Stop watching pornography, focus on your goals in life and build character, join a local assembly of Christians (church). It is a small something.

13k factory price is still expensive for locally produced rice. By the time it enters the market, prices could go as high as 15k -16k. If people are still going to be buying a bag of rice at 15k - 16k, then what's all the fuss about imported rice and local ones.

Seems to me like the only people set to benefit from this are the manufacturers. Already, they have association and have agreed on a fixed price to sell, so there actually won't be price competition.

Horlufemi:


Source:
https://punchng.com/cbn-plans-single-digit-interest-loan-for-oil-palm-producers/amp/?__twitter_impression=true

Cc: mynd44

I don't know why, but once I see any policy that requires, or even remotely suggests, 'land allocation' championed by this government, I immediately get suspicious. Look at this policy now; brilliant, very brilliant, but there's large expanse of land required.

God help this country.

MrBrownJay1:
Whatever this was for, it certainly is gathering a lot of ATTENTION.... Great marketing!

You understand it.

Sowore will get his own piece of the cake soon, and we'll see if he would still be championing a revolution. This should be a good test of his character.

Ubah1:


You are switching from chemical to mechanical. That's the issue I see here and I guess that's why the v.o refused you. You don't even have enough experience to explain why you are switching. May be you should apply to material science and engineering, it's a branch of Chemical Engineering and have that written on your i20 instead of mechanical engineering

Ok. Thank you. Well noted.

Good morning guys. I had my interview today, was given the blue paper.

Lagos Embassy. 6:30am slot. One white male like that.

VO: Good morning. Pass me your passport and I20.
Me: Good morning. There you go. (passed docs)

VO: Which course do you want to study in the US?
Me: MS in mechanical engineering at the California State university Sacramento.....

VO: (cuts in) Why mechanical?
Me: (still speaking)..... I'll be concentrating in Manufacturing and Material Engineering.

VO: OK. Why manufacturing?
Me: Presently, the Nigerian manufacturing industry is faced with a lot of challenges, many of which affect the quality of products we put out and the efficiency of our production processes. From my experience in the field, I've been able to identify some of these challenges, and I see them as opportunities. Last year I co-founded and registered a digital startup, and our medium to long-term goal for the business is to advance solutions and technologies to help increase machine performance, reduce wastes and speed up transformation (stuttered here for a second) of industrial processes and automation in the Nigerian manufacturing industry. This master's course for me is a significant (stuttered here for a second again) step towards achieving that goal.

VO: ok. Who's paying for your program?
Me: My uncle is my sponsor.

VO: What does he do?
Me: He's the ceo of *****, a tech company here in Lagos.

VO: Have you traveled out of Nigeria before?
Me: No. I'm a very busy person and never really had any reason to travel, until now.

VO: Are you married?
Me: No

VO: Any kids?
Me: No.

VO: (eyes on the screen the entire time) I'm sorry, at this time, you do not qualify for... Yen yen yen... (hands the blue paper). This will explain more.
Me: Alright. Thank you. (collects blue paper and walks away)

Other info:
I have a B.eng in chemical engineering, with 6 months graduate internship experience and 1 year nysc experience ; all around manufacturing. I've been running a co-founded registered startup for over 5 months now, while preparing for grad school.

Also, my school's orientation is today, I tried getting an extension of resumption letter from the school, but the lady said they don't provide such, but that she'd make a note on my file for a make up orientation to be arranged when I arrived. I went with a printout of the email today, but was not asked about that.

Please I need a critical assessment of the above convo. What might be the possible cause of the denial. I'm considering planning towards fall, but I need to know what areas I can improve on before then, aside traveling for the aim of gaining travel experience though.

Guys, I need advice.

Flaame:
Which sch.....st. Cloud?

CalSate University.

LagosismyHome:


Reach out to the school if they can formally give you N extension . If they agree you can resume a bit later. Have the evidence to hand when you go for your interview

Alright. Thank you.

smileforme15:
Please how safe am i? My visa appointment date is January 7, but my i20 states i need to be on campus january 7th for orientation.

Your response is appreciated cos i have considered expedient appointment or something

My case exactly. The school states Jan 7th and 8th for students check in and clearance, orientation proper is 11th. Visa appointment date is 11th, and my request for an expedited appointment has just been denied.

Guys, what do I do?

doublezero7:
Okay. So I just checked my status and it says refused.

My mom's account officer is sure the embassy did not contact the bank.

Can someone kindly explain what in God's name is happening, please!

No! This is so wrong. Hopefully, it's just a glitch in the Abuja embassy's systems. Wait until you get your passport.

Stay positive bro!

doublezero7:


Brother, thank you sir. I thought you were going to Sacramento. What's up?

Yes boss, I still am. They took a while, but got the admit last week. I have received my i-20... paid for sevis too.

Currently preparing for interview.

doublezero7:
Visa Appproved at the Abuja embassy.

Got to the embassy around 8am for my 9am appointment. Longest queue ever mehn. Took over an hour to get to my turn. Passed the check points. Got in and was interviewed by a lady that looked like Sheila Zazz from Suits . Lol. I smiled as soon as i got to her and greeted. Honestly, there was no fear in my mind. I knew i was about to have a nice conversation.

She asked fot my passport and I20 which i passed to her

VO: So you're going to California State University, Los Angeles to study Healthcare Management?

Me: Yes ma'am

VO: why thia school?

Me: i chose CSULA because i they have a research in the area I am most interested in which is Medical intelligence and surveillance services systems. (She cut me)

VO: What is MIS?

Me: (wasn't expecting that so I took a pause, smiled and continued) MIS is that category of intelligence that is derived from the collection, evaluation, analysis and interpretation of foreign medical, bio scientific and enviromental information which can be of importance to strategic medical planning. (I was going to explain what MIS systems is used in the US and Canada before she cut me)


VO: when did you leave school and what did you study?


Me: i studied philosophy and graduated in 2013. (She looked up and asked)

VO: from philosophy to public health...(and she looked kinda turned off. Village people haff reach here o)

Me: Ma'am, studying philosophy gave me answers to lots of questions i had about life. I knew someday that I'd be taking up additional responsibility. So i decided to improve my art of reasoning and critical thinking skills. After my undergraduate degree, i started off as an intern at the Nigerian Institute of medical research and then got employment at the Federal Ministry of Health, Yaba Lagos. I presently work at my family's healthcare services company.

VO: That's enough. How many years of experience do you have in public health?

Me: 5 years

VO: Who is sponsoring your studies?

ME: My mother (passed her statement of account . She went through it whilst typing)

VO: Did you write any standardised test?

Me: Yes ma'am

VO: Can i have your score sheet?

Me:: (passed it)

VO: I'd be approving your visa now. Your financial document would be verified and if it is found to be fraudulent, you'd get your passport back and be banned from the USA. Do you want to submit this document.

Me: Of course ma'am.

VO: Take this paper. It would instruct you on how to pick up your passport. Take this other paper too. Enjoy your studies at the United States.

Me::Thank you. And enjoy the rest of your day too.

Really happy for you bro. Congratulations!
I tap into this.

Thank you folmus.

folmus:


Yes.

Hello guys,
Please while filling the DS-160 form, the travel information section, the part about 'person/entity paying for your trip', is that like asking who's your sponsor?

This op is absolutely senseless. The way some of you here talk I wonder if it's just your vote that'll determine the outcome of the election exercise.

Una never tire of how the country be?
Why would you want to intentionally aggravate your fellow country men?

Guy, use your head.

Okay. Thank you so much bro.

ObenJoshua:


Depends on the school.
Go through the school website well to clarify, and you can contact them as well.

Alright. Thank you very much.

CapitoneMax:
It all depends on your school's requirements. Some would normally request after admission offer

Hi everyone,

When is the best time to send financial statement to a school for master's program, during the application process or after getting an admit?

;DLol..... Badt guy. A'won dedicated PA!

You're obviously doing a nice job as her dedicated PA. We all want to learn, yeah. But it's not really everything that can be shared on here you know..... Things like helping to critique my SoP when I'm done writing for example.
Cc: LagosismyHome

Ubah1:



Am her PA , she is a very busy person. Just tag her here and she will reply whenever she sees it

You're right ma'am. I do have relatives in Sacramento, and that's one of the major reasons the school is my preferred school. I'm hoping that should help reduce expenses at least.

LagosismyHome, I've seen how you help people on here with your wealth of experience on USA travel issues, I could gain a lot from your knowledge. I wonder if you would mind if I sent you a PM occasionally when the need arises.
,

LagosismyHome:


trust you are also checking on the cost of living in California ........Except if you have some form of free housing aka relatives in that state , the cost of living there compared to the naira and compared to other states "is not smiling oooo "

Hi, I'm pleased to know there's a CSU applicant around here.
I'm applying against spring 2019 semester; just wanted to start things off a bit early. I'm aware application for that semester starts this month tho.

I sent more emails yesterday and they responded in no time. I may be needing your guidance as I work through this process, I wonder if you'd mind me sending you a PM.

Thank you.

doublezero7:


Hello, I applied to CSU, Los Angeles, so I think I can help out with some answers.

All CSU universities make use of the CalApply portal. However, they all have different deadlines. you shoyld have gotten a response but a reason might be that the school isn't taking in applications anymore. (They ought to have responded to your emails to explain that though).

Just keep trying to reach them by email and try calling them too.

I hope I made small sense sir.

All the best.

Thanks bro. I'm definitely diversifying, although after sending them follow-up emails yesterday, both the graduate coordinator and office of international admissions replied within an hour. The OIA explained that they're getting lots of emails this period and it may take a while to respond to all.

happyday:


Yes, only research-intensive programs tend to ask for SoPs. No reply in weeks is not a good sign. If you can, kindly diversify your eggs.

Thank you for your reply bro. I later sent them follow-up emails that yesterday, and both the graduate coordinator and Office of International Admissions replied in less than one hour, and we've been exchanging emails.
The graduate coordinator actually hinted a SOP would be required. Thank you.

Glocal1:
Not all schools /programs require SOP, some others even require Resume, abstract of an intending research etc as additional admission requirements
Bank statement requirements should be on the school's website. It depends on the school as well. You can call the staff in charge of admissions, if their phone numbers can be found on the
, student handbook /graduate catalogue.

Any csu Sacramento in the house?
..... Or anyone who knows about the school please.

paulemi:
Hello guys,
I want to appreciate all the people that have been contributing on this thread and making life easier for Nigerians aspiring to study in the US. You guys are doing a great job. I wonder if anyone here can help me with answers to a few questions regarding my application process for master's in Mechanical engineering at csu Sacramento.

It is not mentioned anywhere on the school's website that one should submit a sop as part of requirements, is this an oversight or are there schools that don't require a sop for master's degree admission?

Secondly, is the accounts statement meant to be submitted during application or after one has been admitted?
I have sent emails to the graduate school coordinator of the faculty and office of international admissions, and it's running into weeks now, none of them has replied. What kind of school does that.

Please anyone with idea about csu Sacramento should help with a reply.

Hello guys,
I want to appreciate all the people that have been contributing on this thread and making life easier for Nigerians aspiring to study in the US. You guys are doing a great job. I wonder if anyone here can help me with answers to a few questions regarding my application process for master's in Mechanical engineering at csu Sacramento.

It is not mentioned anywhere on the school's website that one should submit a sop as part of requirements, is this an oversight or are there schools that don't require a sop for master's degree admission?

Secondly, is the accounts statement meant to be submitted during application or after one has been admitted?
I have sent emails to the graduate school coordinator of the faculty and office of international admissions, and it's running into weeks now, none of them has replied. What kind of school does that.

Please anyone with idea about csu Sacramento should help with a reply.

Congrats on your visa approval bro. I expect you must have traveled by now.

I'm also a FUTO graduate. I sent you a DM, could you reply? I need info as regards obtaining transcripts from the school.

subset:
My people, my visa came through this morning. I follow for those silent readers. I'm yet to recover from the ecstatic feeling.
I owe everything to this thread. I read every darn thing on this thread. I'm specially grateful to lamexx for reviewing my prepared responses and for the mock interview. This guy even called me with his airtime. So much love on Nairaland. Thanks to walspring for paying my sevis fee and to everyone that has contributed to this thread, you guys are awesome.

Abeg you guys should allow me to rant small. The idea for masters came to me immediately I passed out from service. This is the time I stumbled on this thread from a Google search, it brought a huge relieve knowing that most of the questions I have must have been answered here. I made it a duty to read at least 20pages of this thread everyday. It paid off !!

The stressed I went through for my transcript was just crazy. Shuttling almost every month from Lagos to Owerri to follow up on the transcript, even after paying one guy to help me expedite the process(Dude chop my money). The height of it all was when two of the transcript I requested was erroneously sent to one school. It took me almost 3 weeks to realize this error then I had to pay another 20k for another transcript which took one month again to process. Futo una well done!


To the transcript

The VO approved the three people in my front. One of them was an old woman going to visit her daughter, the other person was a lady on F2 going to visit her husband that's in school. She asked her how she met how husband and who will take care of her business when she is away. These people's approval bolstered my confidence.

I was very vocal as none of the questions were unexpected. I already have an answer for almost all the possible questions. Some people say you shouldn't rehearsed your responses but you should know what works best for you. I'm very good at memorizing things so I leveraged on that to practice most of my responses, this in turn strengthened my confidence. I practiced the questions every morning and every night even in my dreams . I just can't stand the thought of starting this process again. Some time ago I read on this thread about maintaining eye contact during the interview. It usually feels weird to me looking people in the eye for more than 3 seconds, so I knew I had to work on that and I did so by maintaining eye contact in all of my conversations with people for the past 2 months. It worked because I was able to maintain eye contact all through the interview. The VO was very conversational, her smile alone will mellow down your tension.

Below is my transcript

VO: Good morning (she is always the first to greet)
Me: Good morning
VO: please pass your passport and your other documents
Me: Gave her my passport, the i20 and sevis receipt. She returned the sevis receipt
VO: Looking at my I20, why are you applying to software engineering degree (with sharp eye contact)
Me: I've always been a tech savvy person. I discovered during my undergraduate studies that my strength and motivation lies in the field of computing. I developed a penchant for programming during this time.It has become something I'm very passionate about. This program will help me solidify my knowledge and give me the ability to design, implement and improve software solutions across multiple domains. It will afford me the qualifications to take up a job as a senior software engineer in a Nigerian tech firm when I am back. I will be able to apply machine learning algorithms efficiently
VO: typing...
VO: how many schools did you apply to?
Me: 3 schools
VO: why did you choose this school
Me: Aside from being one of the schools that pioneered the masters of software engineering program in us. I chose Monmouth university because their software engineering curriculum matches my research interest and offers the best fit for my career growth. My research interest aligns with that of professor wizzy* which is on the application of machine learning in personalized marketing. I am keen on being part of her research group to enable me gain practical knowledge of machine learning concepts. I also like the fact that their program integrates applied computer science, mathematics and management science in the course modules which will give me a well rounded experience in creating software solutions. I was also offered $4000 scholarship
VO: what's your highest qualification
Me: Bsc Statistics
VO: why the change of program
Me: well this is not a change for me though. Studying this degree will equip me with the technical knowledge and expertise to be able to implement machine learning algorithms efficiently considering my background in statistics. It will afford me the qualifications to take up a job as a senior software engineer in a Nigerian tech firm specializing in machine learning solutions. This degree will make me very desirable when I return back to Nigeria because there is a high demand for software engineers in Nigeria.
VO: When did you finish school?
ME: I finished 2015, after which I went for my compulsory youth service and that lasted till April this year. I was retained at the eCommerce firm were I was working a software developer. My primary duties entails extending the website functionality by developing and implementing ad-on magento plugins. I also perform routine maintenance which involves security patch installations, module updates and reconfiguration, search engine optimization...
VO: what are the courses you will be doing and how will they be beneficial to you?
Me: I listed about 7 courses and I repeated some lines from "why software engineering question":
This will help me solidify my knowledge and give me the ability to design, implement and improve software solutions across multiple domains. It will afford me the qualifications to take up a job as a senior software engineer in a Nigerian tech firm when I am back. I will be able to apply machine learning algorithms efficiently (Though I said it in a different way, so won't start sounding like a robot)
VO: I can see that your brother is your sponsor, what does he do?
Me: He is major distributor for so and so
VO: Has he traveled out of Africa before?
Me: Yes he's being to Dubai, Us
VO: Then she started typing for about 20secs and then asked: did you write any standardized test
Me: yes, I wrote GRE (I got 292)
VO: Let me see your score card.
Me: I reached out to my envelop, at this point I can see her dropping my passport in the tray. Then I passed the GRE result
She now said the sweet words.

My people my ear was still wide open I didn't go deaf oo. She now started rapping the usual " your i20 is as important as your passport always keep it on you, you'll need it at the POE and be ready to ...*I helped her to complete it* explain myself. Then she said I'll get a message in 7days to come pick up the passport.

Some people were denied but I didn't see any blue paper flying around. Abi na the 214g be the blue paper?

This has been a huge relieve. I can now close all the endless tabs that has been open on my system the past 2months

My advice to folks just starting the process: This has been repeated here countless times, please note that GRE is a vital component of your application whether you are seeking for funding or not. If you have enough time, abeg prepare for GRE and smash it.

All glory to God

Your family will love it.

This lovely finely finished 6 bedroom duplex, comes with boys quarters and ample space for cars and playing kids, located on East-West Road Port Harcourt is available for sale.

Your family will love it.

Price : N 50 Million

Property owner is open to negotiations.


CONTACT:

ok then

It's official ; Some Nigerians are the cause of their many problems. They're like the wind, driven to and fro, without direction. How can a person claim to be fighting against so called cabals and on the other hand be canvassing for support for a known father of cabals?

If the south should rally round Tinubu as many of these self seeking politicians are calling for, then we would have succeeded in making the man more powerful than he already is.

Nigerians should stop being fools to these politicians ; fools that can be used and dumped at every turn. Nuf said.

Op, change your diet. Most body odours can be controlled just by doing that.

If that doesn't work, then you just may need Jesus ; Some body odours are demonic.