Three years ago, I was actively searching for a unique MBA course that offered high-quality education. I wanted it to be online and I wanted to really learn, gain relevant knowledge without having to expend a lot of time and money. I wanted different; I wanted flexibility, and I wanted affordable.

I took a chance on Nexford University. Back in 2019, I was amongst the first learners that enrolled for an MBA course. The university was new with no graduates yet and learning at this university would mean I would be the first of many that would embark on an educational adventure. Its mission was to provide learners with access to a dynamic and affordable, high-quality education tailored for the global workplace and to enable greater social and economic mobility across the world.

I decided there and then not to just read the university’s catalog but also to do some research on the founder, Fadl Al Tarzi. I found that he had grown up in Africa as well as worked on different continents in the world. Any negative thoughts went out the window because I felt that he had a personal history with the product and was an innovative individual that was open to disrupting the status quo.

Further researching the Country Director for Nigeria, Olamidun Majekodunmi, I determined that the university was progressive and “upwardly mobile”, relating to the need for quality education in Nigeria and about the necessity to positively affect the country and its people through education. Then I found out that economic policy expert, two-time minister in Nigeria, former vice president of the World Bank (Africa Region), and Co-Founder of the #BringBackOurGirls movement, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili was on the Global advisory board of this 100% online university.

Here was a university that had just closed a seed round of $4 million which was used to build the university’s underlying technology as well as design and build a curriculum from scratch. When I came across this information on the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC) website, in addition to the caliber of individuals willing to back a relatively new university, I resolved to go for it.

I went through the Nexford Catalog and agreed that the programs were structured (informed by research) to provide learners with skills and competencies based on global employer needs. So, I enrolled and began a journey that did not just equip me with skills or with more information, it gave me a sense of purpose and helped me discover things about myself such as resilience and grit.

My learning experience at Nexford was unlike anything I had gone through before. I had the support of a team of advisors who cheered me on even when I did not reach out, I had the opportunity to network and meet learners from different countries. I engaged with Professors who were courteous and supportive albeit firm and I delved into projects I had never dreamed I would be doing. I have a better appreciation for financial decision-making and an understanding of the Internet of Things (IoT) ecosystems as well as digital transformation operations and digital strategy just from learning at Nexford.

The learning environment was being constantly improved to provide a unique and easy learning experience and there were myriads of resources at my fingertips that I could access to help me with my studies.

The university was also committed to sustainable development goals beyond the obvious SDG 4 on quality education which aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all. It also committed to SDG 13 on Climate Action. The university did not just empower learners with the knowledge and the skills to go further, it had a responsibility to protect the planet. It was not just solving an education problem; it was also solving an ecosystem challenge.

It was, therefore, no surprise when Nexford University successfully closed a $10 million Series A funding round back in 2021 to aid its expansion plans. And Nexford is expanding with learners from over 85 countries and counting.

Nexford University turned three in February and looking back on its continuing journey, I can say that we have both grown. Just as I have become better and more self-aware of what I can offer to individuals and organizations, Nexford University has also grown and is constantly improving its programs, processes, and systems.

After taking a foundation course, ten core courses, and five specialization courses, my venture with Nexford University paid off.

When you hear "Virtual Tours" of a university, you think of campuses and how the lecture halls look or some noteworthy artifact or historical information about the place.

There are different types of virtual tours. They can be 360° videos, 360° photos placed and linked together, 2D videos, and 3D walking tours that provide for free movement. Most virtual university tours are often interactive and you have to do the work yourself of touring the place and most likely having to check the FAQ for guidance on areas that are confusing.

According to an article for the Nielson Norman group written by Page Laubheimer, it was discovered that virtual tours, while useful was slow and demanded high effort on the part of the user.

Enter the virtual tour of a 100% online university, Nexford. This virtual tour is usually illuminating and interactive as you enter the world of Nexford University's unique learning environment. The tour will show you how ultra-flexible a degree with Nexford can be and will address learner matters such as:
a. the NXU orientation which is your onboarding process
b. How and where to interact with other learners
c. How to access course content not just on your desktop but also on your mobile device
d. How to schedule an appointment with a success advisor and/or writing coach
e. The NXU library and Linkedin courses you can access
d. How to submit assignments and where you'll receive faculty feedback

And it is not just about taking you on a virtual tour and leaving you to figure it out. You get to interact with a current MBA learner and an MBA graduate so they will tell you how it really is. Oh, and you'll be guided by a Nexford Advisor and a visiting Professor. It truly is a great way to ask questions and bare it all.

If this interests you, you're in time to attend a virtual tour scheduled for the 10th of February, 2022 by 2.00 pm. Check out the flyer for details. If you think you should attend or know someone who would love to attend, click on the link, https:///3HgwOyf to register and attend for free!

At what age did it become harder to learn? In your twenties, thirties, forties, or even in your teen years?
I read that from the age of puberty (about 12), it becomes difficult to understand new things. Other studies have shown that between 24 and 26, your brain's neuropathy is set in its ways and so discovering or learning new things becomes difficult.

I always believed this and it crippled me from furthering my studies after I finished law school at 26. I started a few other courses and would drop along the way because I did not feel my brain could take much for an extended time, hence the preference for 3-day training programmes or a one-month course.

However, in 2019, I found that I really wanted an MBA and so scouted for a few universities. I did not have a lot of money so it had to fit my budget and yet provide quality education. I was also in fear of the handout era where it is the same document handed down over the years and so there is nothing new but you had to buy the materials which probably had no relevance in today's era.

I found Nexford University and it checked my boxes: it was 100% online, provided quality education, was affordable and even American (ok, that part was a bonus but a very welcome check!)

I launched right in and started. It was not easy; I kept saying, "I am too old for this", "This thing no go enter" etc. As long as I believed it, I was slow. Long story short, I finally believed I can be 40 and it would not be hard to learn. It is a function of three things really: Self- reflection, Discipline, and Self-accountability if there is a word like that.
We have people who went to school at age 60 or 90 to learn to read or write and achieved it. People who launched businesses in their fifties and seventies are thriving some decades after they passed.

What are does it become harder to learn?

At the age you decide it is.

I would love to hear what age you decided to take another course, learn a skill, or even travel. I bet it would be inspiring!

Photo by August de Richelieu from Pexels

Recently, I had a few meetings with three tech startups and it was pretty amazing for them to see a lawyer that provided the legal perspectives to their business and yet had some personal knowledge of it that they could relate to.

When I did my specializations in Advanced AI and the future of automation, managing hyperconnectivity, and Enabling E-commerce with Nexford University, little did I know that I would be discussing some of the ideas I had learned and even applying my research(es) to real-life business issues. At the time, I just knew it was going to be beneficial to me and others to specialize in those courses.

Discussing SQL injection attacks, the preferred AI to optimize a service, UX designs and the technology stack for a product made me more relatable in addition to providing my legal service. And that is the interesting thing about this 1000% online American university; it equipped me with skills and competencies for the present and the future – digital fluency, information-driven decision making, customer-centric thinking, and even adaptive lifelong learning and continuous improvement priorities.

I do not pretend to know all about the tech world as I am still learning (remember, continuous learning and self-improvement priorities?) but I have been able to show others that I take their businesses seriously to go learn about it so I can provide better transaction and legal advice to my clients.

And that is what I am about these days – becoming a one-stop-shop, providing sustainable solutions to startups and existing businesses on their operations.

What are you learning that can help your business or the company you work in?

What are you about these days?

Photo by Mikael Blomkvist from Pexels

Nexford University launched its second community space in Nigeria, right in the Nation’s capital, Abuja on 29th October 2021.

The launch was marked off by an open day event where learners and non-learners graced the event and were treated to information and support on the globally advancing university.

In a serene environment, nestled in Maitama, the community space provides an opportunity for learners to visit a physical location to study or hang out, collaborate and interact with other learners. It also allows non-learners or those curious about Nexford to visit the community space and ask their questions and where one can be attended to by our amazing partners. One extra thing: the community spaces provide free internet access to Nexford University community members. Just remember to book your visit ahead in advance.

Nexford University is a 100% online American University that offers advanced and certificate courses, bachelor and masters degrees in Business administration. With its flexible payments and courses borne out of extensive research, anyone can enrol and study from the comfort of his/her home even while working. Because of its dynamic model of a 100% online university, the community spaces at Lagos and Abuja are not official Nexford University offices or campuses but spaces managed and operated by independent companies.

This is so exciting. Go Nexford!

I agree with Mbee247 and a few others who have posted. You should invest some of what you earn but you should still save some and ensure that some of your savings and investments can be liquidated should the need for urgent cash rise.

Here is the thing:
The question of you getting married and settling down is up to you. Weigh the pros and cons. Anything is possible with planning. At the moment you may not be ready to get married and explain the same to your Mom. If you can, send a little money home to "clear or fence" the vacant land and explain your needs and issues. That should pacify her for a while.

Right now, you can enrol in a few courses and certifications because at the end of the day in certain industries in other countries, that may be all you need to secure a decent job that can sustain you for a while until you get something better or enrol in a school. Better still, right where you are, you can enrol in an affordable online bachelors degree that takes not more than $100 and is offered by foreign universities such as Nexford University while working in your present blue collared job. This will enable you to gain your desired degree in as little as two to three years while applying for better jobs and allow you specialise in areas like digital transformation, business analytics and AI - these are focus areas that are needed more than ever in the 21st century. Like @youngfaraday1 said, keep making enquiries.

Goodluck!