chamber2:

Do you maths well.

60 * 10,000 USD = 600,000 USD

600,000 USD * N150 = N90, 000 000

What's the big deal spending 90m to give 60 imo citizens a new perspective to life?

Ohakim, the former gov, spent double of this amount to send his friends and relatives to world cup games in south Africa. He also sponsored another group to watch manchester UTD premiership game in UK.

Which of the two is better? Sending 60 students on exchange program in the US or sending his cronies to UK to watch premiership?

ekt_bear:

What of option #3?

$300 tuition scholarship for 2000 Imo State high school students?

Which do you think is better for the state?

ekt_bear:

I'm talking about tuition for university.

Unless you are saying that one cannot find 2000 Imo high schoolers who will benefit from having a $300 scholarship (again, towards university expenses) next year.

A student exchange program generally could be defined as a program where students from secondary school or university choose to study abroad in partner institutions. The terms 'student exchange' and 'study abroad' are often used interchangeably however study abroad usually involves the student study full time and not in partnered institution like student going for exchange where they will be studying in the partner university of their home institution. But in some countries, an exchange student is also considered a study abroad student because they are studying in different country than their own. Student exchange program does not necessarily require the student going out of the country but it could also be an exchange program within the continent and its territory which is the National student exchange program (NSE).[1]

According to the U.S. government, foreign exchange programs exist to provide certain international cultural exchange programs designed to provide practical training and employment, and sharing of the history, culture, and traditions of participants home country citing the Q series international cultural exchange visa's specifications as provided by the U.S. department of state.[citation needed]

The term “exchanges” means that partnered institution exchange their student but not necessarily the students have to find a counterpart from the other institution to exchange with. No tradeoff is actually required. Two types of student exchange program are international and national student exchange program. A student exchange programs could be joined either by the secondary school or university student excluding National Student Exchange where it is design primarily for university student studying in American continent and its territory.[citation needed]

An exchange student could live with a host family or in a designated place including hostels, affordable apartment/house or student lodge. The cost for each program differs according to countries and institution. The participants could either apply/receive scholarship, self-funded or apply/receive loan.

Student exchanges became popular after World War II, and have the aim of helping to increase the participants' understanding and tolerance of other cultures, as well as improving their language skills and broadening their social horizons. An exchange student typically stays in the host country for a relatively short period of time, often 6 to 10 months, in contrast to international students or those on study abroad programs which can last for several years. Some students on exchange programs can receive academic credit from the country they study in

Okija_juju:

Okay!! Alusi is here!! 


I am a big proponent of Education. Every child deserves to be educated.

Now whats an exchange program and how does it work in developed countries?

Question 2:: What are the benefits of an exchange program?

- To enhance the educational experience of student
- To strengthen the networking between students and Universities
- Broaden personal and educational perspectives
- Explore, appreciate and understand different cultures
- To enhance the ability of the student in second language learning
- To eliminate fear and prejudice among nations
- Enable student to experience international education

Question 3:: Is the Imo State exchange program a good Idea?!

Yes!! Indeed it is!! BUT!!!!! It is not what the Imo state educational system needs right now. It would have been better if Imo State had picked 60 Students and sent abroad to complete their higher education than to send them on a 6 months all expense paid vacation. It would have been more profitable for Okorocha to have partnered with a U.S based institution to come in and run the affairs of Imo State University, a partnership where Expart lecturers would be brought in to lecture and head departments, help with research programs and equip the school thereby enhancing the States University and providing good quality education for all rather than 60 people. As much as exchange programs are good, Imo States educational system has bigger problems than exchange programs. This is like a case of where you havent even dug the foundation for the house and you have already bought roofing sheets. Misplaced priorities!!

Question 4:: Whats my thought on Governor Rochas Okorocha's Administration thus far?

He is still living in lala land. It seems like he actually has no idea of how to run a State. His administration thus far has been nothing but one big campaign propaganda. First of all;

- Imo State was in short supply of Kerosene, what does the Governor do?! He brings in a few trucks of Kerosene, calls a few people into a staduim, calls in the media and starts giving out kerosene for free. Disregarding the HSE hazard such an act constitutes.

- He declares education free in Imo State and reverses the cost of Higher Institution fees to the old price:: Now what he failed to do was first of all find out why the States institution had increased the fees in the first place, check the standard of facilities in the University and put in place a system of checks and balances to make sure the University is self-sustaining. He just jumped at a chance to make the news by making a declaration just for the cameras. And ask for the Secondary and Primary sch fees, the Laws od the nation already stipulates that Basic education is free for all Nigerians. What he should have done was check the standard of this free education and set-up a comittee whose responsibility would be to ensure that fees are not charged and the standard of education remains high.

- 20,000 Naira minimum wage. Now this is a case of popular opinion versus logic. The 20'k minimum wage he declared for all State civil servants is a beautiful idea that cant be argued with. But last time we checked, his administration said the state was greatly in debt, he accused the previous administration of mismanaging state funds and embezzlement (which was why even before he was sworn in as governor, he ordered the banks in the state to freeze all state accounts. The IGR has definitely not improved cos the government has yet to put in place anything tangible to attract major investors, so looking at all these, where is the excess funds for this 20,000 Naira wage coming from? Is this increase healthy for Imo States finances?! Is this for show or what?! Did Okorocha lie just to spite Ohakim when he said Imo States tresury was empty?! This is food for thought.

- Since his inception, there is yet to be any real devel;opment in the state, it has all been one charade after another. From his cabinet selection to his actions and utterances. Barely 3 months in office and he organized a retreat for his entire cabinet to Nike Lake resort, ENUGU STATE!! Yes emphasis on "Less than 3 Months in office", and "ENUGU STATE". I wonder what happened to all the supposed tourist destinations in Imo State that they claim to have.


In my humble opinion, Rochas is a classic case of "An empty barrel that makes the loudest noise". Highly over-rated and may just be the greatest disappointment ever to hit Imo State.
[/quote
keep your stinking advice to your self, to you he may be a disappointment, but to people like me he is a blessing to Imo state. Rochas you are good leader, haters go and hug transformer.

keep your stinking advice to your self, to you he may be a disappointment, but to people like me he is a blessing to Imo state. Rochas you are good leader, haters go and hug transformer

Okija_juju:

First of all, it wasnt an advice I gave it was my opinion on an issue that I simply aired.

Secondly, this is a forum and the whole idea of it is for people of diverse opinion to air their views, debate and disagree to agree.

Finally, for someone who just asked me to keep my opinion "advice" to myself to end up giving one himself reeks of double standards and/or hypocrisy.

Well!! I shouldnt be surprised, if you were any smarter, you would have been one of the 60 kids going to America. Typical product of Imo State upbringing.

chamber2:

I am sure you are not from Imo. If yes, then your ''opinion'' does not count in this regard

Thank you

Okija_juju:

First of all, it wasnt an advice I gave it was my opinion on an issue that I simply aired.

Secondly, this is a forum and the whole idea of it is for people of diverse opinion to air their views, debate and disagree to agree.

Finally, for someone who just asked me to keep my opinion "advice" to myself to end up giving one himself reeks of double standards and/or hypocrisy.

Well!! I shouldnt be surprised, if you were any smarter, you would have been one of the 60 kids going to America. Typical product of Imo State upbringing.

Okija_juju:

Erm!! Sir!

Point of correction, Grammatically, it should be "If not", and not "If yes". And secondly, how can you make a "definite" statement, and then in the following sentence question your statement?! (Just highlighting some problem areas that Okorocha may want to look into)


Now that said, Last time I checked, Nairaland was not an Imo State Forum, neither is the owner of the site (Seun) from Imo State, nor is their any rule anywhere that limits comments on topics/threads to be strictly by indigenes or persons directly affected by the posts.

This is a Public forum, if you Imo State folks dont want our input, then I suggest you dont put your shi't on a public forum. Emphasis on "YOUR SHI'T" and "PUBLIC FORUM".

Now sir, I hope you understand this fact.

You have a good day.

chamber2:

I am sure you are not from Imo. If yes, then your ''opinion'' does not count in this regard

Thank you

PointB:

It does not matter whether his is from Imo or not;there is no way you will know if his opinion counts or not, well except if you are the one doing the counting.
The  best you can do it to present a better, and much more logical 'opinion' than him, and let the reader be the judge.

Personally, I agree with what the governor has done and is doing educationally for the state. In my own judgement, I would say given his manifesto, which upon the Imo State electorate voted for him, and his activity, I would say so far he has not derailed.

chima ike:

For your information am not an imolites, am from one of the eastern state, so there is no way i will be among the students going to America. Rochas is doing well, i can not say the same for my state governor. I am supporting Rochas because of his gestures to humanity and nothing else. Other state governors have been sponsoring their people to foreign lands for education and nobody critisizes them, but when Rochas do he gets criticism. You guys are just keen on rubbishing the man knowing fully well he is one of the illustrious son in Igbo land that will give your choice candidate(s) a good fight come 2015. Rochas ride on Ohaneze are behind you, haters jump into third main land bridge.

chamber2:

Keep quiet. It is supposed to be[i] if not[/i] indeed! Did you consider the initial statement[i] I am sure you are not from Imo state[/i]? How then do you expect me to add NOT? The yes is just a confirmation of my initial statement.

Grammatically bullshit

chamber2:

I am sure you are not from Imo. If yes, then your ''opinion'' does not count in this regard

Okija_juju:

Now Let me start with you because you come across as someone who can be reasonable in a debate;

1. Sir! If you go back to that long post which I made earlier, you would notice the portion where i stated "It would have been better if he had sent those 60 students abroad to complete/finish their education, rather than a 6month all expense paid vacation". It would be more profitable for a student to go abroad, learn the skills properly and then come back home and serve for 4 to 5 years mandatory in the Imo State civil service rather than this "exchange program" which has very minimal advantages to the state. I hope you understand.

If Imo State says every year, we would send 50 students, from all the local governments in the state abroad on merit to study abroad with a 6 year post-graduate pay-back scheme were they must work for the Imo State govt for a while then I can see some real developmental system in place, but an exchange program really is just a waste of state funds and does not improve Imo State University system in any way. Instead, a Lecturer exchange program would serve to benefit a wider student base than a student exchange program (I hope you understand!). Bring in Expart lecturers from the West to teach here for 1 year and send ours over there to learn more for 1 year, now thats a laudable scheme with long term bebefits that would cut across a wider audience.

Sir!! Open your ears and stop being pig-headed;

The quote above is your initial statement, now let me re-construct your grammer;

"I'm sure you are not from Imo State, if so, your opinion does not count in this regard.

You cant make a definite statement, and then negate it in the following sentence. "If not" will be like saying "if indeed (you are wrong and) I am from Imo State, then my opinion does not count" This is what you should have been taught in Junior secondary school. Please dont let us turn this thread into a classroom. Take corrections and lets move to address the issue at hand.

Okija_juju:

Now Let me start with you because you come across as someone who can be reasonable in a debate;

1. Sir! If you go back to that long post which I made earlier, you would notice the portion where i stated "It would have been better if he had sent those 60 students abroad to complete/finish their education, rather than a 6month all expense paid vacation". It would be more profitable for a student to go abroad, learn the skills properly and then come back home and serve for 4 to 5 years mandatory in the Imo State civil service rather than this "exchange program" which has very minimal advantages to the state. I hope you understand.

If Imo State says every year, we would send 50 students, from all the local governments in the state abroad on merit to study abroad with a 6 year post-graduate pay-back scheme were they must work for the Imo State govt for a while then I can see some real developmental system in place, but an exchange program really is just a waste of state funds and does not improve Imo State University system in any way. Instead, a Lecturer exchange program would serve to benefit a wider student base than a student exchange program (I hope you understand!). Bring in Expart lecturers from the West to teach here for 1 year and send ours over there to learn more for 1 year, now thats a laudable scheme with long term bebefits that would cut across a wider audience.

londoner:

I don't really get why some people here are criticising this. So, 60 students from Imo state are on scholarship to study abroad?
Why do you have such a problem with it? How is it different from what the gov of Rivers State is doing?
Did he say this program concludes all his plans for students in Imo state, or is that how people are reading this?
Many here have benefitted from study abroad, but maybe they come from the wealthy few, other (poorer) Nigerian talents deserve a chance to study in countries that have surpassed that of Nigeria. If they are too poor, the state has not committed any crime in providing an avenue with a view to investing in the young.
People here have just set themselves to criticise, regardless of the subject matter
It is never a waste to invest in education especially IF it is targetted in strategic areas of practice that are critical , maybe the next generation wont say "what has Nigeria ever done for me" like we hear all the time with people here.

londoner:

So, is this the only program the gov has in place or has planned for the people of Imo where education is concerned or is this just ONE program?
As far as I am aware, most exchange programs do not cater for the whole student population of the country in question?

Okija_juju:

Now Let me start with you because you come across as someone who can be reasonable in a debate;

1. Sir! If you go back to that long post which I made earlier, you would notice the portion where i stated "It would have been better if he had sent those 60 students abroad to complete/finish their education, rather than a 6month all expense paid vacation". It would be more profitable for a student to go abroad, learn the skills properly and then come back home and serve for 4 to 5 years mandatory in the Imo State civil service rather than this "exchange program" which has very minimal advantages to the state. I hope you understand.

Kobojunkie:

Most exchange programs are not funded from the pockets of the PUBLIC. . . . . There are usually agencies set up to raise money and fund such programs. You don't dip into the PUBLIC pockets to run your PERSONAL CHARITY PROGRAM. Rochas should know that since he has experience doing that. And so every citizen ought to be outraged if it turns out, at the end of the day, that this scheme saw the diversion of public funds.