₦airaland Forum

I am just pasting this to show how wrong all this Cush/Bantu etc racial stereotypes are.

"Merely stating the fact that certain groups do better than others — as measured by income, test scores and so on — is enough to provoke a firestorm in America today, and even charges of racism. The irony is that the facts actually debunk racial stereotypes.

There are some black and Hispanic groups in America that far outperform some white and Asian groups. Immigrants from many West Indian and African countries, such as Jamaica, Ghana, and Haiti, are climbing America’s higher education ladder, but perhaps the most prominent are Nigerians. Nigerians make up less than 1 percent of the black population in the United States, yet in 2013 nearly one-quarter of the black students at Harvard Business School were of Nigerian ancestry; over a fourth of Nigerian-Americans have a graduate or professional degree, as compared with only about 11 percent of whites."

Source: http://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/26/opinion/sunday/what-drives-success.html?_r=0

In summary, anyone can succeed if enough effort is put in.

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As absurd as the thread starter's racist arguments are, it just goes to show how ridiculous we Nigerians all sound when we try and argue that one Nigerian tribe (Yoruba/Ibo/Edo/Hausa, etc) is 'superior' to other Nigerian tribe(s)!

The difference in the passing rates by state within Nigeria is most likely due degree of investment in education, not because a tribe is 'better'. These conditions can be improved with good governance. Culture and religion may also play a role, but positive change is possible nonetheless.

If you feel otherwise, i.e. that your tribe is intrinsically better than the others, then you probably also have to accept that your tribe/race is inferior to those from other countries, such as Britain, Russia where the education standard is higher. (Doesn't that sound like racism?) #JustSaying.

The difference in the passing rates by state is most likely due to the culture and degree of investment in education, not because a tribe is 'better'.

If you feel otherwise, then you probably also have to accept that your tribe/race is not as good as people from other countries, such as Britain, Russia where the education standard is higher. #JustSaying.

dejt4u: may God purnish Aregbesola for destroyin the education standard in Osun state.. Opon Imo my foot..

The idiot is busy makin noise when students are deprived of the basic standard education they ar entitled to..

While it's true that Osun State performed poorly in this year's exam, I don't think it's a new phenomenon.

The changes that Aregbesola introduced might not be evident immediately, so it's not fair to criticize him so harshly. Most of the damage to the learning process takes place early in life, and that is the age group that the governor seems to have invested heavily in. Hopefully we'll see an improvement in the state's (absolute) pass rate over time.

Nonetheless, I think it's great that some states in Nigeria are getting it right; congratulations to the SE states. I would be inclined to believe that their good grades result from long term and sustained investment in education.

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its quite unscrupulous and barbaric for people to assume that talking and warning before taking action is a sign of fear or cowardice. lets be grateful to God that this country is still intact. We can still post our comment, move around, live because their is no war yet. Do not wake the sleeping lion. Do not assume that because ndi Igbo was defeated in civil war years ago, that this war that is broiling will be easy. This war, if not averted on time will leave all of us deprived of our loved ones and belongings. I dont have properties, but i have loved ones, and i wont wanna loose them. May God keep us all.

@Wycleaftic
The above is an extremely sensible comment.

My own thoughts: the solution to Nigeria's problem lies in creating a loose confederacy, not war. This would involve fair resolution of resource control-issues, regional parliaments, perhaps even separate regional work permits; but this would all take place over a prolonged period of time, not immediately.

Don't think a war will solve Nigeria's problems; as corrupt as the present system is it is still much better than the alternative. With a war, apart from the unimaginable millions of lives that could be lost; there could also be disruption of peoples economic and educational lives. All of you in tertiary institutions might be forced to start from scratch for example. Yes, war is sometimes necessary as a last resort, but we certainly shouldn't begin hoping for it to happen. On the contrary we are enjoined to pray for peace. Remember, death and life are in the power of the tongue. Speak life to the future of yourself, your family, and yes - Nigeria. Peace!

It's a shame that nairaland is the most ethno-centric, racist forum I have ever read. Almost every national topic is eventually twisted to produce hatred and ethnic sentiment. On reading through this thread, entire members of Yorubas/Igbos have on different occasions been referred to as "scumbags", "the worst monsters ever to have tread the face of Africa", "the slaves of Nigeria, the political pawns used by everyone", "idiots", "devils". We all know that none of these are true.

I would just like to implore everyone to please refrain from spreading such hatred. After all, it doesn't make you or your tribe stronger or more respected. We all have our flaws and weaknesses.

@phuck_NL:
Hi this is bongabiz, yeah I did attend ISI, 2000set. Which set were you in? Cheers

Hello folks,
let me start by expressing my sincere appreciation to the contributors to this thread, (especially Kenzema) who have kept it as one of the most useful and mature threads on the nairaland forum. In my honest opinion this is the most useful source on obtaining the US student visa in Nigeria.

I obtained my US student visa last month in Lagos. My interview wasn't too eventful (it didn't seem so, as it was over in less than 5 minutes!), so I don't have much to write, but here's how it went.

Me: Good afternoon sir
Interviewer: Good afternoon sir. Why do you want to go to America?
Me: For graduate studies at Harvard University
Interviewer: Graduate studies at Harvard University?
Me: Yes
I: Did you apply to any other university?
M: Yes. Boston University.
I: Is there any particular reason why your schools are both in the Boston area?
M: Umm. Well, I like the area because it's a university area and ,  (I actually had no reason, and was just fumbling. And then I remembered something, ) There really isn't any strong reason. I also applied to Pittsburgh and was rejected by them, I could show you the letter.
I: Never mind. Do you have any relatives in the US?
M: Yes, a cousin. But we really aren't that close
(Another mistake. I shouldn't have mentioned the 2nd part until he asked any further question!)
I: What are you going to study in the United States?
M: Public Health?
I: Are you a doctor?
M: Yes
I: You're a doctor. Where do you work sir?
M: (I mention place)
I: How do you intend to pay
M: Internal university funding
I: Sorry?
M: Internal university funding
I: As in like a scholarship?
M: Yes, a combination of a scholarship and a loan
I: Can  I see a letter
M: I show him the letters, he already had checked out the I-20
The interviewer then starts typing something into a computer for what seems like forever; I try and relieve my tension by taking a long look around the interview hall.
Finally,
I: Ok. One thing. When you are making your travel plans, make sure you travel within 30 days to the date on the I-20, but no later than it.
good luck in your plans sir.
M: Thank you sir. Goodbye


I wish all nairalanders success in their interviews!

@Nethacker: thanks for answering my last question.

Hello everyone, I am about to apply for a student visa. The school is covering all living and tuition expenses, and this is reflected on the I-20. However, my uncle here in Nigeria is giving me a bank statement to indicate sponsorship of relocation costs (air travel etc). My question is, do I need to have the I-134 (affidavit of support) filled, or will a simple letter from him be sufficient evidence? (NB - My uncle is a Nigerian resident here in Nigeria).
Thanks

Hi guys, pls I have a quick question about the interview in lagos. The queue at Walter Carrington appears intimidating, how is order maintained. Is there like a line which can only be passed by those who have an appointment scheduled. Is it possible for someone to arrive on time and not be able to enter because of the crowd there?

Please does anyone know if they deduct for PAYMENTS into non-domiciled accounts? That would be crazy!

Concerning the payment of US visa fees at UBA, specifically the $131, do they accept naira or do they ask one to bring the naira equivalent? One can never be too sure!

@nethacker: Pls how does one go about the money order for SEVIS.
Is it available from any Nigerian bank?

Hi everyone,
Pls has anybody had any luck with SEVIS payment using Nigerian debitcards, eg, Zenith visacard, GTB mastercard?

We may have been better off than we are now, but that's not really saying much since Nigeria's been at a standstill since 2007.

I recently passed the Primary exams in Ophthalmology and am scouting for Nigerian residency openings.
Pls I would appreciate any general info you can all share.
Does anyone know how much residents are paid at Eye Foundation?
Thanks

Just got 1400. (760 Q, 640 V)
How useful is this for a full scholarship?
I intend to do something public health related like MPH or Epidemiology.

Pls I'm to write mine at 12noon in ABJ, do they really keep to time or will I just have to arrive at 8am anyway?

Thumbs up Gentleemmy!

I think they should have considered giving him the prize at a later date, when his 'efforts' at peace have actually started bearing some fruit.
Right now it seems he has been making ridiculous concessions to America's adversaries, getting nothing in return.
For example, he countermanded the United States' previous decision to build a missile defence system over Eastern Europe, and all Russia could do was issue more demands. Iran has also remained defiant despite his decision to negotiate with them since assuming office.

@Beneli:
Thanks for the comprehensive response!
I like Psychiatry and am considering it, but please, apart from Psychiatry which other specialties would be possible/likely to enter?

Hi. Thinking of coming to the UK immediately after service. Please could u explain briefly the different types of jobs that might be available. What does 'trust grade' mean.
Would I be able to get a FY1 or FY2 job?
And how will the EWTD affect salaries? On average like how much would an average doctor be able to save?
Is it possible to get a locum job as the first appointment?

Thanks nairalanders,

It seems there are some vacancies in the UK? Please anyone with info about which areas one is likely to find employment as a foreign doctor?

http://careers.bmj.com/careers/advice/view-article.html?id=20000040

I've read thru the entire post, and have to conclude that most non-medics don't have a complete understanding of the imminent crisis in the Nigerian health sector.
If you understand, that just like other sectors in Nigeria, the problem of the health sector is one of chronic underfunding, you'll understand that doctors' pay is only the least of our problems. When the government announces that they will increase health workers' salary, know that they are running away from the more costly and painful real solutions.
There are not enough standard hospitals, where standard investigations can be carried out by sufficiently qualified personnel. This statement sums up our health sector problems.
Try to imagine Nigeria with as many high quality hospitals, as say the UK. No, say 10%. Before some of you point at hospitals like UCH here, I'll immediately counter by saying that I trained there, and I know that it's a big joke to even attempt to lump UCH with such hospitals. How many successful open heart surgeries are done in the whole of Nigeria? How many successful bone marrow transplants? Also remember that you'd need the equivalence of hospitals as 'advanced' as UCH in at least every state in the federation.
Also, you can not seperate the health sector from the overall economy. While I was a student, sometimes entire operation lists were cancelled because of the absence of electricity; and no water in the operation suite. Remember that the patients affected would probably have had to wait for months, and this would sentence them to further weeks/months of waiting.
As regards lab investigations, the equipment just isn't there.
Finally the issue of training. Find out about the stiff competition involved in postgraduate training exams in Nigeria, and finding a residency placement. There simply aren't enough places. And again, the solution to this is painful & costly, spend billions of naira in producing more standard hospitals where more doctors can be trained. Those in the health care sector will know that we have a gross shortage of specialists, esp. those like ophthalmology; and even those as crucial as O&G.
I hope we will focus on the real problems. Other than that, we will continue to run in circles. Doctors would probably be paid more, but patient care would in fact decline.

@KONGI (or anyone else with relevant info)
Hi,
Pls I'd like to ask, as regards locum jobs in the UK, is it possible to find one immediately post-plab2 , without doing the foundation years.
Thanks.
Olumide

@ KONGI
Thanks again for the very helpful information you've given. I pray God grants you success & fulfilment in your endeavours.

As regards locum doctors in the UK, how stable is their employment, i.e. is one likely to be employed through the year, and if so, how come they are paid more? What's the catch?!

Soon this tuition free stuff will be over in Sweden.

http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&ct=res&cd=5&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnews.xinhuanet.com%2Fenglish%2F2008-06%2F23%2Fcontent_8424871.htm&ei=rvB-SN-9KJDg1gaE36TOCQ&usg=AFQjCNEV5iztQq9QEZTJSeAm8a_hun5jEQ&sig2=Jq5LFNDixjvglTcDL1cvpQ

By 2010 you'll have to pay for Swedish education. So I'll advise anyone to act as quickly as possible.