₦airaland Forum

With the iPhone 6, Apple has yet again broken new sales records — and the two iPhone models aren’t even in stores until Friday.

Such consumer loyalty and fanaticism spurs a lot of questions. Like, just how faithful are Apple users? Do other companies come close? And where are all these smartphone customers, anyway?

Let’s take a look at the charts.

First, an overview of smartphone customers in the U.S.:


Link: https://www.yahoo.com/tech/by-the-numbers-iphone-vs-android-97842025474.html

Javanian: ladanski

Thanks

Can I get the android apk file or the link on Google Play Store?

alaricsaltzman: I'm looking for someone who can create a web/mobile app with java for an affordable price...if we can agree on a good price, then there are other people who will need it as its a school project.

send a pm if u can

location: lagos

I wonder why you will outsource your school project when you have all the time in the world to do it now as a student. Tomorrow you will graduate and start complaining about not finding a job in IT. Now is the best time to build a little portfolio for yourself. Your future employers will know that you have soiled your hands on code.

I do know that you understand that this field is not about the qualification you have but rather what you can do.

No hard feelings. This is my personal opinion.

skillforce: @nollyj - Maybe frequency is part of it. But did you know am not getting traffic?

There are many online tools you have use to check website traffic besides I have a chrome plugin that automatically tells me that

Thanks

Sometimes I feel there is a wide gap between programmers/developers in Nairaland and 2D / 3D and other artist in Nairaland. Most programmers / developers are not so good with UI design or modelling objects and most artist can't code. I think it will be a better marriage if we can exploit our individual strengths while working together.

If you have worked with a good 3D artist in the Art, Graphics & Video section of Nairaland, please kindly drop his or her Nairaland username here.

it's a Nigerian problem where we have a large pool of human resource but not in quality. So finding the right co founder with the requisite technical chops is a herculean task.

Major percentage of developers in Nigeria are self taught. Nothing bad with being a self taught but the problem is that it takes years and constant working in small / big projects and learning from more experience developers to become good.

There is limited environment in Nigeria for developers to grow that is why the trend is always read and finish a programming book or go for a 3 weeks crash course and thereafter you are a developer and you can start looking for a client to work with.

Remember IT trend is new in Nigeria. Most people started learning programming few years back, but in develop countries there are people who have had more than 30 years experience in software development.

We can only get quality developers when the software industry is matured in Nigeria and can absolved many fresh developer and in turn create a platform where they can work and grow their knowledge.

Most people in Nigeria are not developers by choice but a mean to stay out of poverty.


About technical co-founders

The mistake "idea / business" co-founders make is believing that it is about selling your idea to a technical guy. It is a part but not all. For you to get a quality developer in Nigeria, it means (in most situation) that the person involved is no longer a teen or under parental care. For full concentration and dedication on the project, the technical guy must have a way of footing his or her bills. Lack of money can kill moral and can easily make someone lose hope in what he or she believes in at the moment.


In Nigeria, it is always better for the idea / business guy to secure certain amount of money that will push the project far rather than thinking it will be 50 -50 share and no money on the table (it can only work in few situation).


Personal Experience
I worked with a start-up few years ago, to be sincere what motivated me is not the number of share I had but the fact that if I sit down I code for one full month I will still have money to pay my bills and have fun moment with my loved one (I get paid every month). I can't concentrate or program when I am very hungry irrespective of the amount shares I have.

This is why most collaboration is not working in Nigeria. I can't count the number of times I got this kind of messages.

"Hi, I have this killer idea but I can't program it. If you can do it we will share the equity but right now I am so so .. and I don't have any money."

To collaborate without money consider these in Nigeria

The tech cofounder will work on the project as a side project (Main job brings in the money)

The people involved are still under care so no expenses and free food at home.


I am entitled to personal opinion.

tuhorns: Really some companies offer little to none of the listed nice factors above but then, most graduates have no chice.
When there are very few job opportunities out there, you must have a better alternative before rejecting the available, unattractive ones.

This applies to situation where you have two job offers that are good in their own ways

7 Unique Reasons that will help you choose between two Job offers in Nigeria in less time

High unemployment rate is a major challenge in Nigeria. There are many graduates in Nigeria roaming about the street looking for jobs. Some graduates have applied for more fifty jobs and yet there are not successful. Many have been in the job market for many years without ever knowing when their plight will end.

But on the contrary, there are graduates in Nigeria who are lucky to have received more than one job offers. Their greatest worry now is how to make the best decision by choosing the best employer among others.

Many people that have not gotten any job offer since they started applying for jobs might rather want to see themselves in this position but such is life.

If you are still struggling to get your dream job in Nigeria you may want to read this post on how best to land your dream job in Nigeria.

Making up your mind on which job to accept is very difficult especially when you know little about the companies involved.

It is important to follow your instinct if you feel highly sure about one job over the others. One issue with following your instinct is something our instinct changes so rapidly due to other factors.

First thing first, before you think about anything and if you haven't done any research then this is the time to do it. Make out time and conduct a comprehensive research about these companies online and offline. One problem with online research especially when you gather your information from a company’s website is, there might be many questions that will be left unanswered. To get around these questions, you need to reach out to people that have worked or working in these companies to get their insight about these companies.

Another option is to email some recruitment agents in Nigeria that have done business with these companies and try to get some insights and their thoughts about these companies.

Another sensitive thing most people overlook is a company culture and work environment. Just step back for a moment and think about how you were treated the first time you went for an interview there. Did they walk or show you around the office? Did they make you feel relax? Are you comfortable being there?

On culture, company culture is things that have been set out. It has been written in brick wall so now is your opportunity to learn about each company’s culture and see if it is in contrast to your belief systems.

By the time you are done with your research and you haven’t yet decided which company to choose then consider these 7 reasons.


Pay package

There is not wrong to base your decision on pay package when choosing between two companies to work with. Money is good and most people feel highly motivated about their job when they are paid more than they expected. But there are many other things that can make your career more fulfilling and rewarding than money. You can have all the money you wanted but then the work environment makes you feel sick any time you are at work


Career Advancement

It is always natural for all human to think about moving forward in whatever engagement they find themselves. Our career is not different from it. If your aim is to reach the top most position in your career path, you should choose a company that will offer you the growth you need and help you in their own ways to make your dreams come true.



Good Working Environment

Good working environment matters. By this I do not only mean having nice office with sexy furniture. Conducive work environment breeds productivity. It makes you work harder without realizing it. It makes you feel that you are doing what you have ever wished to do. Compare the companies and find out the one that has best working environment.



Long Term Goal

It is very easy for a wrong career choice to kill someone career plan in life. Your long term goal matters a lot. It is an invisible tool that determines who far you have gone with the time you have spent with an employer. There are many companies that do not have any form of promotion. Your salary can be renegotiated in future but you position will never change as it has been. Just put a step back and think about where you will like to be career-wise in 15 years from now.



Extensive in Training

Although many people do not always thing about this but this is as important as any reason you hold dear to your heart. Going for continuous training will help you grow in your chosen career. The good thing is that your employer is taking the financial responsibility in training you. They realized that when they help you to keep updating and acquiring new knowledge the value that you add to the company will keep increasing.



Paid Vacation

This is in particular for graduates that are considering taking jobs from the private sectors in Nigeria. Most private sector jobs in Nigeria does not offer any form of annual leave or paid vacation to their staff. So consider if you will like to have a job that you will do all year round without any form of break or vacation.



Personal Situation

Why personal situation? You should consider how taking a particular job will affect you and change things around you. If you have a family, also put into consideration how your new job will affect them.



Negative Point to consider

Beside all the listed reasons above, there are many other negative signs you should also lookout for before making your final decision.


Consider if the job or your employer forces employees to work for longer hours, whether the nature of the job has tight deadlines all the time. Others issues to consider are if company management system is poor and also if the company has a bad heath care or safety coverage for their employees.

I hope at the end of these considerations, you will see a clear winner between the job offers. You can ask question if you are still confused or need some more clarification.

http://toscanyacademy.com/blog/

Your blog is very interesting but I was surprised that you are not getting traffic to your blog. May be because you are not posting frequently.

Although I did not download it but what I could see in play store is that you need to work on these issues

1. Typography: Learn a bit about typography to understand how base to use it.

2. Some part of your background images are blur. You can improve the quality of some of your images

3. Contrast: Putting a white colored text on a light green background color does not give enough contrast. This can affect readability.


Nice work

Best of luck

seunpayne: Please contact me on 08068081502. It is also important that you reside in abuja. Prior contacts have run away with initial deposits without delivering

Really!!!!!!!

So funny that they made away with your money. Something must be wrong with that project or the way you are handling it.


The best way to place an advert is to say what you are looking for, the skill sets you need and previous work the developer has done.


Not just saying android developer contact me in this number. With this kind of advert, anybody that needs your money will contact you.


Check people's profile here and see what they have done or the kind of contributions they have made in solving problems that relate to what you are looking for. Not just everyone can call me.

Well all the best

Dhellake: Do you have an idea of how much the tuition is right now?

I think it will be around 1 million naira up per year depending on program and university

patholaw: @Op wat is it like for undergraduates (Cost of study, life generally) ? Cus i studied Agric.

Different universities have different tuition. The status of the university also determine price in certain case.

Universities that are in top 100 world universities are expensive.


Life Generally

Life is good when you have something that you do that pays your bills. Generally, once you are ok with your finances you will not wish to live outside of Sweden again.

But if you have excessive flare for socializing, reconsider it because Sweden can be boring sometimes. But with good network of friends and engaging in different other hobbies you will be fine.

Harry4cas: Nice Story bro... My question is did u write any exams like tofel sat and them relatives..... ??

2ndly: Do you know bout any kinda university in India that is tuition free? I'm going for statistics now but i want to do any I.T related Courses in my masters preferable in India or any other good country with less expense

I did not write any international English language exam then because if you have had all your studies in English, you don't need English Test in Sweden.

Sorry, I don't know about free tuition Indian Universities but there are lots that their tuition is equivalent or less than what public universities charge in Nigeria. Just search and with a little research you can find this information.

50calibre: Sweden is still kind of closed, they're not as multi-cultural or multi-racial as some other parts of Europe, integration is incredibly difficult & usually, you'd find yourself experiencing varying forms of racial discrimination. This is inevitable, you've got to prepare your mind for this.

Sweden might be a great choice, looking from a cost perspective but career wise, it's a not a very good choice. The chances of you gaining any meaningful employment before or after your studies in Sweden are as good as your chances of being struck by lightening and except you're lucky enough to impregnate one of them jungle fever Swedish blondies sorry Sweden is closed to you. They don't want migrants staying in their country longer than necessary.

Although some of the things you pointed out is true, while in Sweden I have seen many Africans with this line of thinking. I respect people's opinion.

But this is the catch. When people think that there is no need to plan, I will just do whatever I think or available and I sit back and get to the top then there must be a problem. Things does not work like that way now. The world is very competitive. For you to have a career in Sweden as an immigrant, I have said it before you need good information and you need to plan ahead based on professions that are in high demand.

If you study what is not currently needed in Sweden or a very competitive profession, the odd is that you will not get a job. And moreover they have to take care of their citizens first before you (In Nigeria, each state has indigenes and non-indigenes policy)

Bear in mind that there is high unemployment rate in Nigeria but people still get jobs without connection. If you have not learn how to make yourself unique with special skills, knowledge and the ability to plan ahead with right information then you will struggle in whatever country you find yourself.

I have seen Nigerians that change jobs whenever they feel like Sweden. You see companies contacting them through Linkedin and other local source to switch over with better package.

Also, I have seen Nigerians without jobs after 8 eight years of graduate.

Sometimes it is easy for people to produce a long list of reasons why they were not able to succeed.

bakandow11: i think u shuld atlist av some frendx wu culd av update abt d admission processes, let hear thre view

Just like I said before things have changed. The admission process in Sweden is centralized now so all the information you need is in one place. Hit this link to find more information https://www.universityadmissions.se/intl/start

If you have specific questions then that is different. you feel free to ask

MisterLongman: Inspiring story..... Are you still familiar with the educational system now? If yes, what kind of differences did you notice between the swedish educational system back 2007 and now

I don't know how much it has changed but what I do know is that every year they review all the courses that were taught. They get input from current students and from industries so that the course will be in line with the skills and knowledge companies are looking for.

In Sweden, students can work directly from school to workplace after graduation without looking like novice in their field of studies. They teach according to the current realities and trends in the work environment and they usually invite companies to teach about what they are researching about.

I think it will look much better now than before

samlestic: FUTO

Thanks so much I will check it now

Mrval20: I'm happy for you and thank you for sharing your experience to motivate others.

Did you get a job after studying in Sweden? If yes, how long did it take? And do you find the job, and life generally, fulfilling in Sweden?

In IT where I specialised, you can get a job but learning their language will give your more opportunity. There are other fields that you might end up not getting a job.

If your field of study is in the list of shortage profession then there is a chance for you.

My advice or suggestion is if you plan to stay in Sweden after graduation and look for a work then it is essential that you study programs that are in high demand.

Immediately I graduated I got a job with a startup that originate of my Uni so it was easy for me. But there are many of my coursemates that struggle for a long time without a job.

The funny thing is I haven't been ask of my result or the grade I made in interviews. Their interest is if you can do the job.

Please know that there is discrimination sometimes when it comes to job and other things (That is the price you pay when you are not in your own country, although it is everywhere in Nigeria)

I am not in Sweden now but Sweden is one of the best country to live. When I was in Sweden I have this feeling that I can live up to 100 years because of sense of security

But life can be really hard if you don't have any means of livelihood.

goldenboyofpsy: Nice one bro!!!! An encouragement that I can study MSc in leadership abroad with our situation at home. How do I get you

My advice for you is just to search for university colleges in Sweden because there tuition is not that expensive compare with full fledge universities

Yaksson: I have the following questions ;
1. Were u asked to provide referees from Ur school? And if yes, were the refrees responsible for sending their referee forms via mail? or did they posted it via nipost?
2. what are the name of this universities and their valid websites and emails?
3. How many month did it take u to get a student job and wat nature of jobs were available for African students?
Thank you.

Question 1: "Were u asked to provide referees from Ur school? And if yes, were the refrees responsible for sending their referee forms via mail? or did they posted it via nipost?"

Please remember that I said it was in 2007 that I got my admission and the admission process has changed in Sweden. During my time I got reference from Lecturers in my department. Then, application was more or less in hard copies. You print and fill the application form and send it with your supporting documents. But now there is a centralized online admission website in Sweden. You can find more information here https://www.universityadmissions.se/intl/start

Question 2: what are the name of this universities and their valid websites and emails?

Lund University
Kristandstad University
Malmo University

I choose these universities because they are in southern Sweden where the temperature is much better compare to northern Sweden

Just google them you will find more information about these universities

Question 3: How many month did it take u to get a student job and wat nature of jobs were available for African students?

Getting a job in Sweden depends on many factors. the city where you live, Swedish Language, network with other Africans who are there before you, etc. Then it took me 3 months and it was a weekend paper distribution.

In Sweden, odd jobs pay considerable well when you compare with other European countries. You earn between 100 -120 Swedish krona per hour. I kr is around 23 Naira.

Available Jobs for African Students may include:

Paper Distribution
Cleaning of any type
Hotel Jobs
Refill in store and many more.

In 2007, tuition was free but now you have to pay for your tuition.

oluwatobi01: wat course 're u studying their bro?....

Computer Software Development

How I made it to Sweden from Nigeria to Study for my Master’s Degree

I woke up one morning in 2007 and decided that I will pursue a postgraduate program abroad. I was in bed for three hours thinking about how I will achieve this and the benefit I will incur from it in near future.

But after a time it was done to me that I did not have any financial support to push my dream to reality. On a second thought, I decided to give it my all and see how far I can go with it.

Because of the cost of internet browsing then, I decided to go for all night-browsing so that I will have all the time to research on universities I can apply for. I only knew a little about UK and US universities so my plan was to see if I can find low cost UK universities that also offer any form of scholarship.

Why UK universities? I am glad you asked. Since I was running on a limited budget I put aside US universities because of the extra cost I will incur in writing International English Examination.

That memorable night
On the night of the browsing, I decided that I will take a nap in the evening so that I will be awake all night in other to get value for my money. It worked and my eyes were wide open as if nature has lost its powers on me. I started around 10 pm but around 2 am the next day, I could not explain what happened, bam!! I stumbled on one university in Sweden.

I decided to go ahead and check the tuition because I like the postgraduate program I saw on their web page, it was then I got the shock of my life. It happened that there was no tuition in Sweden for University Education and moreover the masters program is taught in English

UK universities I was searching instantly gone with the winds. I focused all my attention on Swedish Universities. Instantly, I started looking for masters program that best suit my education background. By the next morning, I got like three programmes from three different universities in Sweden. I was all smiling and did not regret a second I spent being awake that night. In my mind I wished for once that morning should not come so that I can keep pushing until the last drop of my energy.

Making Application
I went to my home university and got my transcript. Although it took forever before they can print my transcript for me. I went I printed three different forms for the three masters programs.

Gently and carefully, I filled all of them with the required information. When I finished with the form, it was well assembled in their respective envelopes and I headed to NIPOST where I posted it.

One week later, I got an acknowledgement message from the program coordinator that they have received my application with a breakdown of the application process. The hard news was she informed me that the admission decision will be out on the 17th of April.

That 17th of April took me back to the memory lane when I was waiting for my WAEC result. I couldn't wait to see that day. I was counting every day that passed by. Three months appeared to me like three years. But nothing last forever as they said

On the morning of that 17th April, I was very apprehensive and I was contemplating with "what if questions". I decided to wait until around 2 pm to go to Cyber-cafe to check my email.

At 2 pm, I went to Cyber-cafe; I paid for 3o minutes and login into my yahoo account. As my page opened, I saw a message with congratulation you have been admitted to study a masters program. I was overwhelmed with joy. Then, the content of the message said that my admission letter was attached in the message that I should download and print it out for my Visa application.

The sad thing that day was that internet connection was so low that my 30 min time got finish while a 2-page admission letter was still downloading.

Applying for Swedish Visa
The very moment I got admitted to my program of choice, the hard reality of applying for Swedish Visa beholds me. I went to the Swedish Immigration Website and started reading about student visa permit and application processes.

At first, the requirement instantly appeared to me like something I will never meet. But then I said to myself, if I can go this far, I can still push further. Beside there is no harm in trying.

I assembled all the required documents they needed. I was also luck to talk to a distant family friend who accepted to provide a sponsorship statement of account from her bank.

When I felt I was ready, I went to Abuja and I submitted my application. Two to three months later, I got an email from Swedish Immigration about my application that I should come to Abuja. The whole message was in Swedish, I did not understand what the message was and then there was no language translation software I knew about although I did not search well.

I printed the message and went to Abuja the next week. When they called me in with other people we were all seated on the reception and they took our passports. I waited like 30 minutes before they called my name over the public address system.

I went directly and the white lady behind a glass shield passed some of my documents and my passport to me. I took it and immediately flipped my passport pages, here and there they was a visa sticker on my passport. I took a deep breath and left. Many people were congratulating me.

Travelling to Sweden
Travelling to Sweden was also the challenging part. I did not know anybody in Sweden beforehand. I needed money for my accommodation and upkeep before I could get any job there to support myself.

The message that got me afraid and thinking was when my program coordinator sent me a message telling me that I should make sure that I have all the money I need in Sweden arranged beforehand. That it is very hard for students and immigrants to get a job in Sweden.

From the Student International housing in my admitted university, they informed me they have made a student room available for me if I am interested in taking it. The cost was almost 90, 000 Naira per month. I was like woo!!

I took the house but I was thinking how I will cope since I can only pay the rent for 3 months. When I eventually got to Sweden, I meet another Africa guy from Cameroon who is looking for accommodation and I decided to share my room with him to reduce the cost and it gave me extra three months for job hunting.

School and Study
Three days after my arrival, I started school. My first day in school was not fun. Everything is different from what I was used to. It was very challenging especially if you are following practical oriented program and you did not have a strong practical experience in your previous studies in Nigeria.

I can’t stay much about this but it was a rewarding experience and the standard of education in Sweden is very high compare to Nigeria.

Personal Experience and advice
Life in Sweden can be tough most especially when you come to study there with limited financing. There is a language barrier most often when you are looking for a job.

But on a good note, life is more secured and there are many good amenities: Light, Internet, good health system, etc

In my personal experience, the two years I spent in Sweden, when I check what I spent, I realized that I paid less in my masters program in Sweden than what it will cost me in Nigeria. What this statement implies is that through the student odd jobs I did, I was able to recover my transport fare, accommodation and other expenses I made while in Sweden.

Although things have changed since then but when I look back, I am always glad that I took that decision.

Ask any question about study in Sweden here

Source: http://toscanyacademy.com/blog/

Ask4delaw: nice job nollyj, this topic has really been helpful.thank you.

I am glad that you find it useful

12 Attractive Nigerian Universities where you can apply for postgraduate program now

Admission into postgraduate programs in Nigeria has not gotten the kind of awareness that it deserved especially when you compare it with JAMB and Post-UTME news that fly around all day. Some of our readers usually ask to know when a particular university in Nigeria will commence the sales of their postgraduate admission form.

This post will answer some of the questions that we got in the past about postgraduate admission. Just like other entrance examinations in Nigeria, having a first-hand information about a postgraduate program you are interested to follow will be of immense help during and after the admission processes.

There are many universities that have concluded their postgraduate admission for 2014 - 2015 academic year. But don't worry because this post will let you know about other universities in Nigeria where you can obtain admission form for a postgraduate program of your choice right now.

Why Postgraduate Studies
I am not here to tell you why you should go for a postgraduate degree but I have found out that there are many people in Nigeria right now who are engrossed with the decision of going for a postgraduate degree or do something else. I wrote a post about 8 unthinkable reasons why getting a postgraduate degree in Nigeria is rewarding. If you haven't made up your mind I think the link above is for you.

Postgraduate admission process varies from institution to institution. The place to start with is identifying your program of choice and the universities that offer this program. If you are interested about the cost of postgraduate programs in Nigeria, there again it varies. Focus on your institution of choice and find out how much it cost before you proceed with the admission process.

Program Inquiries / Visitation
I am also of the opinion that postgraduate studies are slight different from undergraduate studies. In line with this statement, I usually advise that you should not base everything about your postgraduate admission online.

If you are applying for a practical oriented specialization program, it is important you first visit the department that offers this program in your chosen university. This will help you gather more information about the amount of resources that the department have for this program. It is also an opportunity to meet some of your "would-be" lecturers in the future. This information is important and will void of any regret once you start with your postgraduate program.

Enough of this precautionary measure lets head over to the list of 12 attractive Nigerian Universities to apply for postgraduate program now

1. UNIPORT Admission 2014/2015 Into Bamanga Tukur Institute For International Trade and Development M.Sc Programme

2. UNIBEN Postgraduate Admission for : 2014 - 2015 Academic Year

3. MOUAU Postgraduate Admission for 2014 - 2015 Academic Year

How to Apply
Interested candidate should obtain application forms from the Postgraduate School with seven thousand and five hundred naira (N7, 500) only by bank draft in favour of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike.

Completed application forms and all relevant documents should be enclosed in an envelope marked PG Admission and returned to:
The Secretary,
Postgraduate School,
Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike,
P.M.B 7267,
Umuahia, Abia State.

4. UDUSOK Postgraduate Admission for 2014 - 2015 Academic Year

5. UNIZIK Postgraduate Admission for 2014 - 2015 Academic Year

6. UI postgraduate Admission 2014 - 2015

7. Covenant University Postgraduate Admission for 2014 - 2015 Academic Year

8. UNILAG Postgraduate Admission for 2014 - 2015 Academic Year

9. POSTGRADUATE ADMISSION INTO NIGERIAN INSTITUTE OF JOURNALISM

The postgraduate diploma forms can be obtained at Nigerian Institute of Journalism: 8-14 Ijaiye Road, Ogba, Ikeja- Lagos.

10. FUTA Postgraduate Admission for 2014 - 2015 Academic Year

11. POSTGRADUATE TRAINING FELLOWSHIPS FOR WOMEN

12. Bowen University Postgraduate Admission for 2014 - 2015 Academic Year

If you know about other universities in Nigeria that are currently advertising their postgraduate programmes that did not make this list, I will be glad to hear about them.

For aspiring postgraduate candidates, there is much to find out before making your application. If you need clarification or have some questions to ask, do not hesitate to do that.

I don't know how to add neat links to all the postgraduate programs. If you want see the link you can go to the original blog below

http://toscanyacademy.com/blog/

10 Unbelievable strategies that will earn you a good degree from National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) while still working

If the word "NOUN" does not ring any bell to you then you need to understand what it stands for in Nigeria. NOUN is acronym for National Open University of Nigeria.

According to Wikipedia "The National Open University of Nigeria is an Open and Distance Learning (ODL) institution, the first of its kind in the West African sub-region. The university, at present, has 54 Centers spread across the country. It is Nigeria's largest tertiary institution in terms of student numbers. The National Open University of Nigeria offers over 50 programmes and 750 courses, from Certificate, Diploma and Degree levels, while maintaining a strong commitment to internalization".

At least I am sure by now you know what NOUN is. You can also go to NOUN official website to find more information about the institution and the different programs and certificate courses they offer.

In the past I have received many questions from my reader about NOUN. The questions range from:
1. is degree from NOUN recognizable in Nigeria
2. can one use degree from NOUN to get a job in Nigeria
3. is further studies possible in conversion universities in Nigeria with NOUN degree / qualification
4. can one go for NYSC after graduation from NOUN
and many more.

It shows that most Nigerians are still unsure about enrolling and following a program in NOUN. I wrote a post in the past due to many questions I received and I am glad that the post has helped many people to make that final decision about enrolling in NOUN or not. I will suggest you read that post first before you continue.

http://toscanyacademy.com/blog/education-decisions/is-degree-and-certificate-from-national-open-university-of-nigeria-recognised-around-the-world-and-is-part-time-studies-in-conventional-universities-preferable-than-noun/

Some few months ago I came across a remark made by the VC of NOUN and that validates some of the points I have raised in the past about NOUN. If you are interested you can also read it below.

http://toscanyacademy.com/blog/nigeria-education/noun-argues-nigerians-embrace-open-distance-learning/

Now is the best time to focus on the main reason why I choose to write this post. If you are working currently in Nigeria and you are planning to follow an online degree or certificate program in NOUN, and you wish to enjoy your studies and come out with a good grade then this post is for you. Beside, even if you are not working currently and you are following or about to start a program in NOUN, there are many good information you can take home.

Now, I will discuss about different strategies that will ease the stress associated with online learning / lone study and in the end you will come out with a result you have dreamed of. One misconception people have about online programs is that it is easy without knowing that many online programs are more difficult than some in-class programs.

When you have a work that takes almost all your time and may be a family that also requires your time, it becomes extremely difficult for you to cope with online studies.

I have a friend who has a young family and she works in the bank. The first time she tried to follow a postgraduate degree program in NOUN did not come out good. The main reason is she did not take time to plan her whole journey with NOUN because she though it will be easy.

Bear in mind that nothing good comes easy. But for you to do better in NOUN as a working class Nigeria, you should put these tips into practice.

10 Unbelievable strategies that will earn you a good degree from National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) while still working

1. Technical requirements
Technical requirements are part of the essential tools that you seriously need to put in place before the start of your program. Technical requirements include a computer set or laptop and mobile device you can use on the go. With mobile device and internet connection, you can access all the information about your courses anywhere.
Also you should find out if there is any other software or tools that are recommended. It is important to have Microsoft office package, it will be handy when you are writing reports.

2. Hardware - Storage System
Unstable electricity supply and internet in Nigeria are commonplace. Before you start your online program in NOUN make sure you have purchase a storage system that will enable you to go to cyber-cafe and download some or all the materials you need rather than hoping and waiting for internet connection or electricity on essential period.
This will avail you the opportunity to move around with materials you need for your course work in your storage device.

3. Check Your Online Classroom Daily
One major problem most online learner’s face is the unwillingness to check their classroom page every day. Since in this form of education, course materials and important announcement that affect the course are usually uploaded to the online classroom so if you are not checking constantly, you will find yourself in situation where you see important notice very late.

4. Plan ahead
Do not wait until a day or two to a deadline before you start working on your assignment. Planning ahead will help you understand all the assignments you have to do and when is the most suitable time to start working on them.

5. Schedule Your Work
The best advice I will give you is to use an online calendar that you will input all the course timetable, assignments and their due dates and other important information need in a course. You can use the calendar notification or alert to update you about upcoming task that you need to work on.

6. Create your own workspace
By creating your own workspace, it does not mean that you should go and build a new space where you will use to read but it is important that you have a consistent place devoid of noise or external distraction

7. Reach out to fellow students for discussion
As the saying goes "no man is an island " Like in-class environment, students collaborate and discuss with one another about their courses and issues they are having. They learn from one another. This can be reproduced in an online study environment. Try and form a reading group with some of your classmate. You will decide the online platform you will use. Make sure the platform has features like file sharing, chatting, video call and other features that help effective group interaction online.

8. Reach out to your lecture
The mistake many NOUN students are fond of doing is not reaching out to their course coordinator. People that have the impression that online studies are very easy, ignore some basic things they need to do that might cost them in future.
I have seen situation where a student failed two times before he reached out to his lecture and there after he understood what he was doing wrong.

9. Online Tutor
This might sound off point but it is important. When you find it difficult to wrap your head on certain topic or concept and if you have extra money to spend you can hire an online tutor for a personalized teaching base on the areas you need help.

10. Endeavour to visit your local study center whenever there is need

source: http://toscanyacademy.com/blog/

cyrielo: What is C.A.C

CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION

http://cac.gov.ng/home/

They handle business registration in Nigeria

FuckYou: If after studying C.S you graduate and you're doing things our own, u don't use your certificate.
Then what's the essence of studying it in school .
Please read and comment

There are far many advantages of going to UNI beside graduating and getting a job in your field of study.

For example, some of the friends I made in Uni have become an integral part of my life. It does not take me time to make inquiries since Uni gave me the opportunity to meet people that are now working in different sectors of Nigerian economy and abroad.

Money is important to think about. If you did not think about it today you will definitely think about it tomorrow.


Some people choose to think small, they get something done and then they scale it from the experience they got.


Some might think big and become successful why many will fail why thinking big.


At the end of the day, people should have the right to choose what they plan to be. There are people who have helped many starts-up to grow and become successful but they do not want to start anything by themselves. They are happy and have accomplished things in their life.


Just like @asalimpo said, measurement of success can vary. It is not always about much you made at the end of the day.


Definitely, Africa will soon produce some tech billionaires but it will not be for everybody.


I prefer to solve simple problems around us in Africa to have a good life and successful business that impacts on people than trying to build the next African tech giant. This is my personal opinion.


We should bear in mind that scaling tech business requires solid cash. If you have nothing to breed your business to the level that when VC's comes in you can hold some ground on equity sharing, major part of your hard earn labour will to the VC's.