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Best Uni For Bsc. Computer Science In Nigeria / A Way Forward For The Field Of Computer Science In Nigeria / [Opinion] B.sc Computer Science In Nigeria? poo! (2) (3) (4)

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Re: Why Waste 4 Years On Computer Science In University? by AhWetin(m): 4:46pm On Sep 09, 2013
meshybizzo: I think many people commenting here are forgetting so many things.

Firstly, @op Uncle was most likely speaking as a Nigerian. We all know nigerian universities are no good. Even the so-called private ones. So let's stop decieving ourselves.

What is the arguement here? That computer science goes beyond programming or that studying computer science in "Nigeria" is a waste of time!

My answer to both is simple. They are both CORRECT! Computer science far goes beyond programming but also spending 4 good years (all things been constant e.g ASUU) in nigerian universities is sadly a long waste of time.

I have meet, worked wit and seen computer science and engineering graduates from Unilag, OAU and even the so-called CU and likes incapable of "Formatting" a computer system after 4years in the university. I finished from FUTA. Comp sci students are taught maths and al sort of matrics and algebra ova and ova. Yet some can even write a simple html code.

So Pls, Pls and Pls let's not decieve ourselves. Yes the certificate has its benefits but if you're speaking in terms of "knowlegde" I do rather go to some training institute for 1year than 4long years in a nigerian university studying Comp Sci.

Its all a matter of focus. What you want to do. For example, If I wanted 2b a networking guy, I do direct my money toward Cisco certifications. And believe me it do take you there much faster than 4years in the university.

And lastly, Computer science is far becoming to Large! In the nearest further I foresee it been dissolved into small course like network engineering, programming and the likes.

Just pause there. There are some things that will NEVER be learnt in university. Personal development comes into play even if you go to the best universities in the world. I have phD friends who have never seen the inside of a "desktop" computer here in uk neither do they know how to format a computer and they are very vast in other software related things. Don't lay undue emphasis on one thing as a true picture of the whole. A graduate of electrical engineering from MIT WILL NOT be able to wire a 3 bedroom apartment. Ask me why? Stuffs like that are not usually taught in University. I learnt it personally by attaching myself to an electrician family friend. So get out of the mind-set of "he/she can't do this simple thing". University/ high education will point you in a direction, it is left for you to find the end of it. In retrospect the starting point of programming should be fortran,basic or python, that's the best place to grow a baby from a toddler to a walking child... and remember not every child will eventually become a gymnast.

I used to think that studying computer science was a waste of time till I got abroad (I actually switched from comp sci to elect in my 2nd year in uni). With my years of programming/design etc, I discovered that there was more to computer science than just churning out codes. There are many things in the field you CAN NOT LEARN on your own correctly. Algorithms, Data Structures, Operations Research and Modelling, Concepts of Concurrency, Artificial Intelligence to mention just a few. I recently took part in the Google code jam and it was then I knew that some problems required some other concepts I won't find in programming books or by packing a few certifications. The kind of coursework I see undergraduates do here is what most people do as FINAL year project in Nigeria.

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Re: Why Waste 4 Years On Computer Science In University? by Nobody: 4:47pm On Sep 09, 2013
I don't agree with you totally bcus in our society of today if you don't have a paper to back up your knowledge then you are doomed




p.josh:
This is a conversation between my uncle and I.

Uncle: Josh, what course do you want 2 study.
Me: Computer Science
Uncle: Why
Me: Because I like it
Uncle: Do you know any programming language
Me: Yes, I know python and am still learning it.
Uncle: Who taught you?
Me: I learnt it by my self.
Uncle: Do not study com. Sci
Me: Why?
Uncle : Why waste 4 years in a Nigerian university studying Computer Science when you can learn it on your own or even register and learn it somewhere else.

Me: I will need the certificate when looking for work.

Uncle: Look, even if you want to learn computer science don't depend on your cert. When looking for work, you can work on your own.

To some extent, what he said is true. I advice other student not to take Computer Science as a course.

1 Like

Re: Why Waste 4 Years On Computer Science In University? by toskut(m): 4:47pm On Sep 09, 2013
You want ur uncle to send to starvation land
Re: Why Waste 4 Years On Computer Science In University? by pjosh1(m): 4:48pm On Sep 09, 2013
yahrant140: @ op you and your uncle is a big fool,in this modern age!!
I don't need bigger fool like you to advice another fool.

2 Likes

Re: Why Waste 4 Years On Computer Science In University? by 50calibre(m): 4:49pm On Sep 09, 2013
The OP's Uncle is an ignoramus and the OP himself gullible and naive. When two ignoramuses combine ideas, you have a disaster.

@OP computer science is so much more than just programming, it encompasses logic, analytical methods and techniques, algorithms, systems building/structure, operating systems, web etc

I'm a computer science grad, and I have no regrets whatsoever, there is nothing in the IT field I can't grasp.

However I do agree computer science is a broader scope that touches every aspect, if you want a more specialised field, then you should consider channeling your view towards things like networking, programming, game development, graphics, web, communication technology etc

2 Likes

Re: Why Waste 4 Years On Computer Science In University? by xakjustice(m): 4:49pm On Sep 09, 2013
2rue talk
Re: Why Waste 4 Years On Computer Science In University? by octavian(m): 4:50pm On Sep 09, 2013
@ OP, it's not a waste of time.. It's called laying a foundation, u're taught all areas in Computer Science: Networking, Information System, Programming, Artificial Intelligence etc. U will decide the area that suits you best because you know your ability. I finished with BSc Computer Science, I decided to explore the business world, by combining IT with Business for postgraduate. Now I combine all acquired knowledge where I currently work on ERP applications (Oracle). Bro, it's not a waste, it's worth it

1 Like

Re: Why Waste 4 Years On Computer Science In University? by UKBobo(m): 4:50pm On Sep 09, 2013
....when you can cultivate online Mugu in 4 months that will buy you a house in Ogbomosho.
Re: Why Waste 4 Years On Computer Science In University? by roselynbas(f): 4:52pm On Sep 09, 2013
I can only add this. The university is an institution of learning on one part and helps build your character fortifying you for the challenge ahead. Whatever you study, you will not be taught everything but will be guided on choices you are supposed to make. So my candid advice, if you are interested in the IT line, please, study your computer course and suck up every information concerning your course of study online and be the best darn computer scientist ever. take it as a challenge. Thank you. cool

1 Like

Re: Why Waste 4 Years On Computer Science In University? by Kenny4lyfe(m): 4:52pm On Sep 09, 2013
@op go ahead and study computer science in the University, it's really worth it!


I don't think I'll be gunning for a white collar job after I'm done studying; I'm better of on my own!
Re: Why Waste 4 Years On Computer Science In University? by BrightCar: 4:57pm On Sep 09, 2013
because you can learn and speak yoruba language, does that mean studying yoruba language as a course in the uni is not necessary, that uncle must be very ignorant.

1 Like

Re: Why Waste 4 Years On Computer Science In University? by FAMedia: 5:00pm On Sep 09, 2013
CODE-EATER:
M going into school soon and I ain't studying com sci..but I can tell u here n nw dat sum programming languages DONT NEED KNOWLEDGE IN SCIENCE... It just needs ur brain n ability to comprehend... U can do without comp.sci

Ignorance.

i am suprise u did not say you know how to type. Everybody sells but people are doing DBA. Not data base administration oooo
Re: Why Waste 4 Years On Computer Science In University? by Autolord: 5:01pm On Sep 09, 2013
p.josh:
I am not saying studyin com.sci is bad,ii am jst saying is a waste of time.For example, if u do not study medicine or law ,u can never be a doctor or lawyer.A simple webdeveloper do not need all what u've mentioned above to create a website, but some pple still call him a computer scientist .
Don't knw if u understand what i am sayng?
The best web developer in Nigeria without a computer science degree cannot build a web app like netflix that recommends movies to its users using a powerfull recommender system(machine learning) technique, he cannot build an app to encrypt and decrypt codes and messages transferred through the internet, he cannot work with cloud services such as amazon aws because he doesn't even understand what it is, he knows noting about software engineering used by facebook,google and most multi-billion dollar web companies, he knows noting about scaling, he knows noting about data analysis used to predict disasters and many more stuffz. Computer science is not about using php and dreamweaver to develop a "website" there is much more involved that's why facebook, google, netflix, microsoft, jumia, irokotv employ computer scientists some even require a phd in computer science and not mere website designers. I'm just referring to your website stuff

7 Likes

Re: Why Waste 4 Years On Computer Science In University? by pjosh1(m): 5:06pm On Sep 09, 2013
I posted this online thinking he was right, instead of somepple correcting me they derive joy frm abusing someone they don't know.
Re: Why Waste 4 Years On Computer Science In University? by Nobody: 5:18pm On Sep 09, 2013
There is a difference between a programmer and a software Developer.
Learning programming languages makes you a programmer, not a software Developer.

Without the C'S background you will feel inadequate in some sectors. What I will always advice to people is that they make sure they get at least a bachelors in something. Regardless of what you know or have learned yourself, this opens 90% of the doors in your career.

2 Likes

Re: Why Waste 4 Years On Computer Science In University? by dsypha(m): 5:18pm On Sep 09, 2013
B.Sc Computer science no b child's play, jus dat d kind of environment we live is not encouraging to the I.T profesion. .. but anyways, its all how God sees it, sombody can read psychology and earn thousands of naira, while a mechanical eng. ruts.. so its God's grace!
Re: Why Waste 4 Years On Computer Science In University? by ENEONWO(m): 5:19pm On Sep 09, 2013
p.josh:
I am not saying studyin com.sci is bad,ii am jst saying is a waste of time.For example, if u do not study medicine or law ,u can never be a doctor or lawyer.A simple webdeveloper do not need all what u've mentioned above to create a website, but some pple still call him a computer scientist .
Don't knw if u understand what i am sayng?
What u just said is like saying that a chemist (drug dispenser) a pharmacist simply because, the two of them can administer drugs. It should occur to you that no matter how much you acquire a skill, the theoretical underpinings are the foundations of your skill, and thats one of the things the university will avail you. The university, apart from expanding your knowledge base in your chosen discipline, also broadens your world view.

1 Like

Re: Why Waste 4 Years On Computer Science In University? by ENEONWO(m): 5:24pm On Sep 09, 2013
p.josh:
I am not saying studyin com.sci is bad,ii am jst saying is a waste of time.For example, if u do not study medicine or law ,u can never be a doctor or lawyer.A simple webdeveloper do not need all what u've mentioned above to create a website, but some pple still call him a computer scientist .
Don't knw if u understand what i am sayng?
What u just said is like believing that a chemist (drug dispenser) is equal to a pharmacist simply because, the two of them can administer drugs. It should occur to you that no matter how much you acquire a skill, the theoretical underpinings are the foundations of your skill, and thats one of the things the university will avail you. The university, apart from expanding your knowledge base in your chosen discipline, also broadens your world view.

1 Like

Re: Why Waste 4 Years On Computer Science In University? by Urine: 5:26pm On Sep 09, 2013
kodewrita:

Even biblically, the wise are the ones who take instruction and add to their knowledge. If someone wilfully decides that more knowledge is uninmportant, then they have commenced a journey down the path of failure.

Unless you want to spend your life creating crappy apps for small cash and never creating anything great, then you definitely need to go beyond the base level you are.

I personally would not trust a half-baked IT professional with highly critical applications if such a programmer sees 3rd Normal form-designed DBMS as unnecessarily academic or too much work.

Universities teach you the whole picture and not just the narrow field of programming. Yes you can learn it on your own with tools like www.coursera.com or http://ocw.mit.edu or www.edx.org among others but its easier if you attend a UNI.

Dont let envy/regret prevent you or others from gettting good education.

It's not fair, how can you mention normalisation? Let's even start from step 1: Conceptual Modelling. As an IT person, it's important to have an idea of other areas that are not your specialty.

2 Likes

Re: Why Waste 4 Years On Computer Science In University? by adrainuche(m): 5:28pm On Sep 09, 2013
Djangocode: @OP..

You made a lotta sense.. 4 yrs in school doing comp sci is just a waste of time.. If u are into ICT for real, University won't make u a better man as long as naija is concerned.. U can't get any IT job if u follow what they do in naija uni's.. Teaching u pascal and fortran is just trash..

If u need a cert, Reg in NIIT or Afrihub just for the cert sake buh just build urself and do ur thing.. Videos and ebooks abound online.. With ur lappy, u can move mountains..

That's the plain truth..
By the way I dnt school in Naija and am actually studying comp sci. I dnt think studying comp sci is a waste of time. It's like telling a Mechanical Engineer why dint he go and learn Mechanic. By the way been in school is not only for you to learn your modules it's for you to be educated.. By the way no knowledge is a waste.. You said Pascal and Fortran are very good languages and they are the medieval languages . So one has to start from the bottom before they get to the top *Drake*

1 Like

Re: Why Waste 4 Years On Computer Science In University? by pjosh1(m): 5:28pm On Sep 09, 2013
I thought computer science is just divided into game development,programming and graphics and parts like database management,networking,computer security are under ICT. I don't mind been corrected if i made a mistake.

1 Like

Re: Why Waste 4 Years On Computer Science In University? by Nobody: 5:30pm On Sep 09, 2013
p.josh:
This is a conversation between my uncle and I.

Uncle: Josh, what course do you want 2 study.
Me: Computer Science
Uncle: Why
Me: Because I like it
Uncle: Do you know any programming language
Me: Yes, I know python and am still learning it.
Uncle: Who taught you?
Me: I learnt it by my self.
Uncle: Do not study com. Sci
Me: Why?
Uncle : Why waste 4 years in a Nigerian university studying Computer Science when you can learn it on your own or even register and learn it somewhere else.

Me: I will need the certificate when looking for work.

Uncle: Look, even if you want to learn computer science don't depend on your cert. When looking for work, you can work on your own.

To some extent, what he said is true. I advice other student not to take Computer Science as a course.
cry cry cry cry cry

Oya slap yourself angry
Re: Why Waste 4 Years On Computer Science In University? by sneezeemek(m): 5:31pm On Sep 09, 2013
p.josh:
I am not saying studyin com.sci is bad,ii am jst saying is a waste of time.For example, if u do not study medicine or law ,u can never be a doctor or lawyer.A simple webdeveloper do not need all what u've mentioned above to create a website, but some pple still call him a computer scientist .
Don't knw if u understand what i am sayng?
But even u if u dnt study medicine u can still own a phamarcy shop nd prescribe drug, administer injection and many other tins...no course is irrelivant once u knw wat u study,if u don't have computer background forget it u dnt have it, wat u learn by d road side is computer operation which makes u a computer operator neva a computer scientist !!!!! If u doubt it tell me one programm u learnt by d road side make I ask u two questions on dat
Re: Why Waste 4 Years On Computer Science In University? by adrainuche(m): 5:31pm On Sep 09, 2013
paddy4destiny: do not neglect the power of pascal and fortran, both are very good start-up lang
That one is just dere saying what ever he likes ..,
Re: Why Waste 4 Years On Computer Science In University? by Urine: 5:33pm On Sep 09, 2013
Autolord: The best web developer in Nigeria without a computer science degree cannot build a web app like netflix that recommends movies to its users using a powerfull recommender system(machine learning) technique, he cannot build an app to encrypt and decrypt codes and messages transferred through the internet, he cannot work with cloud services such as amazon aws because he doesn't even understand what it is, he knows noting about software engineering used by facebook,google and most multi-billion dollar web companies, he knows noting about scaling, he knows noting about data analysis used to predict disasters and many more stuffz. Computer science is not about using php and dreamweaver to develop a "website" there is much more involved that's why facebook, google, netflix, microsoft, jumia, irokotv employ computer scientists some even require a phd in computer science and not mere website designers. I'm just referring to your website stuff

Recomender System is the real deal bro, developed one while in Uni that can recommend tarrif plans for telcos.
I will add Data Mining to the points you've raised, having a good knowledge of it can save one's life.
Re: Why Waste 4 Years On Computer Science In University? by mistamayor(m): 5:38pm On Sep 09, 2013
I usually don't comment on the internet but i would break my silence once again. Out of the fullness of our hearts, we speak.

I currently know a few things and would like not to disclose but I never studied Computer Science. Maybe I should mention a few so the Computer science grads know that anyone can claim their tuff (ERP -Dynamics Nav, PHP, Java, Linux and a whole bunch of Microsoft Server Admin and Infrastructure ish.

The above are skilled acquired over years and I surely have the foundation for it. This doesn't mean that someone who has gone to Uni to study Comp. Sci is wasting his/her time. The truth is that it's not what we study but what we make of the opportunities to learn. I have seen a doctor become a front teller in a bank.

Despite all of my skills in the IT industry, I am not fit to be called a Computer Scientist... that title goes out to real computer pros, people who hold their own. I am just an ICT Professional... ever wondered why people refer to themselves as computer engineers all cos they have a few tools and can swap your hard drive or your ram (mostly in Computer Village). The terms we use as Nigerians, mostly amaze me. Titles to us are just a means of showing off and not as recognition of Knowledge.

I once share the view with respect to accounting where you can got to school for 4years and get a B.A. Accounting or you can start ACCA with your SSCE and become chartered in the same time. That's a different path. Lets know that what we do with our today determines our tomorrow and not the titles we choose to adopt.

Nothing is a waste of time, only that we place different values on different things as different people. And please never compare the time spent in the 4 walls of any learning institution as specific to the degree he/she attains... it goes beyond that.

The older you get, the wiser am sure we'll all become and some of us would remember this post and the thread and just laugh at ourselves.

Do what you do best, the way you do it best and don't judge others.

7 Likes

Re: Why Waste 4 Years On Computer Science In University? by MikelEvans: 5:44pm On Sep 09, 2013
rexspect: Computer science in the university is not all about programming languages alone. It involves System Analysis, Networking, DBMS, computer ethics and professionalism, System verification and validation, etc. All these you will not learn in your so called NIIT or afrihub. If really you know what you learnt from the university then you should know that there is big difference between learning Computer science in the university than outside the wall of the university.

Why are you talking with this kids?...do they really know what happens behind the scene when compiling their so called codes?....writing lines of codes doesn't make one a computer scientist..It requires more than that.....
Re: Why Waste 4 Years On Computer Science In University? by Nobody: 5:46pm On Sep 09, 2013
meshybizzo: I think many people commenting here are forgetting so many things.

Firstly, @op Uncle was most likely speaking as a Nigerian. We all know nigerian universities are no good. Even the so-called private ones. So let's stop decieving ourselves.

What is the arguement here? That computer science goes beyond programming or that studying computer science in "Nigeria" is a waste of time!

My answer to both is simple. They are both CORRECT! Computer science far goes beyond programming but also spending 4 good years (all things been constant e.g ASUU) in nigerian universities is sadly a long waste of time.

I have meet, worked wit and seen computer science and engineering graduates from Unilag, OAU and even the so-called CU and likes incapable of "Formatting" a computer system after 4years in the university. I finished from FUTA. Comp sci students are taught maths and al sort of matrics and algebra ova and ova. Yet some can even write a simple html code.

So Pls, Pls and Pls let's not decieve ourselves. Yes the certificate has its benefits but if you're speaking in terms of "knowlegde" I do rather go to some training institute for 1year than 4long years in a nigerian university studying Comp Sci.

Its all a matter of focus. What you want to do. For example, If I wanted 2b a networking guy, I do direct my money toward Cisco certifications. And believe me it do take you there much faster than 4years in the university.

And lastly, Computer science is far becoming to Large! In the nearest further I foresee it been dissolved into small course like network engineering, programming and the likes.

Spot on mate, if you re gonna be a computer genius, you need to do 90% of the work yourself... On dat basis, 4 long years is a total waste considering the fact that you spend half of those years doing further mathematics... Most of the said lecturers don't know nothing about computer besides theory... They won't be lecturing you if they did.. Seriously... The only validation is that you would need the certificate if you re looking for a job since we dwell too much on paper qualification in naija.. On the other hand, computer is sumtin with which one can be self employed if you know your onions..

1 Like

Re: Why Waste 4 Years On Computer Science In University? by Nobody: 5:51pm On Sep 09, 2013
p.josh:
I am not saying studyin com.sci is bad,ii am jst saying is a waste of time.For example, if u do not study medicine or law ,u can never be a doctor or lawyer.A simple webdeveloper do not need all what u've mentioned above to create a website, but some pple still call him a computer scientist .
Don't knw if u understand what i am sayng?
There are even quack lawyers and doctors.
Re: Why Waste 4 Years On Computer Science In University? by Nobody: 5:54pm On Sep 09, 2013

Speaking as a CompSci student, you learn the basics, and nothing is morwe important than the basics.

Speaking as a future Google employee, your chances of working for google increases with each additional degree you earn.
Re: Why Waste 4 Years On Computer Science In University? by adee42: 6:00pm On Sep 09, 2013
Puppycock
Re: Why Waste 4 Years On Computer Science In University? by Nobody: 6:02pm On Sep 09, 2013
oche_ejemb:

Sorry but your uncle is a block of cement. Why study medicine when you know how to do first aid? Why study engineering since you know how to do lego?

Son, if you already know how to programme in Python then you will sail through CS at Uni (hopefully).
Dude, don't just go there o cool

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