bezimo:


The way to the MDE..is my guy Pierre Salmon still in charge of accommodation..lol

Nice one bro. 8 years ago, wow. How's life bro?

mrphysics:

Nice one bro. 8 years ago, wow. How's life bro?

I did the PM3E programme..Life is good.Moved somewhere else and it's been great so far.
I miss Nantes sha!! I will definitely visit Nantes next year..i still have some folks there.

bezimo:


I did the PM3E programme..Life is good.Moved somewhere else and it's been great so far.
I miss Nantes sha!! I will definitely visit Nantes next year..i still have some folks there.

We have 2 TOTAL Scholars currently doing the PM3E program.

mrphysics:

We have 2 TOTAL Scholars currently doing the PM3E program.

Offcourse Total scholars always do the PM3E..I was one. Fun memories though.

milvet:
Is one allowed to work and study?

Yes, legally you are allowed to work but the French education system is so intense that you can't cope studying and working especially in grande ecole schools.

Hi Guys,

Tomorrow, 31st January, we will be going on our first company visit. We will visit Ganil-Spiral2 in CAEN France.

Short Intro:
Ganil is home to the French National Accelerator or say, it is the French National Physics Research Centre in CAEN. Ganil has the largest particle accelerator in France and has been an environment for some of the major discoveries in Physics and Nuclear sciences.

So expect pictures (If we are allowed to snap). We will be leaving Nantes by 7am and be at the facility by 10:30am. We will attend a conference/seminar and lead through the equipment and what they are used for.

Until tomorrow, stay tuned.

mrphysics:
Hi guys, it's been a while.
I must admit, it's been tough . The French Engineering Schools are tough and mine seem to take everything personal. .

We are finally done with first semester classes and exams, almost 6 months of intensive studies and exams. Here, we write exams while lectures are on going. The end of one course becomes the beginning of another.

It's been really tough, having lectures from 8am to 6pm everyday except Thursdays (8-12pm) is something I never expected. But thank God it's becoming over and we honestly hope the activities of the next semester gives us a breathing space.

Research project if very important in my school. Infact, every semester, we will do one project and submit an academic paper, I guess the purpose is to groom us on how research is done in sciences. On Monday, we will be defending our project and submit our papers before month end. This makes it 4 documents and reports I have to submit before the end of the month.

So briefly, I will be sharing with you the lessons I have learned and also share the intriguing stories of our niche, the Nigerian perspective and the international view of the industry.

So welcome back and I hope to make it interesting for you again.

Please, when you are done with the reports you have to submit, don't forget to share the lessons you learned about both views of the industry.

Thanks in anticipation

mrphysics:
Hi Guys,

Tomorrow, 31st January, we will be going on our first company visit. We will visit Ganil-Spiral2 in CAEN France.

Short Intro:
Ganil is home to the French National Accelerator or say, it is the French National Physics Research Centre in CAEN. Ganil has the largest particle accelerator in France and has been an environment for some of the major discoveries in Physics and Nuclear sciences.

So expect pictures (If we are allowed to snap). We will be leaving Nantes by 7am and be at the facility by 10:30am. We will attend a conference/seminar and lead through the equipment and what they are used for.

Until tomorrow, stay tuned.

hello sir. I've been following your posts and topics back to back and I'm really moved by the way you write and describe stuff. I also love your journey and struggle. please I think I need your advice. Am a fresh graduate awaiting NYSC and am thinking of serving in either Kano or Lagos. Which one do you think is better? I schooled in sokoto. Also, you said you're a PTDF scholarship awardee schooling in France, if I may ask, is this scholarship open to economics graduate like me or only for science graduates as I've read online on some scholarship blogs. Thanks

Alright guys.

I promised you guys some photo gallery and I am here to fulfill my promise.

The way I was taking picture, one would wonder if Nigeria is trying to replicate same infrastructure . But what they don't know is that we are still battling ethnicity, blame games, leaders and people who doesn't know that the world has left them behind. So we keep moving backwards in time and turn around to blame people.

That is a story for another day but something related to it broke my heart today. But before I get to that, let me lead you through the entire journey.

The goal is not to upload pictures on this thread (I got a lot of them though ), but for you to relate with the pictures so as to fully appreciate or follow the journey.

So welcome, take a seat and whatever will make you comfortable.

At exactly 7am today, we set out on a 3hrs 3o minutes journey to a Nuclear Research facility called Ganil in CAEN (Pronounced "Corn" France.

We left on a Mercedez Sprinter, fully equipped and made to give you same comfort like that of Boeing NANTES . Trust me, the seats in this vehicle is more comfortable than the Ethiopian Airways seat and many more aircrafts interior.

It's designed to give you a flying experience on the comfortable road of France.

Tinted and narrowed upwards with great dashboard that gives the driver full virtual control of the outside, our destination, and our current position.

I talk too much, when pictures would have done better

By the time we left, it was still dark, so I waited until we made a stop at a Total filling station to take the picture of the Benz Machine.

I took few random pictures on our way.

Of course the roads were very smooth as expected. It was as if we were flying on air.

We took some coffee in one filling station. Just like the ones in Lokoja Kogi state where travelers pull off to have some drinks.

We got to the facility and the bus was not allowed to go in.
Got into the building and had an hour and 30 minutes lectures on the operations of the facility, what they do, and why they do that.

Free lunch

Truth is, I have alot of pictures and explanations to give. I can't finish it all tonight.

So I will probably stop on my next comment.

The Ganil Facility is a Nuclear Physics research institute funded by the French Government and other supporting European partners.

The institute specializes in three research areas:
Nuclear Physics
Atomic Physics and
Material Science

I won't go into details

Like a typical nuclear environment, the facility is shut down and prepared for operations for a certain period of time. The basis here is that once the facility is in operation, the environment is radioactive and access is restricted to major areas for about 3 months. To control what happens at the various unit of the facility, a control room is necessary.

So here is the control room

Everything happening in the ion beam rooms and the experiment areas are controlled and monitored in the control room. The facility itself is very complicated and not somewhere you'd want to spend few hours in.
Experimental processes starts from the control room and is shut down at the control room. For this year, the Ganil facility will start experimental operations on Monday and will go on 24/7 for 3 months.

Once experimental operations is about to start, it is important to check there's no human present in the experimental rooms and ion beam production areas. They ensure this through 4 processes which cost them 2m euros.

I will try to fully explain how things work in Ganil either tomorrow evening or Sunday.

Until then, stay safe.

Before I leave you for the night, let me share this with you.

When we left the final facility, our instructor called us (the two Nigerians). He said, "both of you are the two Nigerians right?", We said yes. Then he asked us if we have a nuclear facility like this in Nigeria, we said no. Then he said that he is shocked to hear that we don't have something like this, that Nigeria is the richest country in Africa, with a great number of people, that it is surprising that we don't have things like this over there. He proceeded to tell us about a world class nuclear research institute in South Africa where a lot of high level research is going on.

We both covered our faces in shame. The entire scenario and how it happened still keeps playing and replaying itself on my head, very painful and sad moment anyway.

Things to expect tomorrow (the picture below)

mrphysics:
Truth is, I have alot of pictures and explanations to give. I can't finish it all tonight.

So I will probably stop on my next comment.

baba please reply your mention

mrphysics:
Before I leave you for the night, let me share this with you.

When we left the final facility, our instructor called us (the two Nigerians). He said, "both of you are the two Nigerians right?", We said yes. Then he asked us if we have a nuclear facility like this in Nigeria, we said no. Then he said that he is shocked to hear that we don't have something like this, that Nigeria is the richest country in Africa, with a great number of people, that it is surprising that we don't have things like this over there. He proceeded to tell us about a world class nuclear research institute in South Africa where a lot of high level research is going on.

We both covered our faces in shame. The entire scenario and how it happened still keeps playing and replaying itself on my head, very painful and sad moment anyway.

Things to expect tomorrow (the picture below)

Do you have a Sadat Jibril in your class at this time?

ZackOF:
hello sir. I've been following your posts and topics back to back and I'm really moved by the way you write and describe stuff. I also love your journey and struggle. please I think I need your advice. Am a fresh graduate awaiting NYSC and am thinking of serving in either Kano or Lagos. Which one do you think is better? I schooled in sokoto. Also, you said you're a PTDF scholarship awardee schooling in France, if I may ask, is this scholarship open to economics graduate like me or only for science graduates as I've read online on some scholarship blogs. Thanks

let me answer the ptdf part.
am economics student and a france ptdf awadee 2019/2019(Mr physics set.) . though its this year that I would be going due to some reasons. I was awarded the scholarship to study petroleum economics and management at IFP. so to your answer, Yes economics students can apply . in fact there is provision in the ptdf portal to select whether you're management, engineering or environmental student. there are a lot of management and social science courses you can choose in France, Malaysia, China and UK.

UtilityRational:



let me answer the ptdf part.
am economics student and a france ptdf awadee 2019/2019(Mr physics set.) . though its this year that I would be going due to some reasons. I was awarded the scholarship to study petroleum economics and management at IFP. so to your answer, Yes economics students can apply . in fact there is provision in the ptdf portal to select whether you're management, engineering or environmental student. there are a lot of management and social science courses you can choose in France, Malaysia, China and UK.

I don't even know how to thank you for this. The issue has been on my mind since. Thank you so much sir. Am so glad I met an economics grad like me on this forum. Now two more things sir. Firstly, am confused on what to choose for my masters. Can you help me out ? Am more interested in mathematical economics or statistical courses for economists and I think I like petroleum economics and management too as I've read about it on the internet and also looking at it's relevancy to a petroleum dependent country like ours. Secondly and lastly, will like you to be my mentor? please!!!

I love this trend...
Sir can someone with b.engr agricultural and environmental engineering f be Eligible

Hi @mrphysics,

I am not yet adept at using this platform (could not find the original message about you visit to the particle accelerator, so I am quoting this one). Would you know (I realize this might be bogus and works with school-specificity, pardon me) how easy it would be to get into schools like the Science's Po Paris, Universite de Cergy Pontoise, INSA Toulouse? With a 2.2 might I add, but with relevant industry exp.

ZackOF:
hello sir. I've been following your posts and topics back to back and I'm really moved by the way you write and describe stuff. I also love your journey and struggle. please I think I need your advice. Am a fresh graduate awaiting NYSC and am thinking of serving in either Kano or Lagos. Which one do you think is better? I schooled in sokoto. Also, you said you're a PTDF scholarship awardee schooling in France, if I may ask, is this scholarship open to economics graduate like me or only for science graduates as I've read online on some scholarship blogs. Thanks

ZackOF:
I don't even know how to thank you for this. The issue has been on my mind since. Thank you so much sir. Am so glad I met an economics grad like me on this forum. Now two more things sir. Firstly, am confused on what to choose for my masters. Can you help me out ? Am more interested in mathematical economics or statistical courses for economists and I think I like petroleum economics and management too as I've read about it on the internet and also looking at it's relevancy to a petroleum dependent country like ours. Secondly and lastly, will like you to be my mentor? please!!!

firstly, that depends on the career path that you want to pursue. is it in oil and gas industry, consulting, procurement etc. as of my case ,I was given petroleum economics and management by PTDF. but one nice thing about ptdf is that once you get the scholarship, you can switch courses without any problems but within the same country. even my self here am not sure i would go for petroleum economics and management, that is why I am also applying for Msc econometrics and statistics at Toulouse school of economics,MSc applied policy in economics at Paris school of economics and MSC management of production and supply chain at Mr physics school. what am saying in essence is that it depend on your career path.
secondly, we all have something to learn from each other.

UtilityRational:


firstly, that depends on the career path that you want to pursue. is it in oil and gas industry, consulting, procurement etc. as of my case ,I was given petroleum economics and management by PTDF. but one nice thing about ptdf is that once you get the scholarship, you can switch courses without any problems but within the same country. even my self here am not sure i would go for petroleum economics and management, that is why I am also applying for Msc econometrics and statistics at Toulouse school of economics,MSc applied policy in economics at Paris school of economics and MSC management of production and supply chain at Mr physics school. what am saying in essence is that it depend on your career path.
secondly, we all have something to learn from each other.

Thank you very very very much. I swear your response gave me joy and made my day. I really appreciate it. But one more thing (sorry, am such an Oliver twist wanting more) sir, regarding that PTDF scholarship, is there anything that aide your selection or just luck? I need to know sir cus I will be applying next year.

mrphysics:
Before I leave you for the night, let me share this with you.

When we left the final facility, our instructor called us (the two Nigerians). He said, "both of you are the two Nigerians right?", We said yes. Then he asked us if we have a nuclear facility like this in Nigeria, we said no. Then he said that he is shocked to hear that we don't have something like this, that Nigeria is the richest country in Africa, with a great number of people, that it is surprising that we don't have things like this over there. He proceeded to tell us about a world class nuclear research institute in South Africa where a lot of high level research is going on.

We both covered our faces in shame. The entire scenario and how it happened still keeps playing and replaying itself on my head, very painful and sad moment anyway.

Things to expect tomorrow (the picture below)

Great thread.

I read one of your threads about UI MSc. Did you later do the program, and what area of specialization did you opt for?

I am considering enrolling for master's in Physics in UI. Thanks.

gensteejay:

Great thread.

I read one of your threads about UI MSc. Did you later do the program, and what area of specialization did you opt for?

I am considering enrolling for master's in Physics in UI. Thanks.

@emboldened; No, I didn't even write the exam.

UI is a good school in Nigeria, I have a friend that just concluded his masters in Medical Physics. Why not go for material science? And focus more in Nanotechnology.

Regards

orionchib:
Hi @mrphysics,

I am not yet adept at using this platform (could not find the original message about you visit to the particle accelerator, so I am quoting this one). Would you know (I realize this might be bogus and works with school-specificity, pardon me) how easy it would be to get into schools like the Science's Po Paris, Universite de Cergy Pontoise, INSA Toulouse? With a 2.2 might I add, but with relevant industry exp.

Schools in Europe generally do not give much priority or say value to African certificates. Of course, many still use it to further their education but the percentage is generally low, however, it is not impossible for you. My point is, schools reject first class students, even the ones with sound statements of purpose.

Be ready to receive some rejections (enough and it is normal). Do not limit yourself to few schools or one country, expand your scope, send as many applications as possible. Again, expect some rejections. I got two or three , those guys can be mad.

INSA is a Grande Ecole, meaning is one of the elite schools with tuition fee and great (quality) learning environment. They receive lots of application, therefore, your application needs to be super convincing (thanks to your industry experience).

Their application is on going, please do send lots of applications.

Warm regards

ZackOF:
hello sir. I've been following your posts and topics back to back and I'm really moved by the way you write and describe stuff. I also love your journey and struggle. please I think I need your advice. Am a fresh graduate awaiting NYSC and am thinking of serving in either Kano or Lagos. Which one do you think is better? I schooled in sokoto. Also, you said you're a PTDF scholarship awardee schooling in France, if I may ask, is this scholarship open to economics graduate like me or only for science graduates as I've read online on some scholarship blogs. Thanks

Hi,
Sorry for the late response, I noticed someone already helped out. Be informed that at this level of your life, you need little guidance and lots of personal development commitment. You will rarely see anyone who will attend to all your questions (this is the case in reality and in most education environment).

PTDF needs more of Petroleum economists, this is because, in the last decade, we have woken up to the reality of the importance of management even (often times) over technical competences. The country have lots of technical people but with low management abilities. Even at this time that technologies can be mass produced and bought when management can't. So it is a great field you found yourself.

Do not limit yourself, grab every opportunity as they come, try to do more yourself as outsiders can only give you "PowerPoint-like" advice.

mrphysics:

Hi,
Sorry for the late response, I noticed someone already helped out. Be informed that at this level of your life, you need little guidance and lots of personal development commitment. You will rarely see anyone who will attend to all your questions (this is the case in reality and in most education environment).

PTDF needs more of Petroleum economists, this is because, in the last decade, we have woken up to the reality of the importance of management even (often times) over technical competences. The country have lots of technical people but with low management abilities. Even at this time that technologies can be mass produced and bought when management can't. So it is a great field you found yourself.

Do not limit yourself, grab every opportunity as they come, try to do more yourself as outsiders can only give you "PowerPoint-like" advice.

A big thank to you brother, I really appreciate it. Both you and utilityrational have really cleared my doubt and answered my questions. A big and a big thanks to you.