₦airaland Forum

24SEVEN:
I hope you had no issues with your job in Lagos.

I left the job almost the same period after my return from warri to start up something for myself.
Thanks for asking.

Charles4182:
The Whatsapp group link isn't working

Sorry for any inconvenience. Get the link via the google drive link below. Nairaland is not permitting the direct whatsapp group link here

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1tKMgbla9qOvqn7jdIhKHH2coI8LjNB6B/view?usp=sharing

Cheers!

ISIDOREIFEANYI:
Can you please share the WhatsApp group link?

i hope it works
https:///J2GTvZml0poK0JggMEmcQN?mode=ems_copy_t

cheers!

Hello everyone,

Please use the Google link to access the Whatsapp group link. I hope this works.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1l64fBSZ4Xq_-YhuW8tHWTp_rxgA2FkCR/view?usp=drivesdk

Good day everyone,
I have created the Whatsapp group as stated in my previous Post.

Kindly use the Link below to join the group

Follow this link to join my WhatsApp group: https:///J2GTvZml0poK0JggMEmcQN?mode=ems_share_t

Best Regards

Hello everyone,

I've been receiving emails from Nairalanders regarding relocating to New Zealand via the study route.

Please note, I am not an immigration officer. Any information I provide is based on personal experience or the experiences of friends and colleagues.

If you're applying for a PhD at Auckland University of Technology (AUT), I can guide you from start to finish, including support with your visa application process. However, if you're applying to other universities, I may not be able to offer proper guidance, as AUT’s admission process differs from that of other universities in New Zealand.

Due to the numerous inquiries I've received over the past few days—which have been quite overwhelming given my schedule—I’ve decided to create a WhatsApp group strictly for those relocating to New Zealand via the study route. Please note, I do not offer advice on permanent residency or job sponsorship.

Also, I am not obligated to respond to inquiries based on your timeline, as I’m currently juggling work, study, and family commitments.

The reason for creating the WhatsApp group is that many of the questions I’ve received are similar, and I often find myself repeating the same information. The group will allow people to interact more effectively, share discoveries, and exchange experiences to support one another.

Please note: I am not asking anyone for financial favors in exchange for any information I provide. If such a request ever comes from my account, please assume it has been hacked (although realistically, my account is well secured).

I’ll be dropping the WhatsApp link soon for those interested in joining.

Nga mihi and God bless you.

Kels4real5663:
Good to hear from you, please I sent a mail to you just now. I would appreciate if you can check it..please

I already responded.

Thanks

Hi everyone,

It’s been a while since I visited this thread.

Auckland is quite a busy place—I used to think Lagos was hectic until I arrived here. Lol.

If you're applying for a PhD, you need to be strategic and ensure your research interests align with New Zealand’s future goals.

If you're considering the master's route—which I personally find expensive—I’d recommend looking into a Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma. It’s more affordable, allows you to bring your partner, and grants you a three-year post-study work visa upon completion. Most PG diplomas cost about half the price of a master’s degree here in NZ.

Also, if you have a family and the financial capacity to support them, you can apply for your visa along with them—whether you're coming for a master's or a PhD. There's no law stating that only PhD students can bring dependents. However, you need to be very thorough with your application, especially your proof of funds and your statement of purpose.

Lastly, I’m happy to assist anyone seeking information about the admission process or visa application.

Please note: I will never ask you for money for any assistance.

My support will come in the form of guidance—not doing the work for you. Lol.

Wishing everyone aspiring to come to NZ all the best on your relocation journey.

Ngā mihi.

Towards the end of 2017, I came across a job opening for several academic positions at the Nigeria Maritime University, Okerenkoko, in Delta State. I applied for the position of Lecturer II, having completed my coursework for my master’s degree and being about 70% through my research. It was an exciting moment, though filled with uncertainty—especially considering the “Nigeria factor” when it comes to recruitment processes.

The first shock was discovering that the application had to be submitted physically. We were required to deliver all requested documents in person. Given the university’s location in Okerenkoko, accessible only by speedboat through the Red Sea, the risk involved made me reconsider whether to proceed with the application. Nevertheless, I made up my mind and hoped for the best.

I gathered all the required documents, including academic references.

I traveled from Benin to Warri to meet up with my coursemate, Samuel Atabeh, who sat beside me on the speedboat. We journeyed for about 25 minutes to the university, navigating insecurity in the creeks and the inherent risks of water transportation. I couldn’t help but wonder: since the community where the university is located has no other means of transportation, why didn’t the recruitment committee create an online portal so candidates could apply from anywhere?

Upon arrival, we met an unimaginable crowd. I joined the queue to submit my documents for sighting. After completing the process, I engaged the official in charge in a brief conversation to ask when I might expect feedback regarding the interview. I also requested his mobile number, which he kindly provided.

Three or four months later, I had relocated to Lagos, having completed my MSc research and awaiting assessment. I saw on a popular website called Nairaland that candidates who applied to the university had been invited for interviews. I was worried—why hadn’t I received an invitation, despite meeting all the qualifications?

Then I remembered the official whose contact I had saved. I called him to inquire. He explained that there had been a technical glitch when sending bulk SMS messages to shortlisted candidates—only a few messages had gone through. While on the call, he asked me to hold on while he checked the list. Suddenly, he shouted, “Start coming to Okerenkoko right now!”

I was stunned. It was around 9 a.m., and I was at work in Lagos. I didn’t wait to get official permission from my manager—I knew what his response would be. I dashed home, packed a few clothes, grabbed my original documents, and headed to the motor park to catch the next available bus to Benin (there was no direct bus to Warri from my location). I arrived in Benin late in the evening, joined another bus to Warri, and spent the night at a friend’s place. The next morning, I went to the terminal to catch the next ferry to Okerenkoko.

I wasn’t the only one affected. In fact, fewer than 25% of shortlisted candidates received the SMS invitation—meaning the majority were left uninformed.

When I arrived at the university, I saw a huge crowd. A woman was addressing applicants who, like me, hadn’t received the invitation. I asked who she was and was told she was Professor Mrs. Ongoebi Maureen Etebu, the Acting Vice Chancellor and head of the recruitment process. The only words I heard her say were, “I’m sorry, we’ve concluded the recruitment process, and there’s nothing we can do.” People began chanting, “We didn’t get the invitation! Why not reschedule the interview?” But their pleas fell on deaf ears. Surrounded by her intimidating protocol team, I could only watch.

After she left, some applicants began sharing their experiences. Even those who received the invitation were misinformed—the interview venue was actually a hotel in Warri, not the university itself.

I was heartbroken. I remembered the first day we came for documentation, when one applicant praised the VC, saying she was a woman of integrity and that the recruitment process would be free of compromise. He spoke highly of her tenure as Dean of Engineering at the University of Port Harcourt. I couldn’t help but wonder—what happened to that integrity when it came to Nigeria Maritime University, Okerenkoko?

When we talk about corruption in Nigeria, this experience is the first that comes to mind. A few years after the university began operations, there were reports of misappropriation of funds from her office.

I fault the recruitment process—it was compromised from start to finish. Considering the risks involved in traveling miles for the application, the recruitment committee should not have burdened applicants, especially knowing that most were coming from outside Delta State.

This is just one example of many fraudulent recruitment processes in Nigeria, particularly in government establishments.

It would be fair if companies and institutions made recruitment more seamless for applicants—especially fresh graduates who often lack reliable income. Asking them to travel long distances for aptitude tests and interviews is unnecessary. We are in the 21st century, and these organizations can leverage technology to reduce the burden and risks involved, which disproportionately affect vulnerable applicants.

To Nigeria Maritime University, Okerenkoko, and Professor Mrs. Ongoebi Maureen Etebu—you hit us hard. It was one of my worst experiences as a Nigerian, witnessing firsthand a corrupt process and being powerless to change it.

We can do better as institutions of learning—especially those that echo the phrase “found worthy in character and learning.” Sadly, Nigeria Maritime University and its recruitment committee were far from that ideal.

To every Nigerian graduate without connections, as the saying goes—may God Almighty come through for you in your search for opportunities where your hard-earned knowledge can be applied. May you be free from the enemies of education who keep chanting, “School is a scam.”

Cheers.

Hello all,
i will be brief as possible: i want to have an online medical platform where patient with illness (not emergency) can book to meet available medical doctors virtually (video).
which approval do i actually need apart from CAC? because doctors will be onboarded and we don't want quacks but licensed practitioners.
How do i get the approval?
Please if you understand and know how this can be achieved please share your thoughts.

Thank you in advance.

GraduatesGrant:
Hello all,
Thanks to everyone for their contributions regarding my Enquiry this far.
I just confirmed that my employer never remitted my taxes during my period of employment.
LIRS said the only option I have is to get the self assessment meaning the name of my employer won't be on the tax certificate.

Attached is a sample of the self assessment tax clearance document. Please those who did theirs, was your employer (company name) stated on the tax clearance document?
Since this is my only option, do I stand a chance if I go with the self assessment as shown in the attachment?

Your input (s) will help me make my decision at this point.

Regards.

I'll appreciate any input from those who have seen how the tax clearance document is for employee.

Hello all,
Thanks to everyone for their contributions regarding my Enquiry this far.
I just confirmed that my employer never remitted my taxes during my period of employment.
LIRS said the only option I have is to get the self assessment meaning the name of my employer won't be on the tax certificate.

Attached is a sample of the self assessment tax clearance document. Please those who did theirs, was your employer (company name) stated on the tax clearance document?
Since this is my only option, do I stand a chance if I go with the self assessment as shown in the attachment?

Your input (s) will help me make my decision at this point.

Regards.

blackbriar:
My only advice here will be to follow the requirements as stipulated by Engineers Australia.
I believe the tax duration is stipulated on the Prepare for skilled migration assessement booklet of Engineers Australia.

Thanks so much for this

GraduatesGrant:
Thanks for your input so far.

My employer never paid any taxes till date, my boss just confirmed that to me. I contacted the Lagos state internal revenue, and I was told I can do a direct tax assessment for the last 3 years I worked with my employer against the 6 years to get the receipt of tax clearance document.

My question is; ideally, does the tax clearance comes with the company name one worked with or just the name of the employee? Because in my own case I was told since my company never remitted my taxes, and I'm doing the direct assessment it's only my name that would be on the tax clearance document. Can this fly?

Please your input in this would be very helpful and appreciated.

Thank you.

Please can anyone through some lights on this? Is tax clearance compulsory? My employer did not pay my taxes but I was told I can declare my income and get a direct assessment to be able to get my tax clearance documents.

Is the tax return going to be for the entire period of my work as stated for the EA assessment or just for some reasonable period maybe 6 months?

Thanks everyone

blackbriar:
Contact your company to find out.
If they do pay , they should draft up a tax clearance letter head with the tax invoices as attachements.

Thanks for your input so far.

My employer never paid any taxes till date, my boss just confirmed that to me. I contacted the Lagos state internal revenue, and I was told I can do a direct tax assessment for the last 3 years I worked with my employer against the 6 years to get the receipt of tax clearance document.

My question is; ideally, does the tax clearance comes with the company name one worked with or just the name of the employee? Because in my own case I was told since my company never remitted my taxes, and I'm doing the direct assessment it's only my name that would be on the tax clearance document. Can this fly?

Please your input in this would be very helpful and appreciated.

Thank you.

blackbriar:
Good day Dear Sir/Ma.

Please kindly fmailiarise yourself with the Engineers Australia Document below:
https://www.engineersaustralia.org.au/sites/default/files/2022-07/prepare-your-migration-skills-assessment-application-july2022_0.pdf

Page 7 of the document above explains what your CDR should contain.

You wil require 3 CDRs. Any you can use any projects from your working experiences.

After drafting your CDRs, cross-check to ensure that your CDRs cover all the points listed in the porefessional summary below:
https://www.engineersaustralia.org.au/sites/default/files/2022-06/professional-engineer-summary-statement-brfinal.pdf


It doesnt matter if your compnay is small, big or international.
It is about your engineering working experience.
and having solar working design and project delivery experience is quite niche.

The most important documents required form your company are stated on page 9 of the Prepare your Migration
Skills Assessment application, July 2022 v1.0.

Godspeed and my humble 2 cents.

Thanks so much.

I have taken note of all requirements regarding my employment. In addition to that, further proof of employment regarding receipt of income tax lodgement. Is the income tax for the whole period of employment or for a particular period, maybe for a year or six months duration?

Also, the company I worked for is actually a small company, I've never seen or discuss tax with my employer and I'm not sure if he remits tax to the Lagos state government at any point.

Thanks once again.

Hello all,
Please I need some guidance. I have gone through this thread from the first page but my situation is a bit different.

I want to do my assessment with EA, my situation is:

B.Eng Production engineering (option in mechanical engineering) 2014

Got a certification in project management from a Nigerian institute 2015

M.Eng Manufacturing engineering 2018

Work experience:
Design engineer in a renewable energy company 2018-2021

Project Engineer 2021-2022 same coy

Project manager 2022-2023 same coy

PhD in mechanical engineering in view started 2024 in new Zealand

Preparing for Prince 2 project management certification May 2025

Please how should I structure my CDR? My job is strictly mechanical design of affordable solar devices and even as a project engineer/project manager I was still overseeing the manufacturing process from design to finishing.

Also, the company I work for is not a big company but we have a standard website.

Please contributions from experience legends would be appreciated.

Thank you.

cc: blackbrial

ELEG:
Hello Sir,
I am considering either applying for a Bsc program for my wife or an 1 Diploma program for myself. In any of this circumstance, Can I travel with dependents ?

Please let me know sir.

Hi, Bsc no dependents, Postgraduate diploma, yes you can travel with dependents.

Winnyluv:
Congratulations! Please, can I send you an email for guidance? Did you join any Whatsapp group for direction and extra motivation or you got everything from their website?

Thank you for your kind words.
Yea, i joined a small whatsapp group, i think after applying for admission.
got some info from the group members during my visa application.

yeah, you can send me an email.

cheers.

f

aodis:
Any masters student going for 2024 S1 Feb AUT? Pls let's connect .

congratulations!
i'm resuming Feb 1st also for Phd at AUT

aodis:
Am having issues paying my application fee . How did you pay urs pls.

GTB Dom account.

ab4m:
CONGRATULATION
Do you pay school fees before submitting or you are on scholarship? Mine was approved in principle; I was told to pay my fees and show a receipt from the school. International money transfer has been delaying me.

Thank you. I paid my fees before applying for visa.

Ticha:
Awesome! Congratulations! Wishing a you all a safe trip and smooth transition to NZ!

Thanks so much

peze:
Many Congratulations!!!

Thank you boss

GraduatesGrant:
Good day, i have a question please.

From the checklist provided by INZ on their website, there's a list of documents they stated as means of evidence of having enough money ( for tuition and living expenses) for the first year.

As seen from the attached file, a 3 months statement of account is required. But the second is a certificate of fixed deposit that has been held for at least 6 months.
Can I use such certificate with fixed deposit equivalent to my POF and attach my bank statement of 6 months with good cash flow ? Because if I should deposit all lump cash into my account it may look suspicious. And I have a good cash flow from my personal account which double my business account.

Reason I'm asking, if I should deposit the POF in my account to wait for three months before my visa application, expenses will reduce what I've saved up, and I have until September 30th to vacate my current accommodation and getting a new accommodation in Lagos is now a luxury.

Please successful applicant and expert should enlighten me. I'm confused honestly.

Ps: I'm a prospective PhD visa applicant.

cc:Ticha

VISA APPROVED
Appreciation to everyone who has provided information previously that guided me on this path.

Got my offer of place in June 26th precisely. The dollar rate actually affected my already saved funds, so it delayed my process.

I applied for my visa September 14th it was a group application, my wife and two kids.
A week after application I got an email requesting I submit my research abstract and filled the form 1200.

October 12th my wife got an email requesting she proved we've been living together that they are already satisfied that we have a genuine relationship. They gave a 26th October as the deadline to provide this.
I went to the local government where we live and got a Domicile letter and we also added some documents like invoices carrying our address from the company she usually get her toiletries, pictures of our first and second daughter naming ceremony in our residents with family and friends, although we've provided similar pictures during the application.

She responded to the email same day which was 13th October on a Friday and on Tuesday 17th our visa landed .

Documents submitted
Proof of fund: I used a fixed deposit certificate
Proof of employment: I'm an entrepreneur, I submitted my CAC documents, 5 years Annual returns receipt from CAC, recommendation letter from a federal university I've worked for commending my company (I run a solar company), clients reviews, memorandum of understanding I entered with top leading microfinance bank with sole aim to sponsor anyone interested in acquiring solar in their homes, 6 months bank statement of my company showing transactions (I banked with a microfinance bank), my NYSC certificate, and CV.

Education: I submitted my bachelor's and master's degree certificate and transcripts.

For my wife: She's a professional banker, I submitted all her employment letters (3), nysc certificate, and CV.

Other documents: marriage certificate, wedding pictures, numerous WhatsApp chat conversation I had with my wife relating to our family, pictures when we had our first baby, Xmas pictures when we went out to with our kids, birthday picture of our first daughter with both of us, chat conversation when my wife was asking me to get baby food for my little daughter with date.

Family ties: nothing much here, I don't have any landed property. I only presented a picture I took with my mum and dad, and I already stated I'm the only son of my parents.

Reason to return back to Nigeria: I presented My company as my treasure, with my bank statement already shown and the partnership my company entered with a microfinance bank, I will definitely come back. I stated I have few staff with their names and information in my cover letter, they will be the one running the company in my absence. Although, they are great guys and I trust them (just two of them).

My cover letter: this was a long one, since I won't be there when my application is been reviewed, I made sure I explained in details and be convinced that there won't be any question regarding my genuine intention to study and gave a good reason why I'm coming with my wife and 2 kids. It was a long letter (9 pages )

Men and brethren, I was in doubt if my application would be approved, but I and my wife prayed endlessly, especially using a fixed deposit from a microfinance bank, No landed property and many more. God came through and helped me.

Application duration was exactly 33 days.


My program: PhD in mechanical engineering, Auckland university of Technology.

Thank you all and God bless you.

If you're in this process or planning to apply, make sure all your documents are GENUINE and PRAY.

Ticha:
Off the top of my head, I'd say yes you cam as long as the fixed deposit is in your name and there is proof that the money is accessible to you once you need it - ie a letter from the bank detailing such and then adding your regular bank statements.

If in doubt, speak to rhe admissions team - all the universities have dedicated visa staff who can reach out to INZ and ask clarifying questions on your behalf.

Did you university ask you to provide proof of funds?? If yes, what did you provide to them as that would also work for INZ

Thank you for the response.
No, my university did not ask for proof of funds. I'll do as you've said.
Thanks once again

Good day, i have a question please.

From the checklist provided by INZ on their website, there's a list of documents they stated as means of evidence of having enough money ( for tuition and living expenses) for the first year.

As seen from the attached file, a 3 months statement of account is required. But the second is a certificate of fixed deposit that has been held for at least 6 months.
Can I use such certificate with fixed deposit equivalent to my POF and attach my bank statement of 6 months with good cash flow ? Because if I should deposit all lump cash into my account it may look suspicious. And I have a good cash flow from my personal account which double my business account.

Reason I'm asking, if I should deposit the POF in my account to wait for three months before my visa application, expenses will reduce what I've saved up, and I have until September 30th to vacate my current accommodation and getting a new accommodation in Lagos is now a luxury.

Please successful applicant and expert should enlighten me. I'm confused honestly.

Ps: I'm a prospective PhD visa applicant.

cc:Ticha

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Thank you

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Hello, how will you feel if over 20 million people get to see your book daily? How will you feel if a reputable company Amazon partner with you to help sell your books to her audience, publish and ship to them in any part of the world without you lifting your finger? How about the global presence?

I can help you publish your book on Amazon within 48 hours depending on the volume of the book and you get paid in dollars or pounds.

FEE: starting fee is #35,000 depending on the pages

Interested person only should send a WhatsApp DM to 08189985957

Thank you

Ps: That's a sample of a book published for a client