₦airaland Forum

Again, we all want a leader with a vision to turn things around – I personally believe our economy is not the major problem at this time but the level of corruption and indiscipline in the system that hinders the poor from benefitting from the economic growth we have continued to witness in the past 12 years.  You are free to find a candidate to vote for that believes the way you do but[b] I think you should stay away from condemning the choices of others simply because they do not subscribe to the same thinking[/b] that the economy is the main issue.

Condemn? Thats a strong word and I sincerely believe thats not what I have done here today. I only express my view points on issues raised and I tried to do that constructively to the best of ability. That said, I really do appreciate the fact that your response was also constructive although sadly it ended by 'condemning' me for condemning others. Thus even though I feel strongly inclined to respond to some of the issues you raised, I would refrain from doing so so that I dont get caught by the condemnation rope.

You talking of corruption, even a madman on the streets knows that no matter how good the plans and ideologies of a president are, as long as there is corruption in the polity, good plans can never be actualized.

I advice that you look at the global corruption index and compare it with the global GDP and GDI index and you would see that that the evidence does not support this claim

Obj had good plans to bring in cheap telecommunication into Nigeria but at the end, he succeeded in establishing the most expensive gsm services globally in Niger

ia

most expensive but at least he did it. If there is one thing that OBJ should receive credit for, it is the fact that he did it. Buhari was in power but he did not bring the “cheap” one cos he had NO PLAN to do so.

-Obj established efcc to flush corruption out of nigeria but because of the same corruption, in the words of our corrupt speaker Bankole "EFCC isn't worth a penny."

Again, another strong point of OBJ. It takes a good plan to select someone like Ribadu who made waves on the job and is now riding on that wave to contest for president.

-

Today we have Petroleum industry bill moving from one legislative tenure to the other [/b]and the bill might never be passed because oil companies keep bribing our leaders to kill the bill

Really? but at least the bill is on the table because of a PLAN to improve the petroleum sector. Buhari had the chance to use military fiat to do it, but he instead used military fiat to promulgate decree 2 because that was how far he could plan.

-[b]NDDC, Niger Delta ministry, etc etc were all good initiatives to develop the abused Nigerdelta region but because of corruption, the budget for these ministries only made rich corrupt men even richer.

Yes, it has made some people richer, but it has also improved the lives of some. On the whole, its still another GOOD PLAN by OBJ and PDP to develop the Niger Delta. Buhari had the opportunity to use military fiat to “develop” the Niger Delta but he did not do it because he had NO PLAN.

The list is endless.
Apart from PDP members that have a share in the plunder, why would any sane person still want to support PDP?

Actually, your “list” ended up pointing to the “few” achievement of OBJ and PDP and may in fact sway some people to vote for them. If Buhari was head of state and you could not point to one PLAN he had or ACTION that he took to solve the probems of poverty, power, Niger delta, GSm etc. but you are able to poiint to the PLANS of PDP or OBJ.Then even if everything has not gone exactly as planned, I think it is better than having NO GSM at all, NO NDDC at all, NO EFCC at all, NO POWER ROADMAP at all because of NO PLAN!

What we need are leaders who are sincere. We have been planning for too long, we need action people. Not people that will create a committee to find out the remote and immediate course of our electoral problems and give them one year to present their report only to leave the report to be gathering dust. We need people who know that time is of essence and will hit the ground running.

I agree but how do you know whether a leader would be sincere before he gets elected. Even if you do, of what use is sincerity without a plan or purpose.Or do we need a leader that is sincerely unfocused and inept?
I also agree that time is of the essence but is that not the more reason why we need to focus on the plans and programmes before the election so that the “action” can commence immediately whoever wins gets in. Truth is, no matter how urgent a journey is, if you have no plan but just decide to it the ground running, you would eventually become grounded!

True. We support Buhari because of his anti-corruption views. Isnt corruption the main problem killing Nigeria. People get to power to make fortunes rather than serve people. Untill corruption is brought to appreciable levels Nigeria can never be great. But the fact is not just about him fighting corruption, it is that he is a man of the people and puts the people's interest first not the interest of politicians, godfathers, supporters and sycopants. That is the non-hypocritical kind of leader we want not an opportunist like the rest.

I beg to disagree. Corruption is NOT the main problem killing Nigeria; it is merely ONE of the main problems. The main problem killing Nigeria is poverty and economic underdevelopment. While it is true that corruption increases poverty, it does not necessarily follow that lack of corruption automatically leads to economic growth otherwise countries like China would not be where they are today. On the other hand however, economic growth generally leads to a reduction in corruption. This is because while a good economic blueprint would necessarily include a plan to reduce wastage (i.e corruption), the best anti-corruption plan may be clueless as to economic growth. Therefore, I would rather have a leader with a vision to turn around the economy than one with a vision to fight corruption. If you look at the Asian tigers, it is their focus on economic growth that has taken them where they are today and is what is now pushing the corruption levels down. Nigeria can do the same!

A review of the pro Buhari supporters show that they support him for two reason: (1)They believe he is not corrupt, and (2) They hate PDP.Considering the extent of corruption in Nigeria and the below average performance of PDP in the past 12 years, these are good reasons.       However, the question is: Are these reasons good enough? I think it is a mistake to vote for someone because of who he is or in protest of what the other person or party did not do. Examples abound that people live to regret it. For example in UK, they voted the Conservatives simply because they hated Labour. Today, everyone is protesting against thie policies.Similarly, in the US, Obama was voted largely because people hated George Bush and the way he handled the Iraq war. Today, they have realised that hate and oratory prowess is not enough, which is why they voted back the Republican in the mid term elections.
Yes, I hate corruption, and yes, PDP has under performed but I dont think that should be the main reason why we should vote for the candidates we want to vote for otherwise we may end up regreting.All I am trying to say is this: if Buhari and his online supporters here really want us to vote for him, he and they should focus on the plans and programmes and not on the mere fact that he hates corruption.There are so many countries, including Ireland and Portugal, where the leaders are not corrupt and yet they are clueless as to how to move the economy forward. What we need is a leader that has a coherent plan on how to accelerate economic growth in the country. As we prepare to vote, let that be the overaching criteria for selecting candidates.

criminal. pls go and ply your trade elsewhere. this thread is for real and serious minded people

Wow, what a great forum. I have learned so much already.

Anyways i am new to the forum and i need to rant about my experience with the British high commission.

I did my undergrad in the US and each time you go for a visa interview or renewal, you got your visa, it took you roughly 4 days, FOUR BLESSED DAYS, to get your visa.

I (stupidly?) decided to go to the UK for my masters. Its relatively cheaper than the US, both in terms of tuition and accommodation. Little did i know that it was going to be this nerve-wracking process of waiting weekds on end with NO CLUE what is going on. THis no-interview system is very impersonal and i hate it.

I applied for the visa on the 7th of September. School was supposed to start on the 20th of Sept. This is the 4th and i am still here biting my nails and wondering just why on earth it is taking so long. I have been given two extensions by my school and the 4th of October was my final deadline. I guess i can call and have it pushed back.

I guess my questions are these:

1) Why don't they just warn people that it will take two months to get the visa? I mean the silly 28 days rule and about a month to get your visa?

2) What are the Americans doing that the British cannot do? Turnaround time for any American visa is a week MAX. Plus you know IMMEDIATELY whether or not you got it.

3) Is there even any point? Even when i do get the visa, i will have missed 3 weeks of a one year Masters program. I don't know anyone in the program and i am not given any indication of what has been learned and how much i have missed. Heck the school even canceled my room allotment.

Rant over. I feel much better now.

I understand how you feel. However, I think you should mail them to enquire about the status of your visa. I submitted on the 8th of September and my passport was ready for collection on the 29th of September.

As for missing 3 weeks.I think you would catch up. Mind you, the first two weeks is usually induction and inaugural lectures. When I did my masters I arrived about two weeks late but still ended up making a distinction. So relax, all would be fine.

Hello House.

First I want to wish all those who have applied success in their applications.

Please I need your advice.

1. I would like to know which other banks are advisable to use for the Tier 4 student application apart from Guaranty Trust Bank, as I have read on this forum that the British High Commission is unable to verify Bank Statements from certain banks?

2. My Course will end on 8th June 2012 while my International Passport will expire on 28th September 2012 and since my International Passport does not completely cover the additional four months usually given to a student after the course end date, will I need to obtain a new International Passport?

Thank you guys and looking forward to your response.

1. Apart from GT Bank, you could use UBA's statement of account.That is what I have been using for visas for myself and my family.

2. You do not need to get a new passport. Your visa would still be issued to cover the additional four months. However, do remember to renew your passport before the expiry date and always travel with both of them when you are traveling into the UK. The UK immigration officer would confirm your visa in the old passport, stamp on the new passport and write VIPP in the new passport meaning "visa in previous passport". I hope this helps

@humblemoi.Thanks a lot.I am leaving on Sunday.Don't worry, they would get back to you soon and it shall be positive.
@dayo1401. Thanks. It took 14 working days in all ( I submitted on the 8th) and I did'nt use any agent
@Dannyboy80. Thanks and regards

Got the text yesterday morning that my Visa was ready for collection. Went to Abuja today and collected it. checked inside my passport and saw my Student Tier 4 Visa inside. I give praise to God and thank everyone on this thread for the advice and encouragement.I pray that all those still expecting would get their visas.

@ jaylone.
so sorry to hear about your refusal. Please be strong. I advice you go for adminstrative review while waiting for a new CAS.Best wishes

@humblemoi
What it means is that they have completed the so called "standard checks" on your application and have made any verification(s) they wanted to do. What is now left is for an ECO to now look at your application form, supporting documents and the result of the checks and verification (if any) and make a decision on your application. It takes less than a hour to conclude the assessment. It all depends on how close your file is in the queue.Hopefully, it should get to your turn today or tomorrow. Best wishes

@ humbleboi, thanks. What's up wif u? Ve u travelled or stil waitin for urs? @ muami ve they gotten bck to u
@ sammytope, congrats but scobby said it all
All d best guy, one love

They have not gotten back to me yet oh. I am still waiting and believing God. Today is the 12th working day.

@scobbyy2007
My understanding of what Sammytope is saying is that he used fake bank statement last year and so was afraid that it would affect him this time but it did not. I don't he is saying that he applied this time with fake bank statements.

@Sammytope.
using fake or forged documents is wrong and very risky.So while we congratulate you for your success this time, please desist from using forged or fake documents for whatever reasons or for whatever applications you may make in the future.

Dear Nairalanders,

I sent an email to the UK embassy to enquire about the status of my application and got this response:

“Dear Sir,

Thank you for your mail.

Your application is still being processed.

We regret the inconvenience, but we are running standard checks on your application.

Once this is complete, your package would be sent to the Visa Application Centre for collection.

Thank you.”

I have a flight for the 26th and I want to shift the date. So I sent them the email to see if from their response, I can estimate when my documents would be returned so that I would know the new date I should choose, But from this response, I don’t know what to think.Any ideas?

@Dayo1401
So sorry to hear about your refusal. Its completely absurd for the ECO to ignore or overlook the contents of your CAS. I think you should not give up. Still give it another shot and hopefully all would end well. Meanwhile, I noticed that your emphasis was on the CAS LETTER so I would want to clarify some issues just for the benefit of doubt.Did you write the tuition and accommodation fees you have paid clearly in the space provided for it on the assessment form? Did you also clearly write the amount left to be paid for tuition and accommodation on the space provided for on the assessment form? Did you write X in the boxes provided on the form to show that this information is shown on the CAS? The reason for my asking these questions is because from my understanding of the Tier 4 guidance, ECOs do not act on the information stated on the CAS letter. What they act on is the information stated on their system( which ordinarily should be the same info on the CAS letter) which comes up when they imput your CAS number. That is the reason why submission of the CAS letter is not mandatory. From my assessment of the reason for the refusal, it is either the ECO is grossly incompetent or the information your school put in the system is different from what is stated in your CAS letter.

@ wazobia2
That would explain the delay then. I think they are awaiting confirmation from the UK bank. However, I think that is good news because it means your visa would be issued immediately the get the confirmation from the bank.I believe they would get it sorted out in time for you to resume.Best wishes.

@wazobia2
26 working days is unusually long.However, if you look at the guide to processing times, you would realize that a small percentage of student visas application can last for that long. By the way, why the checks in the UK? have you studied or stayed in the UK before of did you submit any document that originated from the UK?

Thank God, My Brov just got his Entry Clearance now now, 3:30 txt came n I drove to VFS 15min. wow he was the last man standing today, lol

Congrats on your brother's Entry Clearance. That was fast cos if I remember clearly he submitted on the 6th of September. Did he use an agent?

I would like to know if I can still travel with the error that occurred on my visa page, female gender was indicated on the visa page instead of male.

THIS SHOULD BE OF HELP TO YOUR ENQUIRY

“Step 8. Collect the decision on your visa
, If you are issued a visa, please check it. You should make sure that:

• your personal details are correct
• it correctly states the purpose for which you want to come to the UK, and
• it is valid for the date on which you want to travel. (You can ask for it to be post-dated for up to three months if you do not plan to travel immediately).

If you think there is anything wrong with your visa, please contact the visa application centre immediately.”
Source: http://www.ukvac-ng.com/applying.aspx

@jikajika.
It is not mandatory neither is it a requirement to do medical tests. The only thing that you are advised to do is XRay as this is required for all persons intending to stay in the UK for more than 6 months ( which obviously include students). Consequently, you MAY be asked for your Xray report, all depends on the immigration officer you meet.However, where you are asked and you dont have one, all they would do is to refer you to somewhere within the immigration clearance point where you would do the xray and they would forward the report to the address on your landing card.I hope this helps.

@humblemoi.
Yes, fees would be increased from 1st October 2010.However, the Tier 4 application form remains the same for those applying from outside the UK ( including Nigeria). The new form, which was introduced on 6th September is for in-country applications, .i.e for applications made within the UK.

Criminal.

@segbas. So sorry to hear about your refusal. Did you say they said they are not sure that you have the money in your account? Didnt the required funds stay in your account for 28 days? If you can throw more light, it would be highly appreciated. Anyways, just defer your admission like you have said and take your time to decide on the way forward. Best wishes in your future endeavours

Umo77. So sorry to hear about your refusal. If you intend to use a fixed deposit account again, pls get a letter from your bank in the required format. And this time, do not allow your bank to tell you what is required and what is not. I am however surprised that you are planning reapplying tomorrow. Did you get a new CAS so fast?

Just leave the rest to God.

CONGRATS to everyone who has gotten their visas. Do have a very memorable stay in the UK and also excel in your studies.
Please where do one write the closing balance in Pounds. Is it on the statement of account or the form.

my ppl,pls am filn the pbs form and i have a prob.part1: 1.2-how many points did you score for attributes,english,and maintenance?pls wat should i write

i guess you could leave it blank, though i did not. cos even though the guidance notes say it isn't applicable to tier 4 applications, when you click on it and try filling, the option of tier 4 student application comes out. so i went ahead to fill mine.

The only part of it that you should leave blank is the one on English. For attributes fill 30 points ( that is, your CAS).For Maintenance, Fill 10 Points.

I hope this helps.

@ Muami, what about those that their maintainance funds stayed over 28 days before they printed their statement, like in my case I held my maintainance funds for almost 3 months before the date of my closing balance, which thus proves that I have held the funds for over the 28 days, as the rules states 28 days. I hope it wont be used against me?

It would DEFINITELY not be used against you. The 28 days is the minimum requirement. The course fees for the first 12 months ( if your course is more than 12 months) and the maintenance of £5400 ( if outside London) or £7200 ( if inside London) is also a minimum requirement. This means that you can have more than the required funds in your account (s) for more than the required 28 days. In other words, there is no maximum limit.

MUAMMI & SCOBBY,read your msg,& m RILY SURPRISD by your responses! Do u tink i'l jst go & meet d guy & lady i kno askin dem 4 a copy o'wteva refusal dey wer given? Truth is,wateva mks u sleep beta @ nite,pls do! If u wana submit your applicatn witout a source o'funds,do dat; & if u wana submit wit 1,b my guest. Bt b4 u crucify me askin me 2 go around jst 2 satisfy your curiousity,[/b]i wldnt do dat. [b]Beta stil,sinc its probably your 1st times applyin 4 VISAs, y not ask around & get d opinions o'many who hav bin denied on dis same claim unda d POINTS BASED RULE!

JTX3001. Please accept my sincere apologies if you got offended by the challenge I threw at you. Please note that my intention is not to undermine you (or indeed any other person) neither is it intended to satisfy my curiosity. I just felt it was high time someone challenged the false alarm being raised about source of funds when applying for student visas.
And for the record, this is not my first time to apply for a visa to the UK. I have had a UK visitor visa, a UK student visa and currently hold a post study work visa (which is also points based).For the student visa and post study work visa, I had my spouse and two kids as dependants. So, without being immodest, I can say that I have a little experience with UK Visas. I am now preparing to apply for another student visa (for Phd studies), which is why I am here to share ideas as I believe nobody knows it all. However, I believe whatever advice we give should be in accordance with the immigration rules and not outside of it because that is what ECOs apply. If the Rules do not mention source of funds, then it is not required and therefore since October 2009, NOBODY HAS BEEN OR CAN BE REFUSED A STUDENT VISA DUE TO FAILURE TO PROVE SOURCE OF FUNDS.

i had 3.5milion on the 20th of july. i sent about 1.5million to my husband's current acct to send to the school, and put about 1.3million in a fixed deposit, leaving a balance of 700,000 in my savings, on the next day(21st july). I printed my account balance on the 23rd of august, after my fd had matured back into my savings,therefore making my total balance about 2m+. On the statement it showed the fd time, and the maturity time. my question is really that did i need to still add a fd letter, and will the ECO be able to understand that 1.2 was held for 30 days, while 700,000 was held for the same amount of time in the account?

muami, i was told i shuld have sent a bank letter with explanation, what do you thinK?

What is important is that you have evidence to prove that you had the required funds in your account or accounts covering a 28 day period ending no more than one month before the date of your application.

Thus If the statement of account for your savings account is itemised and shows that the account did not go below the required funds within the 28 day period, then you do not need the supporting letter from the bank.
If the statement of account is itemised and shows that your savings account went below the required funds within the 28 days period, then, in addition to the statement of account for your savings account, you need to attach either
1. An itemised statement of account for the fixed deposit account to prove that you had the required funds in both accounts over the 28 days period, or
2. A fixed deposit certificate from the bank together with a supporting letter confirming that you had the funds in the fixed deposit account covering a consecutive 28 day period
I hope this helps

SAMMYTOPE, I have 2 agree with JUSTWISE! Truth is, i'v sought advice frm several ppl on dis,& also from agents dem selves,& dey'v all adviced same-cos sum ppl got deir VISAs witout showin source o'funds dosnt min it'l also happn 2 u;bsides it hurts NOBODY if u add your Dads acct statemnt plus a reference leta frm his Bank as wel as your BIRTH CERTIFICATE showin your relationship wit each oda,as den it'l show he's d sourc o'd SUDDEN HUGE AMT in your acct & has fulfilld his obligations,& jst in case o'any financial troubles u hav sum1 who can stil handle such issues on your bhalf instead o'dpendin on d UK public funds! Ask around - NEVA HEARD any1 bein denied VISA based on producin d source o'his funds,bt i'v heard and witnesd peeps bein denied RECENTLY based on d SUDDEN INFLUX o'funds in2 deir acct with d reason bein dey borrowd d moneys 4 VISA purposes. Dos guys @ d BHC r also STREET SMART, u kno; so dnt let it hapn 2 U bt learn frm odas mistakes!

My 2 cents - Go ahead & add d documents stated abov so u dont giv dem ANY REASON 2 deny your applicatn. In d wrds o'sum1 - D nos o'NIGERIANS in d UK is d HIGHEST in terms o'immigrants, & sinc we dnt hv mch o'a gud reputatn eida,dey'l do wt dey mst 2 limit & control our movemnts in2 deir land. So,dnt giv dem a reason 2 deny U!

I beg to disagree with you. Under the points based system ECOs do not have the discretion to go consider any factor not specifically provided in the rules.The PBS rules do not provide for source of funds, thats why there is no question in the form as to source of funds.I challenge you to produce a scanned copy of any refusal letter after October 2009 that was based on source of funds for a student visa.