₦airaland Forum

damiliano:
hello house.
pls i need your help cus am a novice in this aspect
am a bsc holder in banking and finance and finished with a secound class upper and wish to travel to USA this year to start MSc programs with them by january.
pls house,what are the necessary steps i need to take to make this come to reality plsssss

will appreciate a response.

God bless you all

Hi!
Congrats on getting a BS. The next step is to sit down, and examine your undergraduate days. You're searching for what part of Banking & Finance will suit you best. As per courses in which you performed your best, courses you really loved and felt inordinately passionate about, which lecturers can vouch for your in-class and out-of-class diligence, and what you plan to do with the MSc.

These will help you to;
- Put your best foot forward by presenting an attractive transcript and academic records
- Get glowing hot letters of recommendation from lecturers who taught you
- Convince the admission committee members that you'd be a great +1 to the incoming MS program in your desired school

All of these will help you to submit an application packet that not only stands out, but gets you attracted to several faculty members in your proposed school who would like to have you in the MS program.

And it gets pretty much simple from here. Simple, not easy. Because you'd need to be motivated through the long, daunting process of applying and enrolling into a US MS program.

Next,
- Find out 5 schools strong in your desired area of specialty
- Take the GRE, and aim to score in 90's percentiles across all sections

So, you don't get overwhelmed, I'd need to stop here, and let you do something today. One step at a time.

I wish you the best.

Toakins:
I have registered but I didn't get any admission ticket or will it be emailed later?

No, you would need to login to your ETS account a day to your test, so you can print it. All the best.

drhopeful:
Surprised. What happened? I thought you wrote your GRE last year for this fall admission....

Yap, but I only passed out this April.

Toakins:
Please after registering and paying online.. am I supposed to get a print out to use on d exam day? asides from d ID

Yes, your GRE Admission ticket is compulsory for entry into the test center.

drhopeful:
@happyday, are you in school now?

No sir.

iCool:
Fall 2017 is actually a very good idea. Full funding wouldn't be bad . It looks so far to me, that's the singular problem I have with it.

I don't have to rush the processing then, just want to get done with these exams.

If you want to put your best foot forward, then I think you don't want to rush TWO things; your applications and then the tests. Both are important. America is not running away, and Fall isn't that far. Trust me, you'd have enough on your hands till August, 2017 if you can plan out every stage of the app process. Please, "don't just want to get done with the exams". Be at your best on the tests, once.

qizick:
wow nice thread I'm awaiting service n would love to go to USA for my masters please I need help with regards to the Tofel n GRE I want to write them and also apply for full scholarship please is anyone in the house with vital information who can help me I also need a mentor please contact me via qizick@yahoo.com thanks

Obviously, you haven't gone through pages of this thread. But you need to start from Page 1, jotting points as you go along, until you're full and tired. Then, apply what you've gleaned to plan out a GRE study schedule, pick a test date, register and start preparing. Shikena!

iCool:
My mind is settled, the money isn't the major concern. Time is the issue here.

Was told that I can't get a late September date as I had planned, so we are working towards early October. I am running late by my calculations, wanna apply for at least two 2017 summer admissions (fall session is toooo far).

In that case, your best bet is to check with the two schools when you're expected to turn in your full app packet. For Summer admissions, I think October is cutting it too close, since you'd need to enroll by January, 2017. Most programs need two months to review your application and decide, and then you'd want to make travel arrangements from here.

iCool:
Everyone here has gone quiet... Na reading cause am??

Update: I was able to find a possible means to register yesterday, tried registering online through Paypal all through last weekend, it was a wasted effort . Paid 66k for toefl and registration didn't go through. Got a refund on the 3rd day. I get mind sha

Checked out a Training center at Olu Obasanjo Road p/h, they said they could do the registration. The training center looks good and legit so I paid and they promised to do the registration before the week ends. Only thing I have now is just a receipt for a total of 110k (do not try this), 50k toefl and 60k gre Like I said before, I get mind .

Still waiting to get the call that it has been done while I read on.

Waoh, quite a lot you've gone through. I just noticed the Paypal page is returning empty here. If you stay close to the center, you can visit and request that they do it while you're there. At least, to settle your mind.

TOSINIFE:
sent

Kindly help me send the prep materials to usbankcash@gmail.com Thanks.

IssyGenius:
wow! I am sure he made a first class..right?

Yes. He did!

T4kbaba:
Sakur Aye!

In a sane society that values talents and hard work, Shakur should probably be at MIT or Stanford now, all-expense paid. Even the PRESSID the FG was doing at the time is now in shambles. We're coming. Because if we refuse to come, then no one is coming for us.

IssyGenius:
what of Taiwo toyin that finished from Mayflower with 9 distinction 2001 or 2002-2003 thereabout. I think he went to OAU to study engineering....

No, he went to UNILAG. Chemical Engineering.

[quote author=auxioneer post=48834772][/quote]Please, feel free, anytime. I wish you the best.

Bolisticbond026:
Good day guys,Thumb up guys i must say dis is my first time on this thread.I am a graduate of Electronics and Computer Engineering with second class upper division (CGPA 3.71).Can anyone help me to calculate my cgpa to USA standard and also help send latest materials on GRE starting serious preparation soonest.U can send materials to abdulhafizmatti2001@yahoo.com thanks in advance.

For a rough estimate, on a 5.0 GPA, let A = 4, B = 3, C = 2, D = 1, E = 0 and F = 0 and calculate accordingly. For materials, kindly go through the very first post on this thread.

auxioneer:
Hello gurus in the house i am new to the thread. i would like your candid advice on how i can go about writing GRE & TOEFl. I would like to apply for Msc Mech Eng and need these two exams to stand a chance of getting admission and funding if possible i finished with a 2.2. i am looking at writing both exams in the first week of October. i have my leave(20 working days) through out September so i want to use that time and prepare fully. i need expert guidance on how to go about it. i also wont mind links and materials sent to my email dejioni@gmail.com. thanks in advance

Hello, you're welcome. Kindly take time to go through the very first post on this thread. I'm sure your questions and doubts will be put to rest. Also, the materials you need can be gotten by following instructions in that post. Yes, to apply for an MS program in Mechanical Engineering, you're safer taking both the GRE and TOEFL. But, I think you'll need more than the 4 weeks to prepare well for the GRE, since you appear not to have been familiar with the test, and exactly what's being tested in the GRE.

More so, top scores (read 160+ on both Verbal and Quant) might be able to offset your 2/2 GPA. At this point, you need to make doubly strong every of your other component of your application, since it would seem that your final GPA is set in stone, and you can do little or nothing about it. So, I think you should give your all to those portions of the application which are in your control.

I'd advise that you start preparing now, and also schedule your work to incorporate a little of GRE prep consistently. You'll be amazed at how 30 minutes of dedicated, no-fail time will boost your prep efforts. So, it's perfectly fine if your work doesn't allow you to spend 4 hours on the GRE daily (Who spends such amount of time on GRE prep, anyway?)

You might notice that I didn't dwell to much on the TOEFL here. That's because I think you need to focus more on the GRE. Decent scorers on the GRE have reported they spent over 2 months in prep, while a week or two is usually fine for the TOEFL. Also, you might want to take the TOEFL after the GRE.

Of course, nothing is set in stone, and you're free to modify this to your taste.

helenmi:
Is Select-in-Passage still a type of reading comprehension question?

YES, if you're taking the computer-based test. But you won't be seeing select-in-passage questions in a paper-based GRE test.

drhopeful:
Thanks! I can start with you! You had 5.5! Oya bring tips!

And yes, I am focusing on all sections. Need to improve scores in all sections. God help me.

Hahahahah. Me ke! I didn't mean it like that.

For a start, I used this guide from Shruti Rijhwani. She had a 170 VR, 169 QR, and 5.0 AWA.

Here goes:

One practice essay of each type (Issue, Argumentative) is a must. All possible topics are already on the internet, published by ETS themselves - check the official website. Unfortunately, there are around 200 for each essay type, so practising all of them is near impossible. Writing in 30 minutes is not easy, so practice at least once.

Issue essay - read sample essays (from ETS and the internet) and figure out what pattern of paragraphs you want to use.

The essay is essentially asking you to analyse an issue, take a stand and support with examples. The stand does not have to be either for or against the issue. It could be inclined towards one side or even ambivalent, if you can substantiate it.

I used introduction, brief body about my opinion and example 1, example 2, example 3, contradiction and justification, conclusion - 6 paragraphs.

Contradiction is a paragraph where you approach the opposite stand and justify your stand with that view - like arguing with a completely opposite opinion.

Argument essay - read samples (from ETS and the internet).

Also, definitely look up the kinds of logical fallacies common to GRE argument essay topics. There aren’t many (maybe five or six) and are easily identifiable. If you can detect three or four logical fallacies, you’re set to write the essay.

Pattern I used - introduction, fallacy 1, fallacy 2, fallacy 3, recommendations, conclusion - 6 paragraphs.

Also, look at Essay Guide, Strategies and Logical Fallacies.

Long essays are preferred for both topics - look at ETS samples. 5-6 paragraphs is sufficient.

The next few lines are courtesy Anjishnu Kumar who scored 5.5/6 in Analytical Writing.

The first thing about the essays - They are NOT testing how great of a creative writer you are. Do NOT try to use them to express your originality.

They are testing articulation, perfect grammar and logical structure - so use simple language as far as possible and easy to understand sentences.

Have a relatively rigid sentence structure for your essay - you then can devote more time to coming up with points to write and less time thinking about how to start the essay and conclude.

Spend the first few minutes thinking about what you are going to write before you start typing- finish with time to spare and spend a few minutes proofreading what you write. Practice writing with a 20 minute time limit, it’s OK if you overshoot a bit.

BTW, they aren’t important for MS programs, but PhD programs look at AWA scores very seriously.

Looking back now, I pretty much agree with all she said. Especially on the need to:
- Practice at least ONE Issue and ONE Argument before test day
- Develop a specific structure that you will use to plan your essays in the test hall
- And also the need to follow through.

I can't stress that last part enough. Take my case for instance. I already planned what structure to use for my Issue task; Intro, My take (i.e. support or oppose . . . I always prefer NOT to stay in between), example 1, example 2, example 3, a sham argument and defense, and finally conclusion.

Believe me, it was easier for me to outline all these, and follow them while practicing. But, I almost discarded it on the actual test. Planning out the structure this way, to me, was time-wasting. But, you would need to resist the temptation to dive all in, once you see the task. If you don't take time to read, understand and plan ahead, and then you dive in, you'd likely run out of points, and get destabilized halfway.

The best way to off-set your GRE score is to retake the GRE. While I agree with kaima2015, you need not look back. Prep for the AWA, but NOT at the detriment of the other two. Remember, you can't combine different GRE scores. In my opinion though, you can get it right with the AWA with 1 (or 2 weeks) of focused prep. Ask those who got a 6.0 or 5.5, and you'll see their techniques are fairly similar.

I wish you the best in your applications.

drhopeful:
Thanks kaima2015. Yes I am very worried about my AWA score. I don't have research publications and my only research experience is my MSc dissertation. Lol. I have work experience of 7 years in my area of interest.

Too bad, I have already re-registered. It has pushed me back 2 months in starting my applications, but hopefully I can get my apps completed latest mid-Dec. Thanks for caring, I really appreciate.

Great scores! You want to make people like us go hide for somewhere. I give it to you, you're just too motivated. A full-time job and a family, and then scoring well on the GRE? Thumbs up, Ma. We all develop nerves, especially for a test like the GRE. It's how the test is designed.
So, you're not alone.
If you rewrite and achieve better scores, it won't disturb in any way. The schools will use your last reported scores in your admission. But, I want to ask; do you really think a 162 Q isn't good enough to get into a decent PhD program? In my opinion, so far it wasn't an act beyond your control like traffic or ill-health, I think you're better off developing other aspects of the application (see SOP and LORs).
I understand how you feel, the first few days after seeing your scores aren't that lovely. Especially when you feel you should have performed better. It will pass, I promise. Arrange your profile, as it is, and inquire how you stack up in your desired programs.
All the best.

drhopeful:
So I also wrote the GRE and would love to share my experience. First of all, I am very disappointed with my scores. Infact, I have been very depressed since I got my official scores. Granted I am not very good in Verbal/Writing but I believe I can still get decent scores.

I wrote GRE on August 4 in Port Harcourt. I had to travel from Akwa Ibom to Rivers that morning. Left my house at about 5.30am so I could beat all the PH traffic. Got to the venue about 1.5hrs early. Check in started at about 9am and took almost 2 hours.

I finally got to my seat and immediately exam nerves kicked in. Staggered and managed to get on with the issue essay. Wrote for about 20+ mins before I realized I had misread the topic. No time to remedy. I believe I would have scored a 3 here. For the argument, I barely had time to collect my thoughts. I basically ended up asking questions without answers that would weaken or strengthen the argument. Big poo.... I believe I would have scored a 4 here. Finally AW result....3.5 vs 4.5 I was targeting.

I got 3 wicked verbal sections. So tough that I could not tell which was experimental section. Even the TCs and SEs were so convoluted talkless of those long recondite RCs....bloody hell. The RCs were all about american revolution history and arts nonsense, I just could not understand them at all. Anyway, I ended up with an abysmal 150. My target was 155.

I consider myself a fair maths guru but those quant questions, while not so tough, needed more time to solve. I found myself running out of time. Had to guess on some complex questions and move on. I ended up with 162. I was targeting 165.

I was studying on and off for a few months, never really had enough time to be honest. I work full time and still have to care for a husband and child. It should not be an excuse, but its really tough managing a family, working and still having to study.

Special thanks to sirriddy. That guy is so selfless, was never tired of listening to my whinings. Kept encouraging me to push on. May God continue to bless him.

I really salute the likes of nastydamus and babisho! Kudos to you guys for your scores. I envy you both.

I am considering rewriting but very nervous. I am a PhD hopeful; I know my scores are not good enough and will taint the other excellent parts of my application.

I have a question to ask..... I had reported those scores to my schools. Won't it affect my chances even if i rewrite and achieve better scores?

P.S. Pardon my typo/grammatical errors. I am typing from a phone.

Thanks so much! I'm truly truly grateful.

semac00:
Hello,

Don't worry just wait for the second email the consular will send to you. There you will see the date and time to be at the Embassy. But if you do not receive any response after a week, you have to reapply for a date again. But better you get all documents ready so you don't have to start rushing when you get the date.
Secondly, yes you have to authenticate at ministry of education and legalize at foreign affairs in abuja you can process all your documents yourself without an agent. will be easier if you stay in abuja so you have time to ask questions so as to do the right thing. Any little mistake will cause visa refusal. So you really need time and lots of questions so as not to make any mistake. I already stated some of the common mistakes above. Do not change your signature with the one in your international passport. Some do that cos they where still very young when they first signed. Bank statement must be above 3m naira closing balance. This info you will not find in their website but can cause one to be denied visa. Good luck

thankyouJesus:
I really appreciate your gesture sir, it is actually 7.0.

My bad. Thanks for the correction.

thankyouJesus:
Good evening all, I love preparing ahead of time to achieve my dream, this always works for me.
I am David, a first class mathematics graduate of the University of Ibadan (this will not materalize until 2019 because I am in 100L presently) with aim of applying to either Havard or MIT for my doctorate degree in Mathematics. I am here to learn, know more about the processes, best time to sit for exam et al. I am happy to be here.

Waaaooooh! I like this! Your aims are high, and I think asking before it's time is a pointer that you're closer to your dreams than you realize.
Yeah, sit tight and finish Maths UI with a first class. This is THE MOST IMPORTANT, for now. Maths PhD is not as structured as BS Maths, in that math research is so broad, and you'll be starting out with a blank plate, for you to go figure it out. Whereas in your undergraduate days, you generally have an idea of the proofs, methods and solutions. The best way is to finish among the top 1% of your graduating class, preferably the best graduating.

How?

Treat each class, each test, each assignment, each quiz, each exam, each term paper with all seriousness. With time, that lofty dream of an 8.0 (am I right) will materialize.

And as for preparation for a PhD at top US schools, don't fret about taking tests for now. When it's time, you'll need to take the GRE general test, GRE Math Subject test and TOEFL/IELTS. But, my brother, for now, you need to be focused on that 4-year stint at UI. But to whet your appetite, check these sites for admissions requirements and FAQ for Maths Graduate Adm at MIT.

https://math.mit.edu/academics/grad/admission/index.php

And this is a short FAQ:
https://math.mit.edu/academics/grad/admission/faq

In summary, they want to see that you have:
1. Consistently aced your undergraduate classes (aka 85% and above)
2. Demonstrated interest in Math Research to your lecturers, enough for them to later help you write glowing hot letters of recommendation on your behalf
3. Mastered your coursework excellently enough to score very highly on the GRE Math Subject test (MIT requires this, and yes, it's different from the GRE general test)

And that should do it. You won't have to worry about tuition, once you can get enough funds to apply and fly to the US.
Plus, the choices available to you after PhD are truly limitless.

Good luck!

semac00:
Admission letter/Invitation letter for studies not a problem to get but dates for interview at the Embassy not available so will not advise going for admission letter and not having date to appear at the Embassy for visa. We hope the dates will be available soon.
For those already having dates please try not to loose the date make sure your documents are complete and well arranged. Bank statement minimum should be 3m naira 6 months. All signature you will use should be same with the one in your international passport. Some student change their signature for reasons that they where still young when they applied for international passport and since a bit matured tried changing their signature. Sorry it does not work with Ukraine embassy.
The admission now will be for pre course cos I believe by the time dates will be available, direct courses will be late.

Hello Sir,
My cousin is interested in the Prep course at BMNU. We've applied for a date at the embassy, but there was no entry to put in our desired date on the website. However, we got a mail:
Dear applicant, Thank you for submitting request for the visa interview. The consular officer will review your application and after approval you will receive confirmation by email.

Important notice!!! Please submit your application only once, in case of multiple submission of one person all your application will be cancelled!

Keep in mind that coming to the Embassy without approval will be waste of your time and money!

Do we need to re-apply again, or just wait for them to pick a date for us?
Also, I heard we'll have to do so many approvals in different ministries in Abuja for the visa interview. Can one do this on his won, or must an agent be involved?

Thanks.

oluwaemmanuel:
I av this lady as a gf, we'v being dating for 3 years and we wa fyn until she got 2 skul, den u fell in love with a guy, she indirectly told me abt it n she sed she cant leave d guy and she doesnt wnt to let me go also wat do i do

My dear brother, she felt something for you, in that she was able to 'stylishly' chip in that you're now No 2 on that queue. She got to school, met new friends, saw new things and wondered how she has been able to cope with you, all this while. She was even convinced enough to tell you the bolded.
Move on, and don't look back. It's going to hurt, but I think it would be in your best interest. Except you want to play second fiddle to another guy. But if you're sure of yourself, and know you're good enough to start and maintain a meaningful relationship with the opposite sex, then you'd go out there and explore!
Good luck.

doziej84:
Guys, I have a skype interview coming up soon with an European University for a PhD position.

Can anyone, who has a similar experience, give me an idea on what it looks like or entails?

opportunities like this don't come often & I need to be in top form.

Thanks.

Congratulations! If anything, you can be sure that the department thinks you're good on paper. It's time to make them gauge how eligible you're for a PhD slot in their program. First, how did you get the interview invite? Was it through a normal application, or you knew someone (a grad student, post-doc or faculty) who helped you 'press' the right buttons? If it's the latter, you might contact them to give you a heads-up on what to expect.

Either way, you need not fret. Interviews like this is 2-way. They're trying to interview you, as much as you're trying to interview them!

Firstly, be prepared for the interview. If you don't have a 2-way headset (microphone and earpiece), get one. If your internet connection is not optimal, find a place where you can be connected for the period of the interview. Ensure your PC's battery is fine enough to last you throughout the interview, even if PHCN comes knocking.

Resist the temptation to dress in half. Dress as if you'll be attending an in-person interview. You might need to stand up, plus dressing full-length will give you confidence levels a huge boost. Minutes before the interview, test run the audio, video and internet connection. Test everything and make sure all is in order.

Then, you'll need to be ready. Find out about your interviewers. How many are they? It doesn't hurt to ask prior to the interview. Most likely, your future advisor will be leading the team. Check his research page and really dig into his research interests. You'll need to show some enthusiasm about his research objectives. Otherwise, he might think you won't make a great addition to his lab. Which might be okay than for you spending the next 5 years on something you absolutely have no interest in. If you're applying with a BSc, be prepared to discuss your final year project, and look for ways to link it up with the faculty's research work. Ultimately, your answers should reflect that you've taken time out to know what the Prof is working on, and how you see yourself being a great Plus One in his lab.

He would also like you to meet him. Pay attention. Don't get lost in the need to impress him/them. Tell him your doubts, be open and let him know you're looking forward to working with him, if truly he seems a cool person to work with. Prepare a few questions to ask, towards the end. It shows your level of initiative and motivation. Ask about the application process. If one document won't be coming through anytime soon, let him know. He might fight for you at the admissions committees. Again, if he thinks you're good enough. Which takes me to the last point.

Blow your trumpet. Don't be reserved or 'humble'. Glance through the documents you've submitted to them, and make sure you can defend them very well at the interview.

If all goes well, he might typical encourage you to apply. If you haven't done so already. I wish you the best.

Teaser4:
Afternun guys, planning to write gre next year. my sch minimum score is 610(metu, ankara). how tough it is to meet that. am scare d exam look tough, most the quantitative part, i hate maths, only did it in my 100lvl during my college days.

You're welcome to the thread.

Now, when you say 610, what actually do you mean? 610/800? For the Quant section only? Kindly elaborate.

Please note that the GRE tests secondary school-level physics, in 'cunny' ways. So, that you even did it in college is a big plus for you. The test looks tough, but if it was too easy, then it wouldn't be too much of an accomplishment to ace the GRE? Will it?

There are no two ways about it. Go through the thread, gather relevant materials and buckle down to study. Study and practice. Practice and stay focused.

Enjoy your study prep. And check in here if you run into bumps along the way.

OkeEsibe:
ave been trying to chike a gurl for mre dan 6months she still saying no

dunno wah tu say again

No offense meant, but what do you do for a living?

nastydamus:
Thanks, I'll try a few 'safe' schools too.
I'm applying for a PhD spot in the ECE department; area of specialization is Communications.

Hmmm, ECE is very competitive; moreso for a PhD. I'd advise you do your utmost best convincing those safety schools, you'd be a great Plus One in their program. Check USNews ranking 100+. CMU and UIUC have many candidates with sizeable years of quality research experience, top test scores and glowing hot LORs.
In other words, you'll need to up your game, real time. Start speaking to profs and grad students in your desired programs.

I wish you the best.

nastydamus:
Hi everyone,

Been following this thread, although from the shadows. Wanted to write the GRE this month but couldn't get a slot anywhere in PH so I had to travel to Lagos to write on the 13th.

Got to the JKK building quite early and then the wait and anxiety started; can't say why but I was feeling uneasy about the test, not like it was going to be my first or last exam in this life sef.

Anyway, as we joined the queue to be screened before commencing the test, the people that were screened first had already started typing away. I got to my computer and started typing too (#50k no be play o, plus transport fare and hotel bills). After the AWA section (which looked rather fair to me), I got down to the first verbal; it must have been the experimental part because boy, was that section harrrrrd (ets should try to leave that type for last na).

It sort of destabilized me but I soldiered on o (again, #50k + siblings), 'attacking' the quantitative section that followed and the others after that. Altogether, it was quite an experience sha. After everything: V 157, Q 164, AWA: 4.5 (I expected more in the AWA but well...).

Very helpful were the Official ETS guide (for AWA, V & Q), Memrize App (for vocab building), the Magoosh Videos (regular and premium) and also Powerprep and Manhattan Six online Tests (to simulate the actual test in terms of timing and, to an extent, difficulty).

There you have it friends...my hustle only just started as I'm looking at UIUC, CMU and PU (God dey o). Thanks to all contributors on this thread, every single one of you.

Waoh! Those scores are yummy lovely. From your prep list, I can see you really put in the grunt work. Nice one! What course are you applying for? Like sirRiddy said, don't be fixated on 'top' schools only. Infact, increase the safety schools. Are you going for MS/PhD?

Sourced from: http://punchng.com/well-okay-admissions-varsities-screening-jamb/

IMPORTANT: If you've not been posted yet, go ahead and register for screening test in your choice schools. Don't miss your screening tests, because you haven't been posted yet. Without posting, you can be admitted. Without screening, no admissions.

While the aim of the screening is to reduce candidates' intake to the number an institution can admit, the purpose of posting is simply to fairly distribute candidates into institutions across the country. So, there won't be deficit in some, and extreme surplus in others.

READ ON FOR DETAILS.

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has given condition for the 2016 admissions, saying it will only give approval “after appropriate screening of the candidates by the institutions.”

The Registrar/Chief Executive of JAMB, Prof. Dibu Ojerinde, said this in a statement on Sunday.

Ojerinde said, “The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board wishes to state that the latest list of candidates sent to all the tertiary institutions contains candidates who qualified for screening based on the individual institution’s capacity. It’s not in any way an admission list.

“However, if this list is not sufficient for the need of any institution, such institution can source from the omnibus printout earlier sent to them by the board. The public and all tertiary institutions should note that admission will only be approved by the board after appropriate screening of the candidates by the institutions.

“The list, which is made up of candidates, who met the national cut-off point within the set criteria, is sent to the institutions. Again, for purposes of clarity, all institutions that have need for more can source from their omnibus printout as stated above. The candid intention of the board is to ensure that available spaces are adequately utilised.”

The Federal Government had, on Saturday, clarified its ban on Post-Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination and the general admission procedure.

It said it “does not in any way affect the statutory role of the Senate of any university or the academic board of any tertiary institution conducting its admissions.”

The Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu, also made the clarification in a statement by the Deputy Director of Press and Public Relations in the Ministry of Education, Mr. Ben. Bem-Goong.

He said the clarification became necessary “following conflicting reports in the media over the roles of universities and JAMB in admission under the new dispensation.”

According to him, the role of JAMB is to conduct the UTME, compile the list of candidates whose scores meet the cut-off marks (180 and above) and send same to the universities.

The institutions, he emphasised, would shortlist the candidates, using the agreed guidelines and thereafter return the shortlisted candidates to JAMB for verification of compliance with the guidelines and issuance of JAMB admission letters.

“For the avoidance of doubt, any screening charges shall apply only to successful candidates, who have been issued admission by the universities of their choice,” Adamu stated.

Meanwhile, the Vice-Chancellor of the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Prof. Ibrahim Garba, has said the Senate of universities in the country should be responsible for setting standards for admissions into their institutions.

Garba stated this while answering questions at the News Agency of Nigeria forum in Abuja.

The vice-chancellor faulted the situation where JAMB and the Ministry of Education set standards for admission into the university.

Garba stated, “Universities have autonomy by law; each university should set its criteria for taking students.

“But of course, JAMB and the ministry are saying that because it is our country, we must have a policy that regulates, so that we have a good balance but not on quality.

“A university Senate is supposed to set standard for accepting students that it takes and trains and graduates.

“We are hoping that very soon, we will resolve this matter because it is getting more and more embarrassing.

“Even the state universities have told the Federal Government that education is in the concurrent list in the constitution.

“The Federal Government has no control and should not have control over a state university; they have a council appointed by the governor.

“They can only fulfill NUC’s standard requirements, but not admission quota.’’

The ABU vice-chancellor explained that the minister’s directive, leading up to the scrapping of the post-UTME, had created an impasse in universities as they had yet to begin admissions.

According to him, universities could not take the products of JAMB without further testing them.

He said that universities, being the recipients of the candidates, should be able to select those they could train.

Garba added, “We found it, as universities, that the post-UTME tests are the best to get the best. JAMB is only trying to improve, but still not perfect to a point that we can trust.

“Post-UTME has a history; even when it started, JAMB encouraged us to do it. JAMB is improving, but it is not yet there because every year, we receive these products and we see what they are.”

He said that in 2016, ABU had 49,000 applicants, who scored above 180 points while its admission capacity was 6,500.

mecigr8s:
Greetings to everyone in the house. I will be writing my GRE and TOELF exams next month but without any idea of how to register and make payment.A good directive in this regard will be most appreciated.

GRE registration in Nigeria costs $205; convert to naira using a N335 to a $. Follow the instructions on https://www.ets.org/gre/revised_general/register

Then, you can come back here, if you've got questions.

TOEFL costs $180 for virtually all test locations in Nigeria. Use an exchange rate of N335 to a US Dollar to get the Naira equivalent.

Next, go to https://toefl-registration.ets.org/TOEFLWeb/extISERLogonPrompt.do;

You'll need to create a new account, if you haven't done so before. Current nearest test dates are July 23rd, August 6th and August 26th. Settle on any of those dates, and fill in all details to register for the iBT.

Next, open a PayPal account on www.paypal.com. I used a GTB Mastercard (check for the Mastercard logo on the ATM card), linked it with my Paypal, and asked PayPal to deduct the naira equivalent of $180 from the GTB card.

Plan to spend three weeks for prep. I wouldn't know how comfortable you are with speaking, writing and reading English. You'll need to download the ETS Guide to the TOEFL, 4th edition here: https://www.fshare.vn/file/W3HUK16HMEUT to be sure of your strengths, and which areas you'll want to work on.

When prompted for a password, use sunrise.edu.vn.

Good luck.