I recall the time when I was deciding on a university; I felt jittery. People had a lot to say about Universities. This further strengthened my resolve to attend the very best.
However, the “best” university is not always the most popular one. I mean, it could align with your academic goals and not align with someone else.
Some universities are also affected by strike actions which result in you taking longer than you planned to study. For example, a Course where you were meant to spend only 4 years could become 8 years. And this could delay your long-term plans.
Let’s not even talk about the financial situation at that period, especially regarding the fees at a particular university you are interested in. You don’t want to start what you cannot finish. Some people have ended up being school dropouts because they couldn’t continue paying their school fees.
To avoid stories that touch, the following are good tips you’ll need when comparing universities in Nigeria:
1. Accreditation and reputation: This is paramount. Please ensure the university and your chosen course are fully accredited and recognised nationally and internationally.
2. The strength of your course: Some universities are exceptional in certain fields such as medicine, law, engineering, education, or technology while others are not. You need to choose such universities wisely.
3. Cost and financial support: Review tuition fees, accommodation costs, and available scholarships or financial aid to enable you complete your studies.
4. Learning environment: You must consider facilities, class size, stability of the academic calendar, and campus culture. Most people may not think this is important, but I tell you the stability of the academic calendar is vital.
5. Career opportunities: Check the internship options, alumni networks, and employability of graduates. This is essential.
You can tell that choosing a university is a major life decision. Take time to research, ask questions, and choose a place where you can learn, grow, and thrive academically and personally.
Has this been valuable to you? Please share your experiences in the comments.
Faith is a professional writer with over 6 years of writing experience in the educational sector. She uses her research and writing skills to help prospective international students