Are you indecisive about where to enroll for your university education? Do you need help making the right choice? If this is your dilemma, then keep reading.
Post-secondary school study is one of the most anticipated periods for students. For most, it is the foundation for their career and this forthrightly begins with selecting a university after deciding what course to study.
We agree the process of selecting the best Nigerian university can be tedious. We made a list of tips to help you narrow your options and make the right decision.
Security and Accommodation
This is currently one of the most important factors in choosing a Nigerian university. Do they have a history with bandits or cultists? Is it situated in a remote or busy area? Is there tight security at accommodation locations as well?
Strike History
If the school has a history of internal strikes or is under the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), a body that is popular for consistent striking, then you can expect a slight extension of your course timeline. This extension can range from weeks to months so look at schools that have little to no strike history.
Fees
Look out for schools that are within your budget. It is distressing to start a course and have to stop due to financial constraints. Your budget should cover tuition, accommodation, course materials, and feeding. Government (federal and state) universities in Nigeria are less expensive than their Private counterparts, especially tuition-wise.
Catchment Area
A catchment area is a region prioritized by a school during admissions. Many universities mete out admission to students from the same locality as the school, for example, a Western Nigerian school will first consider an entrant who is an indigene of Lagos or Osun first before considering an indigene from Kaduna. Eligible entrants in catchment areas may have lower grade requirements than those outside it.
Quality of Education
A great tip is researching the alumni of the university. What professionals have come from that school? What is the state of their learning facilities and equipment? Do they maintain these amenities? Do they have available resources for practicals and tutorials?
Accreditation
We saved the best one for last. Imagine this: You’re at an employer’s desk after completing your University education and they tell you they cannot hire you because your school or course of study is not accredited, thereby disqualifying you for the lucrative role in that company, and even elsewhere.
In Nigeria, accreditation is handled by the Nigerian Universities Commission (NUC) and it is the most important thing to look out for in selecting a Nigerian university. You do not want to be the person that worked hard at school for years, got good grades then could not get employment in their chosen field because they did not confirm their accreditation status.
Do not waste your time and resources. Make sure your school has an accreditation certificate from the NUC before your enrolment.
If you need help with selecting the best course for you, check out Three Ways To Know What Course You Should Study
