Category: Opinions

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HOW MUCH FUNDS DO I NEED FOR A MASTERS DEGREE?

The idea of studying for a Masters degree, immediately after a Bachelors degree or NYSC is not new. While some have a divergent views, it is better than to be idle or engaged in almost fruitless job search. The choice of Master degree must be well thought, especially financially. In Nigeria, education at first degree level is heavily subsidized, thus studying for a Masters in Nigeria is a different kettle of fish.

Personally, I saved during NYSC and it gave me a head for my Masters, but sincerely the funds didn’t do much. So it is important to count the cost. Do you have enough funds to run a postgraduate program. Note that it is not necessary to have a lump sum, but at least having an idea of the total cost would help. This post applies to studying in Nigeria, how much funds do I need for a masters degree?

BUDGET ITEMS OF EXPENDITURES

To complete a Masters degree in Nigeria, you will be spending on all these items listed below. The amounts given are not fixed, but just an idea is given. Continue reading “HOW MUCH FUNDS DO I NEED FOR A MASTERS DEGREE?”

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How to Set and Achieve Your 2018 Postgraduate Goals

Happy new year! From Postgraduate Nigeria, its better late than never. So happy 2018 once again, sorry for the absence. Surely this year will be greater than the previous by Gods grace. But we have to make it happen, specifically in terms of chasing your Postgraduate goals. Now is the time to plan and strategize for the long year ahead. This is beyond resolutions and cheap wishes. To advance in your postgraduate course/path, you must have 2018 postgraduate goals. That brings the question

WHAT ARE YOUR 2018 POSTGRADUATE GOALS?

It won’t be a bad idea to know what goals are, before narrowing down. Goals are stated statements of intended actions. It is a TO-DO list. Thus, 2018 Postgraduate goals are actions and achievements that should have been accomplished by year end 2018. It is best written down or typed into soft copy. The 2018 Postgraduate goals should inspire and motivates you to drive Continue reading “How to Set and Achieve Your 2018 Postgraduate Goals”

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All About PGD In Nigerian Universities

postgraduate diploma pgdOne commonly used acronym relating to postgraduate study is PGD. It simply means Postgraduate Diploma. Hopefully, you are used to M.phil,  M.B.A
and few others.
Postgraduate diploma (PGD) is an advanced certificate, awarded by the school of postgraduate studies of the respective University (in Nigeria). A PGD is not a degree per se.  Then comes the question…..

Continue reading “All About PGD In Nigerian Universities”

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THIRD CLASS? DON’T GIVE UP, YOU CAN EVEN BECOME A PROFESSOR

Graduating with a third class degree  is a tough reality, better imagined  than happening. But when it does happen, well, pick yourself up. Third class graduates can get to the top, and even become professors in academia. Yes, you heard it clear ‘PROFESSOR’

But before you get carried away, here are few steps you can take to get to yoir desired top

  1. Postgraduate Diploma: Take a postgraduate diploma course in your chosen area of interest. Now, take the course serious because its like a remedial for the not-too-good third class. Postgraduate diploma brushes you up intellectually and otherwise. In Nigeria, postgraduate diploma takes one year averagely.
  2. Professional Exams: Professional courses like ICAN, ACCA, PIMP, MSCE etc, can be equivalent to a bachelor’s degree if you do the exams to the highest level. With this, you can go ahead for  a Master degree and even earn scholarship. Your professional certificate would erase any stigma of third class degree.
  3. Foundation Master: This is done abroad, and is similiar to postgraduate diploma. Student lacking academically take the foundation masters, and later convert to the master degree programme. They can go on to study for a Ph.D.
In all these steps above, third class graduates can bag a Ph.D, work in an institution and eventually become professors.
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BENEFITS OF A UK POSTGRADUATE EDUCATION

The United Kingdom (U.K) is a kind of Mecca for postgraduate education across the globe. The U.K (consisting of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland) attracts hundred of thousands of students with intention of studying for a Masters or PhD degree. What are the advantages of doing a Masters or PhD programme in the U.K?

1. World Class Universities: The U.K is home to some of the best universities in the world. Institutions like Cambridge and Oxford have existed before the 18th century. Postgraduate education and research in these schools are top notch. Many of them have produced nobel laureates, like Alexander Flemming from Imperial college. Even recent and lesser known U.K universities still have the touch of scholastic excellence, far better than any Nigerian university. Studying for a Master or PhD in the U.K is surely an avenue to be moulded and certified by age-long citadels of excellence indeed.

2. Short Duration for Masters: It takes a year (some times, 11 months) to earn a Masters degree in a U.K university. Almost impossible to achieve in any Nigerian university. It’s a major benefit, because it is unlike the US, Canada and other European countries where a Masters programme is 2 years. Although, the Masters programme in the U.K is loaded, 9 months for two semesters lectures, and 3 months for project. For a Nigerian studying abroad, a programme with shorter duration is better. As they say, “time na money oo”

3. International Collaboration and Networking:

The world is a global village, and modern postgraduate education is beyond class rooms and research laboratories. A U.K postgraduate education gives you the priviledge to rub mind with scholars from divers background across the world. Networking opportunities abound at regularly organized conferences, research paper presentation e.t.c. All these brighten the postgraduate students’ horizon, and stimulates the mind for creative and collaborative progress

4. Employment and Scholarship:

Depending on your academic performance, there are opportunities that can make you a permanent resident in the U.K after your schooling. Postgraduate education in the U.K rewards excellence, whether black or white, Nigerian or Togolese. A good performance at PhD can automatically earn you a faculty position. Employment opportunities are also available, although few.

5. Vast Nigerian Community:

Doing your Masters/PhD in the U.K is also good because, you may not miss home at all. Yes, if you study in London, dont be surprised when you hear a couple speaking yoruba loosely like its Ibadan. Having the Nigerian community gives you a little social and emotional support, compare to studying in Russia, for instance, with the intolerance and racism. Even on university campuses, you should run into fellow Nigerians, and you “hail” each other.

With these highlights,  you would appreciate the benefits of a postgraduate study in the U.K.

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FIRST GENERATION UNIVERSITIES AS NIGERIA’S BEST PG SCHOOLS

Postgraduate education in Nigeria began in the 60s. At this time, there were only five universities in the country. They are; University of Ibadan, University of Ife (now OAU), University of Lagos, University of Nigeria, Nsukka and Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. They are all jointly called first generation universities.

Postgraduate education at these Nigerian Universities are top notch, atleast by Nigerian standards. They have the longest years in offering postgraduate education, and at a time were at par in quality with U.K universities.
First generation universities get the highest funding from the Nigerian government. This enables these school afford quality faculty staff (researchers and professors) in various fields of study. Increased funding also provides equiment and laboratry that may be scarce in other institutions.
Beyond these is a large alumni base and an extensive international network these schools possess. This helps postgraduate students and faculty staff seeking grants, scholarships and other rare opportunities, that would have been beyond reach.
Most importantly is the fact that first generation universities are expection to have 60% of their student population as postgraduate students. At a time, University of Ibadan almost became a full postgraduate university, before it was stopped.
From Postgraduate Nigeria, we advice that if you want the best postgraduate education, attend a first generation university.
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WHY YOU SHOULD NOT HAVE YOUR POSTGRADUATE DEGREE IN THE U.K

For many Nigerians, it is a dream come true, and a great delight to travel abroad for postgraduate study.
The United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales and North Ireland) is a popular destination for many Nigerians, partly because of the influence of our former colonial masters, and the fact that it is an English speaking country. Nigerians having their postgraduate study overseas often return with tales of how postgraduate education is better there. This post presents you with the facts you should reconsider, before you jet out of Naija, for a Masters/PhD in U.K
  1. Exorbitant Financial Cost: Except you are on scholarships, you should plan/prepare well for the financial burden your postgraduate study would put on you and your family. Average tuition fees for a U.K masters is £9500, but could be as high as £ 20,000 in Russell Group or Red Brick Universities. You will be required to pay a considerable part of your tuition, with the balance and 9months living allowance in your bank account before applying for your visa. Also consider the cost of visa applications, air travel from Nigeria, medical insurance and the high cost of living in U.K. In all, be prepared to sink in at least 4 million naira into the U.K economy, in exchange for a Master’s degree. A PhD, of course would be costlier.
  2. No Post Study Work Experience: The stringent Tier 4 visa requirement would not give you an extra period after study, to have much needed work experience. The U.K government simply wants you to come, study, and as soon as you drop your thesis and graduate, catch the next available flight to your country. What’s the aim of receiving world class education, without the opportunity of an industry experience? Except you get hired before graduating, which is rare, though possible, you simply return to Nigeria with an extra certificate, but no additional work experience. Note that in the Nigerian job market, work experience, no matter how little is important. Update: From 2021, Immigration rules have been relaxed to give postgraduate students the privilege to apply for post study visa.
  3. No Job Guarantee: Your U.K postgraduate certificate does not necessarily earn you a job on return to Nigeria. Without sounding pessimistic, the Nigerian labour market is not just saturated but over saturated. Job seekers with American, British, e.t.c postgraduate degrees still plunge interviews venues in hope of getting hired. The fact is, you would soon discover that there are tens or hundreds of other Nigerians with foreign degrees. But if you intend to be in academics, then getting a lecturing job should be easy.
In conclusion, conduct an extensive research on what to expect in the U.K for a postgraduate education. Be prepared financially and academically. There are better alternatives to a Master’s/PhD U.K that are at par with the U.K standard. Work hard, stay focused, whether U.K, Nigeria or elsewhere, your success is in your hand.