The first time studying abroad crossed my mind was when my father made a promise to pay for my Masters abroad if I graduated with a first class. But I struggled even with a 2:2 in a Federal University of Technology. Apart from this, my politician dad had just faced some financial crunch due to the huge loss his political party suffered during the last election.

In between awaiting results and finding meaning for the next steps in life, I spent my days at a cyber café. I normally preferred to do my research online instead of asking friends because I was very superstitious and felt my plans were going to be jinxed if I told anyone about them (lol). And that was how I met Brother Mike. Or Pastor Mike. I was searching for affordable Universities when I felt someone glancing at my computer screen from behind me. I turned around and he immediately deflected his gaze. A few minutes afterwards, I logged out and made my way out. As I got to Emma the Café assistant to pay for my time, I saw him discussing with Brother Mike. Emma asked if my result was out already and I said no. He thereafter introduced me to Brother Mike who asked me what I planned to do after my degree and service. “Maybe Masters”, I said. He brought out his wallet while smiling and asking where I wanted to do my Masters.  “I have not decided”, I said shyly. “My background is in Engineering and I would prefer the United Kingdom but my parents don’t have the money”. He brought out his business card and handed it over to me. He was a travel agent and he specialised in study abroad services.

The short cut of this long story my people, was that I was literally defrauded by Brother Mike. He collected bogus service charges of up to N700,000 from me. Charges like “admission fees”, “offer letter fees” and “Visa Clearance fees”. It took me months after I arrived in the UK to realise that these were things I could have handled myself- effortlessly

the information I needed was available on places like Google and nairaland and that there was an Admissions office in every University, with an actual human being who answered phone calls and replied emails. Not only was I was defrauded, it turned out that he somehow failed to secure my admission on time and that was how I missed my enrolment for that year. Thankfully my parents were supportive and decided to plan ahead for the following academic year.

This time, I was going for Petroleum Engineering. At that time, I liked the sound of it but I would later come to regret that decision. And this was why.. http://ova-sabi..co.uk/2016/10/a-naive-africans-guidance-to-studying.html?m=1

Lalasticlala, seun, please this should be front page things. It's important for young Africans going abroad to learn this.

Wow, this is really sad.