Aluta and Chill | Page 6 of 28

How Nigerian Students Prepare for Exams (in 12 Bad Habits)

As a typical Nigerian student, you:

1. Hear that school has resumed for the semester

Back to school beeches!

2. Check the semester timetable and see that exams are still far

What’s school life without a little fun, eh?

3. Relax and go to do other stuff

I’m passing through university. Let the university life pass through me too pls

4. Middle of semester, you notice that exams are drawing nearer and nearer

Wiun.

5. Anyway, you promise to start next week

There’s still time

Meanwhile lecture notes, term papers, reports, etc. looking at you like:

6. Next week comes and you promise to start studying the next week

Meanwhile…

Finished man.

7. Repeat (6) until exam week

Village people‘s work rate >>>

8. Exam week arrives

And you photocopy notes and start trying to cram 1,000 pages in night class

Meanwhile, spirit of sleep:

You dunno why is going on.

9. Exam day, you in the exam hall:

Egungun wasn’t careful.

Looking at the exam booklet like:

Sir pls these questions weren’t in the material o.

Meanwhile your friend who claimed she hadn’t studied:

It be your own people.

10. You write with vibes and inshallah and wait for exam results

Holy Father…

11. Anyway, after every every, you manage to pass

Bow down beeches!

12. Then you promise to be a better student next semester

I don’t think you have the facilities for that, big man.

Ama Udofa

January 6, 2022

Aluta and Chill

Bad habits, Nigeria, Nigerian student
10 Things To Do With Your Life Immediately After Uni

You can’t wait until uni is done and dusted, so you can sleep better at night and finally be free from group work, and that’s understandable. But what’s the answer to the burning question on your mind: what do you do with your life after uni?

It’s bad enough that monthly allowance will cease and you’ll miss the oddly satisfying sense of safety the university environment provides, but it is what it is.

Those feelings are totally valid, and you’re not alone. Also, don’t worry, we won’t shove advise down your throat like your African parents or village people.

1. Realise that no one has it all figured out

It might look like it, but many recent (or about-to-be) graduates like you do not have their lives figured out. Everyone is really just taking it one day at a time and supplementing with vibes. So, give yourself some credit for surviving the last four or more years in a system designed to frustrate you.

2. Be calming down

Instead of freaking out about what the future holds and how you literally have no clue what you’re doing with your life, take time out to b-r-e-a-t-h-e. Being a graduate is not beans, after all. Take a moment to reflect on your life and acknowledge your achievements.

3. Disappoint your parents

You’ve probably played by their rules for this long, and now they’ll have expectations of you “settling down” and getting a good job.

4. Write a goodbye letter to that one lecturer

You know the one we’re referring to. Every university has that one lecturer who made school a living nightmare. Write to let them know your God is bigger than them.

5. Become a full-time sugar baby

Now that your parents will likely cut back on allowances and student privileges, you need a new source to foot your “adulting” bills. Start writing your “sugar baby available” ad now o!

6. Japa

Now that nothing urgent ties you to this country, you can japa to the abroad. Either for another degree, enjoyment, travel, or to pursue a career. Here are some japa destinations, a guide for japa-ing and how to let people know you have japa-ed when you do.

7. Slide into your year-one crush’s DM

You’ve been eyeing that person since first year, so why not go ahead and ask them on a date? Take risk and succeed!

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8. Look for internship opportunities

If you feel like you’re ready to face the post-uni life head-on, then an internship would be a great way to garner experience in the workforce. Sha don’t let anybody use your head in the name of internship. Have you seen the price of sardine?

9. Ask for an apology

Yes, the person who invented school and all the stress that comes with it seriously needs to apologise.

10. Network

This is the time to leave that triangle in which you have been stuck in and expand your circle. Life outchea goes beyond cliques. This is not to say, abandon your school friends, but learn to put yourself out there and connect with people who align with your dreams, goals and aspirations.

QUIZ: Which Nigerian University Should You Have Attended?

It’s easier said than done. So, read this article to find out how you can fake it till you make it in life.

Susan Nwaobiala

November 23, 2021

Aluta and Chill, Campus

graduates, students, University
7 Nigerians On The Worst Things About Private Universities

We’ve dragged federal universities here on the worst things about them. Now, it’s time to hear from people who attended or are in private Nigerian universities.

Asides exorbitant fees, what is the price they pay to study in these religious and non-religious private unis? Read on to find out.

Anne, 21

My university has horrible hostels and living conditions. It’s even worse for medical students coupled with the fact that we pay more for accommodation than all the other students. There’s also poor maintenance of the school buildings. Can you believe grasses are taller than the students? I understand that it’s the first private school in Nigeria but at least maintain the buildings! They have horrible health care services; the clinic is basically an empty building, the drugs are expensive for nothing. Sometimes if you’re sick and you need drugs or injection, you’d have to buy it yourself.

Joshua, 16

The fees are outrageous. I paid 4 million Naira in my first year for basic biology. Nothing is changing in the school and now, they’ve increased the fees by 1.4 million Naira! Everything here is overpriced. I feel like they buy things outside and multiply the price by two. Water too is very dirty, and as a result, we have to buy water to bathe. Something that shouldn’t even be happening. Fungi was growing on the walls in my room, and we pleaded with them to fix it, but they didn’t. There is a compulsory acceptance fee of 200k you have to pay before you enter the school, which I think is unnecessary. Another thing I hate is that students are not allowed to leave the school for any reason except when you’re about to die. Mind you, their health care services are terrible as well. There are rumours that a boy died last semester due to the late arrival of ambulances. Things are that bad. The owner of the school doesn’t renovate existing buildings. All he does is build new ones he can boast about. Worse still, the Medicine and Surgery College auditorium is very horrible. You can’t sit on half of the seats there, and some places on the roof are leaking. I also hate the fact that we have classes from 8 a.m till 9 p.m. It’s exhausting.In this school, if you fail just one course, you’ll be asked to opt for another course in the same department. It happened to me because for some reason, they couldn’t find one of my results. I had to go through the ordeal of trying to get another JAMB admission letter.A conference was held to discuss the state of things and parents demanded for changes, but nothing changed.

Shola, 22

They think they’re doing students and parents a favour because they’re not affected by strikes and unforeseen circumstances like COVID. Basically, they’re pompous and think they can do anything they want e.g increasing school fees, making weird rules, and you can’t complain because where else can you go? The rules! I swear to God, private universities come up with the weirdest rules and regulations. Again, the school management has this haughty mentality because they’re free of government influence and can run shit however they want to an extent. If there are any complaints from the student body, they’ll slap you with something like “If you cannot adhere to our rules and let the school pass through you, then get out. There are applicants begging to be in your shoes. We can fill your spot anytime.” The restrictions on dressing and hairstyle is tolerable for me, but it still sucks.

Dami, 19

I’m in a private school, and the worst thing about it is the fact that it’s overly restrictive and they treat us like kids. The dress code is ridiculous. We even have a seven p.m. curfew. Our hostel porters have way too much power in my own opinion. Then school food is bad and expensive at the same time. Although the university isn’t owned by a church, we’re required to go to church twice a week.

Daniel, 26

So the private university I attended makes service compulsory, and we had 4 services in a week, minus hall worship. Your fees cover feeding, but the food is subpar, let’s not even talk about the long queues to get it. Or how faith-based universities have silly rules like no jeans. What has it done?? Why no jeans? Also, women couldn’t wear trousers except for sports. Like why??? They have the most absurd rules. I left in 2015, I don’t know if things have changed now.

Ibk, 24

Private universities don’t encourage individuality. They put so much fear in you, you forget the person you are. The school creates a bubble and locks you in. It makes it difficult for you to navigate real life and question authority. A lot of the schools also make you live in fear. You don’t know how to be expressive of what you are really going through. They treat adults like babies. I went to CU and it was a horrible experience for me. The classes are small which is a good thing and lecturers can notice every student, but it’s hard for lecturers to care about the students who are not doing well. They expend more energy on students who are doing well and are visibly disdainful to students who struggle with school.

Jamila, 20

The one thing that stands out for me about the private university I attend is how nonchalant the school is about their students’ well-being. For starters, the food isn’t quality and it is overpriced. There are times when all the ATMs in the school would stop working at once, and it could stay like that for weeks. Church service is their priority and you can’t leave the hall until the service is over. One time, they didn’t let my friend out even though she was having an asthma attack. I had to beg. To top it all, they are so indecisive about the resumption dates and could spontaneously decide to change the already set date few days before it arrives. This can make students from all over the country to cancel their already booked flights. Then the way they try to suppress and silence students whenever we want to speak up about something we don’t like or think needs to change is sad.

Susan Nwaobiala

September 25, 2021

Aluta and Chill, Campus

campus, students, University
8 Nigerians On The Worst Things About Federal Universities

The educational system, amongst other failing “systems” in Nigeria is the absolute ghetto. Students in Federal universities seem to have it worse; from strikes to poor learning environments, and even strict dress codes imposed on them.

Read these 8 stories to get a closer glimpse into the struggles of the average Nigerian student and the worst things about Federal universities.

Lanre, 24

I attended a university that periodically went on strikes, and I hated it. Also, the fact that they are more prone to robbery. I mean, there was no semester where we weren’t afraid of being robbed or heard of hostels that were robbed. I found the class schedule tiring, especially in my department. It was as if the lecturers thought we had no other life aside from being a student.

Jay, 25

I completed my undergraduate studies in a federal university this year. One thing I hate about my experience is the lack of proper transportation system. I had a lot of issues with that from 100 – 400 level. I remember standing in queues for hours just to get a bus out of school, and standing on the road to get one going inside the school. The annoying thing is that most of the classes were usually slated for 8 a.m. The lecturers do not even want to understand the plight of students. It’s just terrible. Students should be able to access transportation easily like other places around the world.

Anthony, 23

One thing I hate about federal universities is lecturers not being properly monitored. How will a lecturer not come to class for like 2 weeks and still expect to be paid the month’s salary? Also, they don’t update their knowledge on the current developments playing out in their fields. I don’t know if it’s sheer laziness or unwillingness, but it’s really pathetic. The same lecturer would want you to pass a test or exam for a course you haven’t been taught.

Esther, 22

I hate everything about federal universities, honestly. From the lecturers who see themselves as next to God, to the countless struggles one has to deal with; dilapidated buildings, broken seats, and somehow, you’re expected to focus in class. Then, I detest that the school authorities keep bragging about how “A certificate from here is better than a certificate from private universities.” All lies! It’s just suffering. I’m in 400 level and can’t wait to be out.

Efe, 24

What I hate about my university is how wack lecturers in my department are. They just come into the lecture venue, read from a textbook and when you ask a question they don’t give any answer. We have inadequate facilities and equipment as well. Something I also can’t wrap my head around is having to pay the nonacademic staff to simply do their jobs.

Faith, 21

Federal universities are the absolute worst. Using my university as a case study, the hostels are like prison yards where they send hardened criminals. Even animals shouldn’t live there. Then let’s talk about the management and staff, both academic and nonacademic. They are like prison wardens sent to stress your life. Just small power you give them and they think they are the next best thing after sliced bread. Lecture halls are always packed with no place for students to sit except you come really early. Then the one that pisses me off the most is that I have to buy water because our taps do not rush. Let’s not even talk about how lecturers sell results and force students to buy handouts. By the way, my university is supposed to be “highly acclaimed.”

Cheta, 21

Omo. The strikes are never ending oh. When you are in the middle of a semester, they’ll just decide to strike. Sometimes I wonder if these lecturers have a conscience that pricks them. They always mark students down. At the end of a semester, you’ll see your exam or test scores and be surprised. Honestly, I just want to be done.

Debbie, 23

See ehn, I’m tired of this university and I can’t wait to leave them and their wahala. I’m in my finals, and outside classes, there’s really nothing the system has offered by way of advantage as it relates to the outside world. Everything I know about careers and positioning myself for opportunities I’ve had to be intentional about learning by myself. There is the constant bus issue that drains my soul. After a long day of lectures, you get to the school park hoping to get home and rest, only to see a long ass queue. They allot small venues for courses that over 400 students are offering. Where are you supposed to sit? There are the lecturers who are simply a bad fit for the courses they teach. Mind you, nothing really works, not even the wall clocks in lecture halls. There’s also the dress code and how they harass students for fixing nails, hair extensions and other insignificant things.

Susan Nwaobiala

September 22, 2021

Aluta and Chill, Campus

Nigerian students, University
Uniben Students Protest: What We Know

On Tuesday, the 14th of September 2021, students of the University of Benin came out to protest the school’s decision to enforce a ₦20,000 fine for missing the school fees payment deadline. Here’s everything we know.

After resumption on the 18th of August, the office of the Vice-Chancellor circulated a memo stating that any student who fails to pay their school fees by September 3rd will have to pay ₦10,000. The memo went on to state that if they are yet to pay the fees by the 13th of September 2021, ₦10,000 will be added again. The memo also stated that anybody who had not paid by the 18th of September 2021 is assumed to have withdrawn from the school and the school fees payment portal will be closed.

By the 3rd of September, students had noted that nobody’s school fees had been increased. On the evening of Monday, 13th September 2021, students who had not paid their school fees reported that ₦20,000 had been added to their fees.

When we spoke to some of the students, they told us that the deadline for school fees payment was usually at the end of their second semester, and only ₦10,000 was usually added as late payment fees. They also stated that on the school’s student’s portal, it mentioned just ₦10,000 increase after five weeks of resumption.

To show their displeasure at this change of events, the students gathered as early as 7am to start a peaceful protest. The starting point of the protest was the school’s main gate and ended at the Vice Chancellor’s office.

The protesting students were approached by various members of staff such as the Head of Security and the Dean of Student Affairs, but they declared that their intention was to speak to the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Lillian Salami herself.

As of the time of this report, the protest still goes on strong, and the Vice-Chancellor has not come to address the students.

Itohan Esekheigbe

September 14, 2021

Aluta and Chill

Uniben
7 Things That Can Stress You As An International Student In The UK

Ask your friends studying in the UK. It’s not all fun and vibes. They can relate to most, if not all of the struggle on this list.

1. The slangs

Bruh, what the heck does “ledge” and “innit” even mean? Hay God.

2. The weather

Everywhere will just be cold and wet. They should have kuku said it’s inside freezer you’re coming to study.

3. The constant homesickness

“Hard guy or gal”, until you find yourself missing your mother in the middle of the night. Tuff.

4. Everyone thinks you’re flexing

Boya you should set up a gofundme so they’ll know things are critical, because why all dis? Or you can become a Kyshi Affiliate and learn while you earn. Register here.

5. Travelling costs

The return ticket alone can give you instant heart attack. It looks like witchcraft will be the best option at this point. You better take advantage of the FREE back to school ticket by Kyshi or get a discount.

6. Phone calls

See, just make WhatsApp and Zoom your best friend, because those call charges are from hell.

7. Sending/receiving money

As if your money struggle in Nigeria isn’t enough. Now, you’re in a foreign country and it looks like e your village people have swallowed the money.

Returning to school after summer break?

You can take advantage of this amazing opportunity to win a back to school ticket to London courtesy Kyshi, in partnership with @travelstartng.

How to Participate:

Download and sign up on the Kyshi App. Transact at least £500 during the campaign period (1 September – 17 September) Check @kyshico for more details.

Susan Nwaobiala

September 14, 2021

Aluta and Chill

International student, Sponsored Post, student, uk
Stanbic IBTC Commences Applications For Its 2021 University Scholarship Scheme

Education is a process of gaining knowledge to develop skills, talents, minds, and character. It is the first step for people’s empowerment towards making the world a better place.

However, many parents are unable to give their children proper education due to a lack of finance. Determined to support the education sector, thereby assisting parents and guardians, Stanbic IBTC has opened an application portal for new applicants to register for its 2021 – 2022 University Scholarship Programme.

The Stanbic IBTC Scholarship Programme is geared towards encouraging diligence and academic excellence amongst Nigerian undergraduates. This is open to students who participated in the 2021 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and have been admitted into any of the universities in the nation.

The foremost financial institution understands that many individuals may not have the funds for tuition. Hence the scholarship programme was enacted to support the dreams and aspirations of Nigerian youths. The inaugural edition of the scholarship held last year, aided hundreds of undergraduates who applied from all over the country with funding for their tertiary education.

In the inaugural edition, the total scholarship value awarded to successful candidates amounted to over N40 million naira, spread across four years, and disbursed in tranches of N100,000 per academic session. Subsequent disbursements will be hinged on the maintenance of at least a second-class upper grade and good conduct of the students as referenced by the universities.

The educational initiative designed to assist hard-working students is now accepting new applications for the 2021/2022 academic session. With this initiative, students aspiring to study in state and federal universities in the 36 states of Nigeria will not have to worry about school fees while studying.

This is a breath of fresh air for Nigerian youths who require aid with educational funding. It will surely relieve parents and guardians who have financial challenges but desire tertiary education to their wards or children.

Interested applicants need to have a minimum score of 250 in the 2021 UTME and a letter of admission into a Nigerian university issued by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) or the university.

By applying early, you stand a chance of receiving the scholarship grant, which is contingent upon meeting all the eligibility criteria. To apply, click here.

The scholarship programme is in line with Stanbic IBTCs commitment to the growth and development of the Nigerian educational sector.

Susan Nwaobiala

September 14, 2021

Aluta and Chill

education, Scholarship, Sponsored Post
How To Check JAMB Result
Sitting for any exam can be tedious, how much more, almighty JAMB. And checking your result? That can be a nerve-wracking process, but you have to go through with it because how else are you going to get into university? Better to do so as soon as possible so you can put your mind at ease. Ready to check your JAMB result? Follow these simple steps on how to check it.

How to check your JAMB result
1. Visit JAMB’s official website: www.jamb.gov.ng.
2. Next, locate and click on ‘E-facility’ on the menu bar.
3. On the page that shows up, click on the ‘UTME 2021 Main Results Notification Slip’ button.
4. On the next page, enter your ‘Reg Number’ or ‘GSM Number’ on the space provided.
5. Then Click on ‘ Check My Result’ to complete the steps.
6. You should be able to see your result afterwards.
If you’d also like to print out your JAMB result, here’s how:
- Log on to jamb.gov.ng/Efacility.
- Look for Post Registration on the E-facility menu.
- Click on Print Result Slip button.
- Next, enter either your Reg or GSM Number
- Finally, click on Check My Result to wrap up the process.
- Note that printing out your result might come with a N1,000 charge.
Good luck! Uni here you come.

NOTE: Candidates used to be able to check their results via SMS by sending UTMERESULT to 55019 from the phone number used to obtain the profile code. However, that method of checking JAMB results is no longer functional due to issues the people who made the method have encountered. If anything changes in regards to the way to check JAMB results, this page will be updated with the information.
Susan Nwaobiala

August 20, 2021

Aluta and Chill, Campus

Exam Results, JAMB, student
The Best University In Nigeria: We Ranked The Top 5 Nigerian Universities

Getting a university degree is still one of those things that many Nigerian students aspire to do. Today, in order to determine the best university in Nigeria, we have made a Ranked list of the top 5 Nigerian universities. Note that we have consulted several Nigerian university ranking bodies to inform our decision.

5. University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

Founded by Dr Nnamdi Azikwe in 1955, the University of Nigeria did not formally open till the 7th of October 1960. UNN has the distinction of being the first autonomous university within the country which made it easy for it to secure a position in the country’s educational history.

4. Covenant University

In any conversation about the best universities in Nigeria, as well as the best private universities, Covenant University is bound to be mentioned multiple times. The university was established in the year 2000 and became functional in 2002 when it was presented with an operating license certificate. The private pentecostal university has risen fast and has built a sterling reputation as a powerhouse that churns out outstanding alumni. It has also been named by the Nigerian University Commission as the best private university in Nigeria – in their 2018 ranking – as well as the sixth-best university overall.

3. University of Lagos

In the five decades that it has been in operation, the University of Lagos has garnered a reputation that fuels its nickname as the university of the first choice. It has become the dream university for many Nigerians. Founded in 1962, the University of Lagos has one the widest ranges of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in Nigeria as well as an alumni group that includes some of the most influential Nigerians.

2. Lagos State University

Lagos State University has the distinction of being the only state-owned university in the state of Lagos. The University was established in 1983 and has since become one of the most popular and prestigious public universities in the country.

1. University of Ibadan

When the University of Ibadan was established in 1947, it was a college under the University of London. It eventually became an independent university in 1962 and has since evolved into one of the most instantly recognizable and respected educational institutions not just in Nigeria but West Africa, easily making the top two, and definitely not number two, in any ranking of Nigerian universities.

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best university in Nigeria

Desmond

July 14, 2021

Campus

campus, Pop, ranked
As Told To: I Realised I Am Polyamorous In 2020

As Told To Itohan

When I was in JS2, I started dating a lot of people consecutively. I was never really single. I dated two best friends. I even once dated a set of twins and their elder brother. Most of them were older and bought me gifts, which was risky because I was young and lived with my parents. So they mostly gave me money. The thing is, I didn’t date them for the perks. For me, it was just another way to validate my existence and sexuality.

I knew men were attracted to me but the thought never excited me. So most times when I dated men, it was just to prove that I could get with whomever I wanted. I can’t count the number of people I’ve dated but I know it’s nothing less than 25. However, the number of those people that I actually liked can be counted on one hand.

I think another reason I started serial dating was that I was exposed to a lot of sexual activity at a young age. My parents were always in church, which meant that I spent a lot of time at church or with family friends. There was a boy whose parents’ house I spent a time in. One day, we kissed. Then it became a regular thing. Whenever he saw me going somewhere, he’d follow so we could make out. It could be to his room, my room, or the bathroom at church.

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My first crushes were on two seniors in my school. A guy and a girl. The guy and I used to write letters to each other and meet in the library. He was very sweet. The girl, however, I just liked. What I felt for them never overlapped because it was easy for me to compartmentalise my feelings.

My very first relationship with two people at once, was when I was 16. The guy was my ex’s best friend, and the girl was my younger sister’s friend. They didn’t know about each other until the girl broke my heart. The guy saw me crying about it, and when he asked why, I told him. He left without saying anything. We eventually broke up.

I started looking for more ethical ways to date people when I cheated on my girlfriend in 2019. We broke up after I told her but got back together later. After that, we decided to try an open relationship. She told me I could sleep with everyone but this one girl but I slept with her anyways. She was my best friend, and I somehow always slept with my best friends. I think that’s when I figured that monogamous relationships couldn’t work for me, even though they seemed to be all that was available.

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In 2020, I came across people on Twitter who posted stuff about being polyamorous and how they engage in multiple relationships at once. I realised that maybe that’s what I am. I never wanted to cheat. I just felt suffocated. For me, feelings for one person doesn’t mean fewer feelings for another. I consider my feelings for all of my partners completely separate. I didn’t practice ethical polyamory until 2021. Before then, it was separate relationships with people that weren’t aware of my other relationships.

The two people I’m dating now are both polyamorous and it’s been amazing. I enjoy their company and I’m completely in love with them. It feels more freeing than having to hide because not only are they both friends, they understand me. I wish I realised this sooner and was able to have better, healthier relationships.

For more stories on relationships and the many ways they come, please click here

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Itohan Esekheigbe

June 29, 2021

Aluta and Chill, Ships

Cheating, polyamorous, Polyamory, relationships