is no tribe you are looking for that you won’t find here.”
The young man who hails from Imo State
adds, “The population of Nigerians here is over 90 per cent of the
entire student number.”
adds, “The population of Nigerians here is over 90 per cent of the
entire student number.”
They revealed that their school operates
what they describe as “a very flexible schedule,” such that admission
is on a continuous basis, and the exercise goes on until one month to
the examination period.
what they describe as “a very flexible schedule,” such that admission
is on a continuous basis, and the exercise goes on until one month to
the examination period.
Three years for B.A, B.Sc
One of them said, “For first degree
programmes, we spend only six academic semesters which add up to three
years. Chop-chop, you are done with school, rather than putting your
academic life in the hands of some lecturers and greedy politicians who
care less about your future.”
programmes, we spend only six academic semesters which add up to three
years. Chop-chop, you are done with school, rather than putting your
academic life in the hands of some lecturers and greedy politicians who
care less about your future.”
Again, this is different from what
obtains in Nigeria where an undergraduate who is admitted straight from
the secondary school spends four years for a Bachelor’s degree; while
those who secure direct entry spend three years. For this latter
category of candidates, they have passed through a polytechnic,
monotechnic or college of education; and they are usually holders of the
National Diploma or the National Certificate of Education.
obtains in Nigeria where an undergraduate who is admitted straight from
the secondary school spends four years for a Bachelor’s degree; while
those who secure direct entry spend three years. For this latter
category of candidates, they have passed through a polytechnic,
monotechnic or college of education; and they are usually holders of the
National Diploma or the National Certificate of Education.
Nigeria’s loss, Ghana’s gain
Although privately-funded universities
such as the Wisconsin International University College, Accra; and All
Nations University College, Koforidua in the Eastern Region have huge
Nigerian student population, the Ghana campuses of Sikkim Manipal
University based in India appears to have profited the most from the
five-month ASUU strike.
such as the Wisconsin International University College, Accra; and All
Nations University College, Koforidua in the Eastern Region have huge
Nigerian student population, the Ghana campuses of Sikkim Manipal
University based in India appears to have profited the most from the
five-month ASUU strike.
The ease of securing admission into SMU,
which is run by KnowledgeWorkz Limited, a learning centre, coupled with
the three-year duration for all its first degree programmes, has
attracted Nigerians to the institution.
which is run by KnowledgeWorkz Limited, a learning centre, coupled with
the three-year duration for all its first degree programmes, has
attracted Nigerians to the institution.
Many Nigerian students in SMU who spoke
with this correspondent said they were happy studying in the school.
Twenty-six-year-old Haruna Umar was, until November 11, a first-year
student of the Department of Statistics, Uthman Danfodio University,
Sokoto.
with this correspondent said they were happy studying in the school.
Twenty-six-year-old Haruna Umar was, until November 11, a first-year
student of the Department of Statistics, Uthman Danfodio University,
Sokoto.
When ASUU’s strike seemed to go on
without any end in sight, Umar shifted base to Ghana and enrolled in SMU
where, alongside several hundreds of other Nigerians, he is pursuing an
undergraduate degree. Since his new institution does not offer
Statistics, however, Umar said he had gladly settled for Information
Technology.
without any end in sight, Umar shifted base to Ghana and enrolled in SMU
where, alongside several hundreds of other Nigerians, he is pursuing an
undergraduate degree. Since his new institution does not offer
Statistics, however, Umar said he had gladly settled for Information
Technology.
“I finished senior secondary school in
2011 and I had to wait till 2013 before securing admission into Uthman
Danfodio University. After wasting two years of my life, ASUU again
embarked on strike. It is so pathetic. I had no other choice than to
seek university education elsewhere and that was what brought me here,”
Umar, whose elder sister pays his tuition, declares.
2011 and I had to wait till 2013 before securing admission into Uthman
Danfodio University. After wasting two years of my life, ASUU again
embarked on strike. It is so pathetic. I had no other choice than to
seek university education elsewhere and that was what brought me here,”
Umar, whose elder sister pays his tuition, declares.
Umar, like his colleagues, has had to
choose between the morning, afternoon and evening sessions to pursue his
degree programme in the institution due to space constraints occasioned
by the student population. Each of the session takes two hours and
Umar, a fresh student, says he has settled for the morning session.
choose between the morning, afternoon and evening sessions to pursue his
degree programme in the institution due to space constraints occasioned
by the student population. Each of the session takes two hours and
Umar, a fresh student, says he has settled for the morning session.
Enrolment before basic qualification
Apart from the undergraduate programmes
that these universities offer, the majority of them also run certificate
and diploma programmes for foreign students.
that these universities offer, the majority of them also run certificate
and diploma programmes for foreign students.
Findings by this correspondent reveal
that a good number of these private institutions also admit Nigerian
students with deficiencies in their SSCE for undergraduate programmes.
However, such students are expected to make up for the deficiencies
within a stipulated time, such that their credentials will then be
attached to their files at the later date.
that a good number of these private institutions also admit Nigerian
students with deficiencies in their SSCE for undergraduate programmes.
However, such students are expected to make up for the deficiencies
within a stipulated time, such that their credentials will then be
attached to their files at the later date.
The implication of this is that in real
terms, students jump academic procedures by commencing degree programmes
when they have yet to fulfil basic requirements. Experts say this is
never the case in the stiffly competitive Nigerian university system.
terms, students jump academic procedures by commencing degree programmes
when they have yet to fulfil basic requirements. Experts say this is
never the case in the stiffly competitive Nigerian university system.
The schools’ authorities say the
admissions of those who fail to make up for such Ordinary Levels
deficiencies within the stipulated period are terminated.
admissions of those who fail to make up for such Ordinary Levels
deficiencies within the stipulated period are terminated.
Curious diploma award
As for those who fail to meet academic
standards as undergraduates, they still go home with something — the
institutions award them diplomas stating the number of courses they had
passed.
standards as undergraduates, they still go home with something — the
institutions award them diplomas stating the number of courses they had
passed.
It is doubtful, though, that they can use these diploma certificates to secure admission or jobs in real world.
Indeed, a woman who works with the Ghana
Christian University College’s Institutional Advancement Office sheds
more light on this curious diploma award. Speaking on the condition of
anonymity, she said, “All hope is not lost for candidates who have one
or two deficiencies in their Senior School Certificate Examination, as
they have the opportunity of being admitted.”
Christian University College’s Institutional Advancement Office sheds
more light on this curious diploma award. Speaking on the condition of
anonymity, she said, “All hope is not lost for candidates who have one
or two deficiencies in their Senior School Certificate Examination, as
they have the opportunity of being admitted.”
The GCUC has 62 foreign students, 52 out
of which are Nigerians. The arrangements are in place for all
categories of students, irrespective of nationality.
of which are Nigerians. The arrangements are in place for all
categories of students, irrespective of nationality.
Obviously, the GCUC doubles as a
pre-varsity centre — the type that litters many Nigerian cities,
preparing students for university admission by helping them to beef up
their ‘O’ Levels results prior to admission into universities. The
Nigerian outlets don’t award diplomas, as all they do is to teach the
students so that when next they write the SSCE, they can secure enough
credits for varsity admission.
pre-varsity centre — the type that litters many Nigerian cities,
preparing students for university admission by helping them to beef up
their ‘O’ Levels results prior to admission into universities. The
Nigerian outlets don’t award diplomas, as all they do is to teach the
students so that when next they write the SSCE, they can secure enough
credits for varsity admission.
The official adds anonymously, “While
they get admitted and take courses to pursue a degree of their choice,
they are also given special coaching on the (‘O’ Levels) subjects they
have deficiencies in to enable them to do well during the next
examination. More often than not, the majority of such students pass
those subjects due to the quality of learning they are exposed to.
they get admitted and take courses to pursue a degree of their choice,
they are also given special coaching on the (‘O’ Levels) subjects they
have deficiencies in to enable them to do well during the next
examination. More often than not, the majority of such students pass
those subjects due to the quality of learning they are exposed to.
“But in the event that such students do
not pass the SSCE subjects at the stipulated time, they will cease to be
students of the school, while a certificate will be issued to them
based on their area of specialisation.”
not pass the SSCE subjects at the stipulated time, they will cease to be
students of the school, while a certificate will be issued to them
based on their area of specialisation.”
Exporting cultism from Nigeria to Ghana
Some Ghanaians hold the opinion that the
influx of Nigerians in the country had shot up the increasing cases of
cultism in their tertiary institutions. This notion was given weight as
the Nigerian High Commissioner, Amb. Onafowokan, explains that it is
true that some Nigerian students “are trying to introduce cultism” to
Ghanaian universities.
influx of Nigerians in the country had shot up the increasing cases of
cultism in their tertiary institutions. This notion was given weight as
the Nigerian High Commissioner, Amb. Onafowokan, explains that it is
true that some Nigerian students “are trying to introduce cultism” to
Ghanaian universities.
He, however, says although there are
some bad eggs, Ghanaians should not generalise and brand Nigerian
students as either cultists or criminals. He warns that the Nigerian
mission to Ghana will not hesitate to expose anyone convicted of
engaging in cultism.
some bad eggs, Ghanaians should not generalise and brand Nigerian
students as either cultists or criminals. He warns that the Nigerian
mission to Ghana will not hesitate to expose anyone convicted of
engaging in cultism.
“When I was at the Kwame Nkrumah
University of Technology, the vice-chancellor spoke highly of Nigerian
students there in terms of their academic performance and behaviour.
They are doing very well. However, they are trying to bring some cultism
into some universities and we at the High Commission have sounded a
note of warning.
University of Technology, the vice-chancellor spoke highly of Nigerian
students there in terms of their academic performance and behaviour.
They are doing very well. However, they are trying to bring some cultism
into some universities and we at the High Commission have sounded a
note of warning.
“I am watching out for them. If I see
any traces of that, I will write to the Ghanaian government. This is
because such an activity will tarnish the image of Nigeria. In fact, the
universities here are also very careful. If they get you (cultist), you
are sent away,” he says.
any traces of that, I will write to the Ghanaian government. This is
because such an activity will tarnish the image of Nigeria. In fact, the
universities here are also very careful. If they get you (cultist), you
are sent away,” he says.