EzeUche!:

Even though I loathe the name Murtala Mohammed, the man was indeed a man who did not like the West interfering in his country. It is sad that we do not have leaders like that.

Even the Great Zik at one time would put the Westerners in their place. Unlike Balewa who worshiped them and wanted to talk like them.

I miss leaders like Nnamdi Azikiwe, Kwame Nkrumah, Amilcar Cabral and Patrice Lumumba.  

But you'll agree with me that the West is hardly to blame for the present pitiful situation in Nigeria. It's true that many nations have been exploited by the more advanced Western countries, but this is typically facilitated by the rulers of those nations themselves. In their greed and corruption, they throw open the gates to external influence not for the purpose of advancing their own people, but for perpetuating themselves in power.

Notable countries like Japan and the UAE have made signifcant progress and have even become forces to be reckoned with today, despite very strong interaction with the West. I don't think 'interference' by the West would always spell disaster if you look out for the welfare of your people.

omafones:

All this calmour for Nigerian names,
even the name 'Nigeria' is foreign.

what is a Nigerian name?

Five points for that remark.

Fact is, we are already overdependent on the foreigners in practically every aspect of our lives - from education to religion to sports and entertainment; even our political system is a variant of western politics.

Without any real indigenous development, its really difficult for one to feel strongly about anything from home. I think things like pride in one's heritage are anchored in great historic successes which inspire the natives of a land to cherish their homegrown values.

It's so sad that we have to 'coerce' our people to be proud of their cultural values and preach it all the time. These things come naturally, it can't really be forced.

All folks on nairaland residing in Nigeria at present should please look at their immediate environment and see if they truly feel inspired by it. Do we have any native architectural designs? What building style can you truly say is 'Nigerian', everything is copy and paste from the west, with only minor variations which are not even improvements.

It's really no surprise then why people would bear foreign names, it's just one of the many many foreign adoptions we carry, including the name 'Nigeria' as omafones mentioned. Maybe we should start by changing our country's name.

Really interesting topic indeed, so many potent points,

@Egba girl
Many folks here have already commended your views, I don't feel its necessary for me to add any more but I will anyway. Nice one, I couldn't have said it better.

@omo_to_dun
Hmmm, your arguments are solid no doubt; clear and concise and I feel your points and your line of thinking. As Egba girl said, its dicey relating discussions like these to the Bible or any other religious/cultural affiliations, because it raises so many prejudices that detract from the issue at hand. That said, let me share my opinion with you.

For a long time, I have pondered deeply over such 'fundamental' issues relating to male and the female human beings. The crux of my reflections is this: aside from the external biological differences between the two genders, is there something deeper that actually differentiates the two?

On the surface at least we all agree that men and women are of different physical constitution. The male humans are, on the average, physically stronger and more rugged while the female are relatively softer and capable of bearing offspring. In my thinking, I assume that this is a fact and has nothing to do with my opinion or religion or any system of beliefs or culture.
This brings me to the next level of thought: could it be that this outer form is in a way, an expression or a manifestation of a deeper underlying existence? I will agree if you say I am going 'spiritual' here, but I have not been able to come up with a better explanation.

What I am trying to say in a nutshell is that, regardless of how appealing it seems that there is absolute freedom in men and women choosing how they would conduct their lives, so far as they are not 'harming' their neighbours, I am inclined to believe that, to an extent, there are 'predefined' roles in human existence. A man cannot suddenly become capable of bearing children no matter how strongly he wishes for it: in other words, a man cannot become a woman, it is simply against his nature and constitution. In similar thought, a woman cannot become a man by her excessive external efforts, which, basically speaking is the domain of the man. Her nature and constitution will always make her inferior to the man in this respect.

This is not to say the woman is inferior to the man or that the man is superior, I think they work side by side in their own naturally given fields: The man on the outside, and the woman on the inside. Any attempt to reverse the roles will ultimately lead to societal breakdown,

I think that's why I would go with Egba girl's reasoning here,

Fact of the matter is, if we are talking about quality of education, especially at the tertiary level and beyond, 9ja should not be mentioned in the same paragraph or even the same page as the first world western countries. Guys let's be frank, the difference in the quality of education is, for all practical purposes, like the difference between heaven and earth; particularly when it comes to science and tech based courses. Our science based courses here are a joke in all honesty. All we do is pass exams, education in these disciplines has essentially missed its purpose in 9ja. Afterall, graduates just get employed in banks and other FIs, a few O&G companies, and telecoms - that is the aspiration of many undergrads, forget about acquisition of knowledge for application in real life, that one is story.

I think when people state that studying abroad is easier, they are 'silently' referring to the subconscious inner conflict the average nigerian student continually experiences throughout his studying years, at least until he becomes fully disillusioned with the system. My point is, what appears stressful is analogous to the difference between playing football for 30 mins and walking to your boring job for 10 mins. Even though playing ball for 30 mins actually expends far more energy, you'll agree that you simply don't feel 'stressed' compared to a 10 minute walk to a job you detest that really isn't so physically tasking. I think stress (in this context) mainly originates from the inside; it is the state of mind of the nigerian student that is stressed out, not actually the volume of work because, detail for detail, we simply cannot compare with the sheer volume and quality of work obtainable in academia abroad.

Imagine engineering students that have absolutely no idea of the physical appearance of several machines which they routinely solve examination problems on; when you dont fully understand the solution to a problem, then just master the pattern of steps to solving it, because even the lecturer doesn't understand it too, and he doesn't even care. But a guy has to pass his exams and graduate with good grades, fully grasping the subject matter is immaterial, its not like you are going to apply it to your 'office' job anyway. Continous exposure to this kind of schooling has a wearying effect on the students, because it simply conflicts with a human being's in-born urge and desire to truly understand phenomena and apply the knowledge to his real life.

So in short, the students are perpetually stressed and frustrated, and they now declare that studying abroad is easier.

It isn't easier, it's only REAL study, not this facade that we call study here in 9ja.

If you have the opportunity, don't hesitate to grab the chance to study abroad with both hands (and both feet too), you absolutely will be better off a thousand times over.

I can't shout

A new consultancy firm requires the services of a young and aspiring individual for the position of I.T. personnel.
The requirements for this position are:

Qualification:
Minimum OND in computer science, or a related discipline

Skills:
1. Intermediate/advanced competence in programming using VB/VBA and scripting using VB Script and SQL.
2. Web design with HTML
3. Understanding of basic computer networks, principally LAN
4. Experience in using other programming and scripting languages is an added advantage

Attributes:
1. Ability to study and understand new/unfamiliar applications
2. Ability to proffer solutions to problems using original and innovative techniques.


Interested candidates should send their CV as attachment in MS Word/PDF format to cprbty@gmail.com no later than March 1, 2011.

@impish,

I haven't heard anything since i had the 2nd interview late july (i think 23rd), still hoping though

So any further info on the mobil recruitment after the 2nd stage interviews? its been about a month now, anybody?

A lot has been said on this thread concerning problems facing graduates and the overall (un)employment situation. It is a valuable opportunity to learn about so many opinions and perspectives. I would just like to add one more thing.

I think a gulf has grown between our educational (especially tertiary) institutions and industry (the real world). At this point, I am generally speaking of both the universities and polytechnics, although I'm a little inclined to say the universities are somewhat more blameworthy in this matter (I know many people will say it is cliche, but that is not the point I am making here). I've been privileged to attend both institutions, and what I realised is that the very essence of education is gradually eroding (or has eroded) away. Although there is no doubt in my mind about the intellectual capabilities of the average Nigerian, intellect only has value when there is a goal, a vision to guide it.

In principle, our school semesters have been reduced to a matter of passing exams - even though by perfectly legal means. The fundamental idea behind education is to inculcate a culture, a philosophy, a way of life. The exact details of particular disciplines only follows naturally. I think that this is the root cause of the mindset of graduates today (not that I am any different). The majority go to school to earn certificates, degrees etc., but to put it bluntly, the school does not really go through them because they never absorb the underlying essence of their years in school which as I mentioned earlier, is to develop the kind of culture or tradition or at least grasp the motivation (it nearly borders on the 'spiritual') which drove the great individuals that originally set up the educational system. Most of our lecturers are not helping matters in this case. As a result, when many graduate they believe it is time to 'reap' the fruits of their labour (mostly in the form of paid employment) and therefore get disappointed when the hoped for employment is not forthcoming. But when you deeply reflect on it, what labour? I think it resembles the situation of a child that learns to speak a language expecting to suddenly get rewards for grasping the language, whereas the real value of the language can only be realised by actually using the language.

I know the reaction to this argument will be that the environment is not conducive for any form of application or practice of that which was learned in school, which is true to a large extent and cannot be denied, but then again, who created this environment? People just like us (majority of them educated in this same system too). I know a good number of my colleagues (and many, many other graduates besides) that don't really care (or don't even think) about what value they can add with their education, all they wait for is an employer that will tell them what to do and then they get paid at the end of the day. The fault for this mindset lies with the manner of education, because emphasis has been laid on all the secondary matters (passing exams (anyhow), getting good grades etc) whereas the deeper, primary purpose (developing the individual and his mindset, his way of thinking) has been neglected.

When I was in school, a colleague of mine used to lament that we were never taught 'How to think', we were only taught 'What to think' and now I begin to appreciate everyday his perception. Maybe history lessons that talk about great individuals whose works and ideas we still benefit from today (leaders, scientists, economists, medical practitioners, engineers etc.), their visions and philosophy should be introduced to schools from the secondary level for all classes, so that we can begin to bridge the gap between the real life and the secluded pen and paper life of academia.

The value of education lies only in whatever values it can create, and unfortunately, Nigerian schools and their graduates are still a very long way from this. That is why there will continue to remain a huge imbalance between the number of graduates and employment opportunities; discrimination between HND and BSc graduates and similar issues are only secondary effects.

I wish everyone the best.

Cheers.

This is really good, can't believe that a champion at april fooling like myself can be caught red handed

kudos

Invitations for further interviews have started flying, tis going to be the whole day type
Check your mail boxes.

@SOJ
The issue here is not essentially the money, but the effectiveness of the idea. As I already said, even with GSE, employers are still bound to organise another set of aptitude tests, simply because the number of qualified graduates (based on the GSE score) will most surely exceed their required number of employees. Do you really believe that when, say 30 grads are needed, only 30 will be qualified based on the GSE score, that is, without bias or prejudice? It will more likely be about 2000+ that will be qualified. What then? Conduct interviews for 2000 candidates? Back to the aptitude tests you thought you already avoided, get my gist?

The fact of the matter remains that in Nigeria, the jobs are excessively overbalanced by the job seekers, that is the core of the problem. It cannot be solved by a uniform test of graduates.

I rest my case.

As for me, I don't think the GSE thing really solves the recruitment problem/stress. For those that think I am being myopic, let us really take a look at the long run.
By the time several thousands start scoring the same top points (which is definitely bound to happen), what will employers use to screen applicants? Another GSE test or their own tests? Consider the jamb and post jamb thing in universities today if you don't believe it will eventually come to this.
In the end, you might score top points and apply to several companies, but so will many others, in short sha, tis back to square one with another set of tests to weed applicants but in the meantime, your 5k don goes.
I'm convinced that the GSE thing wasn't introduced in the best interest of job-seeking graduates but it is really just  a technique to feather some other people's nests.

E go better!

adesanni:

has anybody heard from uac,i mean those that wrote the test at jibowu center

Yes, got sms and email for interview tomorrow by 8am at their Apapa learning and development centre, pls any tips would be appreciated, tanx.

Well, I got the same set of messages, don't know what caused the error, but I think they probably want to wait for everyone to write their tests b4 compilation and posting any replies (I am only speculating o!), so I guess the waiting continues, nawa o.

Concerning BankPHB test results, I was sent an sms around 2pm sayin I was successful and an interview date will be communicated shortly. Now, the odd thing is that around 5pm, another sms was sent sayin that I was not successful in the test. I wonder, is this some kind of a mix up, which is the correct sms? Anybody in the house that can shed more light on the matter should pls post a reply, tanx.

Sesky:

please, were gatecrashers allowed for bank phb's saturday's test?

I didn't really observe if gatecrashers were allowed to take the test. But on your answer sheet, you'll be required to fill in your id no., that's the one in the invitation sms, so I wonder if gatecrashers will simply leave it blank? Can't really say but it doesn't hurt to try, nothing to lose abi? (except maybe your trans/petrol fare and some hours of your time).

dafreke:

Hmmmmm What can i say Bank PHB should look for some other firm. Work Force messed up big time. i was to write for 2pm but never did after standing in the rain till 5:30pm i just had to leave now i have a cold.

I mean you should have seen the crowd and the way they rushed and pushed all for the chance to write the test. It was terrible.

Well i pray the next test i write will never be anything like that.

To all who wrote wish you all the best and for those that didn't, we will get our turn sooner than we think.

Sorry to hear that the afternoon batch was such a mess, I wrote the test scheduled for 9am on the 19th (we actually started around 10am) and I have to admit that it went very smoothly, no struggling or waiting; it was a 40 min test so we were done before 11 am. Honestly, I am surprised to hear that the organisation broke down during the afternoon session, its such a pity. And by the way, the one I wrote was essentially maths and english, simple enough but you have to be faster than lightning if you intend to complete it. And no calculator allowed too; so please make sure you remember your long multiplication techniques.

E go better!

xlad21:

CONFIRMED
ETB's salary has now been reviewed, entry level are expexted to take home around that 3.7m PA and quite rightly, it is not tied to perfomance
so for those of us in etb, congrats, for those yet to or about to abeg hussle ooh, its really worth it.
to wola44, if you had 2:2 it will really be a hail mary pass before you are taken. but then i don't work in HR so who knows, you may be lucky.
the girls don't have problem if they have 2:2, just like any other bank, if you are very pretty, you can enter.
goodluck folks

Well this info coming from xlad21 is serious motivation o! Abeg anybody in the house with info on the next test (time, venue and test format)?; maybe i'll try the gate crashin formula

xlad21 pls help out, tanx man.

@abbeyjesu

abbeyjesu:

hey guys, i've read wt total dismay a rain of abuses on OTEGA1 as a result of his post. While i don't agree with him on his utterances, i think it's nt right for nairalanders to take him up they way we did. He spoke out of frustration and annoyance. OTEGA1, where u 'll get to in life, nobody will stop u from getting there.
Who knows whether u will eventually wk in shell.
on the Niger Delta violence, that's nt too good bt i believe God himself will intervene.
Nice dayyyyy

You just spoke my mind: agreed that OTEGA1's utterances were not respectful but pls landers give him a break, what some ppl have said in reply to his post is far worse than the original "offence". Afterall, if u intend to correct someone in error, you don't endlessly water him with abuses; how do you then show that u r any better?, the land is tough and ppl are bound to be irritable,

It shall be well

divenchi:

GOOD AFTERNOON ALL NAIRALANDERS,

PLEASE CAN ANYONE IN THE HOUSE GIVE ME A DETAILED INFO. ON HOW TO REDUCE MY CERTIFICATES I HAVE APPLIED SINE ON THE 26TH OF MAY, BUT HAVE NOT YET UPLOAD MY DOCUMENTS AS REQUIRED. AFTER SCANNING MY FILES ARE MORE THAN 500KB, PLEASE A NEEDY AND GOD WILL MEET YOU SOON.

JUST DROP YOUR FEW LINES,

WE LEARN FROM ONE ANOTHER

I think the easiest thing to do is that you should simply rescan your docs, but this time with a lower resolution between 50dpi and 60dpi (set this in the scanning software prior to scanning), this is more than enough to produce legible docs and the average size wont exceed about 40-50kb per doc.
Also there is the advantage that your docs will retain their original size unlike if you resort to using resizing techniques to reduce the file size.
Good luck.