Nigerian Degrees And Work Experience Are Disregarded In America. Why? - Career (2) - Nairaland
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| Re: Nigerian Degrees And Work Experience Are Disregarded In America. Why? by donmayor(m): 5:40pm On Aug 26, 2006 |
Very interesting thread, filled with loads of grammatical blunders  Anyway the issue at hand is why Americans don't recognise Nigeria degrees. I don't think it would be same for a hi-tech country like America to recognise degrees from a third world country like Nigeria. They know quite well that we spend 6years for a 4 year course due to strike, They know that our universities don't match up to the standard of their own universities and u expect them to let u work wit ur naija certificate? The best option is to work as a security guard with ur naija certificate and at the same time work for ur masters there or an american degree. A nigerian degree is gradually becoming useless here in Nigeria sef (Especially Sciences and Engineering), talkless of America. A university professor cannot make use of a computer cos of old age, Probably the advent of private universities would change things. |
| Re: Nigerian Degrees And Work Experience Are Disregarded In America. Why? by GNature(m): 7:17pm On Aug 26, 2006 |
@Ndipe Excellent point on the value of interning in America. I always advise people to go that route before they graduate and stop chasing after short term money from so so jobs. 1 Like 1 Share |
| Re: Nigerian Degrees And Work Experience Are Disregarded In America. Why? by Remmzy(m): 4:15pm On Aug 28, 2006 |
@newbie [b]once you leave naija, the witches in naija cant cross over Atlantic  . what they do is to network your profile to the ones around your new location.[/b]So be prepared for new challenges  |
| Re: Nigerian Degrees And Work Experience Are Disregarded In America. Why? by pete(m): 6:56pm On Sep 04, 2006 |
[b][/b]This is such an interesting subject. I can't recall the names or user names of the previous threaders, but I would respond to the statement of the fellow who said s/he is an American and referring to the 30 credit degree earned by the Nigerian in an American university while he as an American got his at 120 credit points. very quickly, i guess the guy meant that, with a bachelors from Nigeria, all u would need to get thesame bachelors here is a 30 point credit and not the whole 120 criedits, got it? so its just like a revalidation process. On the subject about Nigeria degrees, I must say firstly that, even American with American degrees do not get jobs like right off the bat.secondly, our degrees do suffer some kind of setbacks thats granted, as a threader opined, Americans would look at anyone from any other country with disdain. They would do this to to even your work experience and as also cited, our system is actually behind them, so guess what? we get just what we have. Now for an individual you got to find your way back to school.You may want to call it starting afresh, but you would turn out to be the better for it. also, should you get a job like I did? you got to show yourself, i mean prove your worth. all the offices I had work, Nigerians there shine like very well.so come with what you have,don't cry about it, go back to school if you can and shine. statistics showed that, there is no ONE major hospital in America without a Nigerian surgeon, you go figure!. they're doing very well, you sure do not want to hear their start point, even as doctors when they first arrive. say you're an employer in Nigeria and some kid comes in from Togo, barely speaking English(in this case your accent, makes them think u just can't speak, eventhough you speak a better English then they do)but speaks French(cos to the average American, your accentuated English is like French to them cos they would in most cases understand only 42 percent of whatever u're saying).Now, this kid from Togo needs a job while u have the other guy born in lagos, knew the street got his masters and Bsc from Unilag, u sure would not even look at the Togo kid twice, would you?i guess not cos u don't even have the time to waste or take chances with some stranger, in America time is money. So as stated earlier, pls folks get your heads up! 1 Like |
| Re: Nigerian Degrees And Work Experience Are Disregarded In America. Why? by Remmzy(m): 8:46am On Sep 05, 2006 |
@pete Yu mean all needed do is go back to school get 3ocredits & yu ar wit a degree? sounds to easy! Process upon process nko? Which school?  |
| Re: Nigerian Degrees And Work Experience Are Disregarded In America. Why? by Makeda(f): 4:47am On Sep 08, 2006 |
@pete Thank you for clearing that up for me because at first I thought that guy must be insane. |
| Re: Nigerian Degrees And Work Experience Are Disregarded In America. Why? by pfowighz(m): 11:37am On Sep 08, 2006 |
I just moved in to the states 2 months ago,almost 3 now(with legal and very complete papers). I filled in so many applications(only God knows how many now) and up till now I havent found a Job. My resume shows i have worked at three places all in Nigeria and that i have National Diploma also from a polytchenic in nigeria. Man this guy's gotta be ------- The thread started said people doing WELL in Nigeria; what kind of doing well can you do with an ND!!! from NIgeria Guy, where were you even working in Nigeria AH, Na wa oh!!! Can you even get a "just-good" paying job in Nigeria with an N.D. |
| Re: Nigerian Degrees And Work Experience Are Disregarded In America. Why? by pfowighz(m): 11:48am On Sep 08, 2006 |
And: @ Donmayor: Very interesting thread, filled with loads of grammatical blunders Tongue Look who's complaining 'bout grammatical blunders; isnt that a blunder FOOL!A nigerian degree is gradually becoming useless here in Nigeria sef (Especially Sciences and Engineering), talkless of America. A university professor cannot make use of a computer because of old age, Probably the advent of private universities would change things. Another blunder; GUY, you must be a Gunner!!! Get a 1st Class or 2'1 in Engineering in Naija and see if its gonna be useless!!! They even get to go to this USA place after a few years of work here on vacation or to supervise projects!!! <BIG HISS> , just talking nonsense! |
| Re: Nigerian Degrees And Work Experience Are Disregarded In America. Why? by donmayor(m): 8:12pm On Sep 08, 2006 |
@pfowighz Dat wasn't a complaint, neither was there any grammatical blunder in that line you quoted. Shut up please. 2-1 in Engr is not gold. I don't know about first class.How much they wan pay u? I don't believe that a Nigerian on the strength of his BSc in a university here and experience in Nigeria would go and supervise an American project. He would probably have had proved himself in an American Institution or would have undergone training under white hands in Nigeria. |
| Re: Nigerian Degrees And Work Experience Are Disregarded In America. Why? by Remmzy(m): 8:19pm On Sep 12, 2006 |
Get a 1st Class or 2'1 in Engineering in Naija and see if its going to be useless!!! They even get to go to this USA place after a few years of work here on vacation or to supervise projects! @pfowighz 2-1, distinction or upper credit Once you are out of naija, you got to back to Ur drawing board cos no one is gonna accept you into your rightful position in any firm up here, like do you think wit Ur naija experience someone will pick you in an interview to make you the Chief engineer without having a degree or a perfect working experience @ least in dis land? You will start from something small, which might look ridiculous compared to Ur former Job in naija.  Imagine a manager in an engineering firm from naija having to start as a maintenace crew in MacDonald's until he got a degree in industrial engineer b4 moving up to his preferred level.  |
| Re: Nigerian Degrees And Work Experience Are Disregarded In America. Why? by pfowighz(m): 3:21pm On Sep 13, 2006 |
@ (The seemingly ILLITERATE) Donmayor First, I didnt expect you to spot it, anyway, so thanks for the confirmation, Also, DID I say a 2-1 is GOLD Whats wrong with you I directly refuted ur silly statement that Engineering degrees in Nigeria are USELESS!!! That IS stupid!And when he undergoes training under white hands here in Nigeria, say, through some periodical training program, WONT that count as work experience OFcourse!!! Fact is, if u're good to go, nothing can stop ya!!! (except GOD, anyway, )Now, @ Remmzy You cant move to a TOTALLY different region and not expect to go back to the Drawing Board, I never even implied that. Point is, YOU have to PROVE a POINT; whether a Nigerian or an American, that's just how it goes. Now as ma guy already stated above, before I was compelled to abruptly (and rudely) Jut in, YOU as a Nigerian are used to different value systems, work ethics, even maybe different work methodology, which is, obviously NOT necessarily ur fault, but nobody wants (possibly unnecessary) load on Him/Her self. TIME is MONEY! So, , Now, nobody shud feel that starting small, initially, is necessarily smthg Bad; ure just going thru a training/testing stage; if ure REALLY GOLD/GOOD, u'll be picked up ASAP; SIMPLE! And lets not forget that the quality of education abroad is GENERALLY higher than ours here, so, , Really!  |
| Re: Nigerian Degrees And Work Experience Are Disregarded In America. Why? by donmayor(m): 4:34pm On Sep 13, 2006 |
pfowighz:Since I'm not literate enough to spot it, can u PLEASE spot it for me? You implied that 2-1 is gold even though u did not directly say it. And if i'm going to go by the way you intelligently reply post, I would say that I never said engineering degrees in Nigeria are useless.Unless there are reforms in Nigeria's educational sector which thank God is happening gradually, engineering degrees would gradually become useless. Many successful nigerian engineers became successful after they left Nigeria to study more.It is even evident among the many wealthy men we have in Nigeria, most have an american or british degree. And dats wat u pointed out that their quality of education is generally higher than ours. |
| Re: Nigerian Degrees And Work Experience Are Disregarded In America. Why? by eazyman(m): 4:04am On Sep 25, 2006 |
Hey lads, i guess this thread wasnt meant for comparing intellectualism and grammatization, please if in doubt then go back and read the title, i dont see no reason for accusaton and counter-accusation here, please be informed or if you aint got no good thing to say then keep shut and allow space for those willing to contribut positively. |
| Re: Nigerian Degrees And Work Experience Are Disregarded In America. Why? by wag0: 11:51pm On Jan 13, 2008 |
stranger - "Another idiot Nigerian yarning dust. Must you bring up CNN opinions. If you watch CNN , you owe it to ursef to critically listen to what they say. You (liketoo) are a big idiot for bringing up Cnn opinion without understanding the context in which those allegations were made. You cannot even give an example of your supposed" bad english " spoken by the Laeder of the Freeworld. Next time when u hear something , Crtically analyse it to make sure u understand the context in which any allegations is made. This will save u any embarrassement in public. In 30yrs time u and your family cannot and will not be able to spaek at the same level of spoken english , Pres. Bush is right Now. Talking about people from China, Who ever told you chinese do not speak English? The Chinese i have come across in America do speak good English . Also, Not all chinese are smart. Evry society has in varying degrees diff kinds of people, From the overly smart to the extremely dumb.just as somalia has extremely smart people, so does china has dumb ppls.With your unproven allegations and stereotype, u 've just shown the world how naive ,immature and unexposed you're. I have nothing against u but next time think with your head instead of your Keyboard." stranger and txlonghorn, what the hell are you people even doing on this board? This is a Nigerian forum. If you want to come hear and visit (or even spy) don't you have enough sense to know that you should be courteous, or at least try to be? We don't need stupid racist yankees (if you are not americans then you can take that as meaning 'wankers') like you coming here and spouting out of your anuses. There is already more than enough of that all over YOUR own forums. 1 Like |
| Re: Nigerian Degrees And Work Experience Are Disregarded In America. Why? by LAXIST(m): 5:23pm On Feb 10, 2008 |
Ndipe, I really enjoyed ur contribution to this issue. It was quite educative. |
| Re: Nigerian Degrees And Work Experience Are Disregarded In America. Why? by senetee(m): 4:58pm On Feb 11, 2008 |
Come on people, calm down, lets not allow this thread degenerate into an insultive one. Well, i know this former classmate of mine who worked with an international consulting firm right here in Lagos, won visa lottery and actually got a place in the US parent firm. Although cannot really say the level at which he joined, i do not think its a less befitting one as his travel fees were taken of by the US arm. His credentials include a second class upper social science degree from a federal university, ICAN qualification and about 3 years working experience. Just my little contribution Cheers |
| Re: Nigerian Degrees And Work Experience Are Disregarded In America. Why? by davidif: 8:46am On Jul 17, 2008 |
@poster Trust me, until you go to a good school here in yanki, na then you go realize say we are studying NOTHING in naija. For those who want to argue, come here first, after a semester at USC or university of Vanderbilt, then come and talk to me. |
| Re: Nigerian Degrees And Work Experience Are Disregarded In America. Why? by Wallie(m): 12:15am On Jul 24, 2008 |
In engineering, I’m pretty sure a Nigerian graduate will find it very difficult to survive initially especially if he’s to meet the same expectations as his colleagues. That’s not because he’s not smart enough but because the education system is so different. But note that engineering fundamentals are the same no matter where you learnt them but what differs are the courses that you take in your last 2 years of college that builds on those fundamentals. Just like most people suggested, the easiest way to get accepted is get another degree which also distinguishes you from the next applicant and can also earn you more money - that's a win-win situation for you. On the issue of English language, I’m not familiar with what Bush said but if he can’t speak English, what was he speaking? Generally speaking, do you realize that language changes over time? When languages develop independently, does that mean one variety is more valid than the other? According to you, what does proper modern English sound like OR is it old English that’s proper? 1. American English 2. British English 3. Canadian English What I’m trying to say is that English have several standard versions that are all equally accepted to be correct and proper. Also, in scheming through the posts, I think someone insinuated that all Chinese people are smart…wow, talk about generalizations. I guess I’m not too surprised because most Nigerians tend to think that being white, “Oyinbo”, means that you’re smarter than your black colleague. , If only you knew!!! Once you start generalizing, you're bound to run into problems. |
| Re: Nigerian Degrees And Work Experience Are Disregarded In America. Why? by Pittbaby(f): 12:48pm On Jul 25, 2008 |
1) If you are migrating to America , be prepared to get an American degree -MS or BS 2) Given the grueling nature of the Nigerian Education system (if you were serious) you will do well in the American classroom. If you have the courage to open you mouth and talk 3) American firms do not provide new entry training only orientation in most cases , they need you to hit the ground running. with a naija degree they can not guarantee it. Its the bitter truth in summary , Naija degrees are not a waste , i have one and it helped me graduate at the top of my MBA class in an American university. If you choose to leave your motherland for greener pastures , don't expect that you will pick up success on the streets and please all be cordial , this is a discussion forum , not an opportunityto see who has better insults 3 Likes |
| Re: Nigerian Degrees And Work Experience Are Disregarded In America. Why? by Marlboro1: 10:58pm On Aug 19, 2008 |
Why would anyone be surprised about Nigerian trained workers having a hard time getting decent jobs in US or EU? First of all the education that one gets in Nigeria is quite substandard compared to other countries. I even read about rich Nigerians sending their kids off to Ghana for education. Jobs in Nigeria is still rudimentary and therefore does not measure up. I was a Banker in Nigeria before I came to USA but I had a hard time getting employers to even consider my Nigerian bank job experience when I sought job with one of the banks here. I had to actually start over by just getting a job with McDonalds making hamburgers and fries. After a year working there and gaining additional experience as a Cashier, I was hired by Wachovia Bank. The magic is - do something they can relate with and something that is local. Forget about your original background and save it for Naija. |
| Re: Nigerian Degrees And Work Experience Are Disregarded In America. Why? by bigboyslim(m): 12:42am On Aug 20, 2008 |
Most of us Nigerians still fall victim to the bogus image of America that we see in the movies and on MTV. We think once we arrive here, all our problems will be solved, we will apply for jobs and get hired just like that. Sadly, most of us will still not realize the true situation of things until we actually arrive and see that it really isn't that easy. All that glitters is not gold. As far as the topic goes, from my experience here even getting a job with an american degree is not a joy ride, talk less of coming in with a Nigerian degree. It also depends on the type of job that you are looking for, When I came in with my Nigerian undergrad degree, I was still able to land an internship position with one of the big companies here in the states and same goes for a couple of friends too. I don't know if this was due to the fact that I had completed some courses towards my US Masters degree or not. But I think it was based more on past experience, undergraduate degree and probably individual traits. I do know however that if I had been trying to get a full time job at that particular point in time, it would have been almost impossible to accomplish. That said, the best line of action for any newbie would be to get prepared to shell out some cash or take a loan and acquire an american degree, be it MS or BS and with that, your chances of getting a job would improve considerably. As far as my rating of the american standard of education compared to Nigerian, you require more intellect and more effort to succeed in a Nigerian school than you do in an American school, but You learn more industry relevant subjects in an American school than you would in a Nigerian school. Thats just my opinion anyway. |
| Re: Nigerian Degrees And Work Experience Are Disregarded In America. Why? by Epiphany(m): 6:33pm On Aug 20, 2008 |
Hey guys, it is not just in America these things happen. I am in the UK and i hear it is extremely difficult to get a job here esp when you do not have a degree from their one of their schools OR come in with some flawless work (multinational) experience. Yes, i guess it is a case of them not trusting our degrees, or not believing that our 'third world' thinking, technology, processes etc, can sustain their high tech development. Secondly, when i left Nigeria a few years ago, i had about 5 years experience in some top multinational companies, that afforded me the opportunity of a lot of foreign trips. I schooled in the premier university in Nigeria too. When i got here, i enrolled in a Masters program in one of the top universities here and MAN, I REALLY DID FEEL THAT I WAS LEARNING SOMETHING. I regretted that i had my first degree in Nigeria at that point because the way we were taught in the classes here, words cannot explain. Needless to say, there were 5 other Nigeirans in my class and WE ALL CAME OUT ON TOP, beating students of other nationalities, including the British. Of all of us 6 Nigerians, only two of us have jobs. The other guys have been applying for over a year now and nothing has come out of those applications Meanwhile, it took a while for me to get the job i have now, even though i had very good results from their school, and top notch experience from the top multinationals. These two things are what even got me to the interview with my present employers cos in the interview, they kept on asking me about my experience in my former job and questions pertaining to my MBA. BUT IT TOOK A WHILE FOR ME TO GET THAT INTERVIEW, AND THE JOB. MEANWHILE, I HAVE BEEN APPLYING ELSEWHERE FOR OVER A YEAR NOW AND HAVE HAD A FEW CALLS, NOTHING HAS COME OUT OF THEM YET. PATIENCE, |
| Re: Nigerian Degrees And Work Experience Are Disregarded In America. Why? by A40(m): 4:40pm On Aug 23, 2008 |
Nigerian degrees are substandard even a new-born knows that the standard is pretty low when you compare the materials we have to what they have its no suprise really graduates going there hoping to do their masters usually end up starting afresh its that bad |
| Re: Nigerian Degrees And Work Experience Are Disregarded In America. Why? by tumfulu: 8:54pm On Sep 16, 2008 |
Pittbaby: Which gruellin Nigerian education? Go to UK and see thousands of Nigerians working with their Nigerian University degrees under the HSMP programme, the highly skilled migrant programme, if the Nigerian education system is so gruesome, as you mentioned, why are these graduates getting highly paid professional jobs in the UK without having UK degrees? I see you are one of the people who run down anything Nigerian. |
| Re: Nigerian Degrees And Work Experience Are Disregarded In America. Why? by tumfulu: 8:59pm On Sep 16, 2008 |
This thread is so wacky, flawed and full of lies and insult on the Nigerian graduate and it is sad that loads of people just read and join in the insult heaped on the Nigerian education system, on Nigeria and indeed on Nigerian graduates who feed on the certificate they earned from the so called gruesome Nigerian educational system I passed through the same Nigerian system and European system, big deal, there is no way anyone will convince me that the European educational system is any better than the Nigerian educational system, why are people recruited from Nigeria with their Nigerian certificate to go work with foreign comanies with their Nigerian certificate? Me think, it is people who have Nigerian certificates and can't proove to the whole world that they have brains, these are the people who get rejected from working with their certificates, these are the people who come to this thread to write rubbish, i made first class, i worked in Europe with my Naija degree, if you made third class and the white man rejects your certificate, then, don't blame the Naija system, blame your dull brain, your moda foking dull brain. |
| Re: Nigerian Degrees And Work Experience Are Disregarded In America. Why? by Pittbaby(f): 11:35pm On Sep 16, 2008 |
tumfulu: @ Tumfulu I see you don't understand english again - definition of grueling= exhausting; very tiring; arduously severe did you even read my post or did you just want to yap me and seek attention again. If you can read my post said Nigerians should do well in the US if they study hard, because more is required to succeedNigeria |
| Re: Nigerian Degrees And Work Experience Are Disregarded In America. Why? by Ndipe(m): 1:06am On May 28, 2010 |
Found out the same problem too when I got here. |
| Re: Nigerian Degrees And Work Experience Are Disregarded In America. Why? by ednut1(m): 2:22pm On May 29, 2010 |
This is a lesson 2 nigerians. They wil nt recognise our degree cos its s.hit. Science students doing theory all day no practical/outdated equip. Accounting students still using paper to learn instead of computer. Etc. In my 3yrs in uk i once met a former bank md 4rm 9ja washing plate. If u gt ur papers intact b4 going do any proffesional exam accredited 2 us or uk (acca, cima, marketing, security,catering,plumbing) etc b4 going or u go wash plate ,sweep floor tire |
| Re: Nigerian Degrees And Work Experience Are Disregarded In America. Why? by Ndipe(m): 8:56pm On May 29, 2010 |
ednut1: demoralizing but true. |
| Re: Nigerian Degrees And Work Experience Are Disregarded In America. Why? by Vernor(m): 2:12pm On May 31, 2010 |
Hi all, Going through this post makes me feel great that some Nigerian still cares, even with high rate of distrust, that is why i'm happy and will never deny my country no matter the circumstances. @ REMMZY AND MAKEDA and others, kindly advise me i'm a graduate of Accounting from OAU here in Nigeria and i will like to study in top 20 school in us so as to get a job, i don't mind starting all over pls advise. Pls what is your view |
| Re: Nigerian Degrees And Work Experience Are Disregarded In America. Why? by tos(m): 1:28pm On Jun 01, 2010 |
ednut1: I dont agree with the above. I got a job in the UK with my Nigerian degree and I know of so many of my friends that did the same. And what do you mean by accounting students in the UK leaning with computer? Pls stop misleading people for the sake of making a point. |
| Re: Nigerian Degrees And Work Experience Are Disregarded In America. Why? by tkb417(m): 2:18pm On Jun 01, 2010 |
This is a lesson 2 nigerians. They wil nt recognise our degree cos its s.hit. Science students doing theory all day no practical/outdated equip. Accounting students still using paper to learn instead of computer. Etc. In my 3yrs in uk i once met a former bank md 4rm 9ja washing plate. If u gt your papers intact b4 going do any proffesional exam accredited 2 us or uk (acca, cima, marketing, security,catering,plumbing) etc b4 going or u go wash plate ,sweep floor tirewhat nonsense are u chatting? do u know 9jas work with their certificates under the HSMP progms i know many ; when i say many, i mean many what bank MD did you see washing plate? are you sure ure alright |
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