Felix Odofin’s Post

Everything was going well until they asked, "Where are you from?" During my job search for an international teaching position, I received a response from a school expressing interest in my profile. They were impressed with my level of experience and sent me a short test, which I completed and returned. Their feedback was positive, and everything seemed promising. However, things changed when they asked me to confirm my country of birth and current location. After I responded with "Nigeria," I never heard back from them. I’ve often heard people talk about losing opportunities because of the "Nigerian factor," but experiencing it firsthand during my job search was painful. Several opportunities slipped away because of it. Having been teaching abroad and successfully navigating the challenges of international education, I’ve seen the surprise on people’s faces when they observe my teaching methods and results. My boss once asked, "What do you do differently that makes the students enjoy your classes so much?" I’ve created classroom games and use diverse teaching strategies to meet the needs of my learners, ensuring the lessons are both engaging and effective. It’s important to note that Nigeria has many excellent teachers. If we can achieve great things within our rigorous and complex education system, with limited support and resources, imagine what we could accomplish in environments that provide the necessary tools and support! The experiences shared by my former colleagues, who are now teaching in various parts of the world, confirm that Nigerian teachers consistently exceed expectations wherever they go. Shout out to all Nigerian teachers—keep doing what you do best, and continue the good work!

~ An Visitation to speak on : The Role of Talent and Skills in the Modern day Workspace. The confusion that surrounds choosing a career path and Nigeria educational system. Choosing a career path can be stressful for secondary school students, with pressures from family, friends, and the education system. In today's Nigeria, education alone is not enough; professional skills are also essential. To address this, the Be a Gift to All Foundation, Akwa-Ibom chapter, is organizing a career choice and skill acquisition awareness workshop with Legend High School. In view of this, l will be joining other speakers as we explore challenges, factors and possible solution toward choosing a career path and skills by guiding the students on: - How to choose a suitable career path - In-demand skills in the job market - A checklist for selecting a rewarding career course The goal is to empower students with knowledge and skills for self-actualization and success in their chosen careers. By building resilience and preparing them for the modern workforce, we aim to support the development of our community's young individuals. #Bethelight #Thelightbearer #BridgeEduGap #Eleniyan

Current students and recent graduates, whether undergraduate or graduate, in Nigeria or abroad, often contemplate their plans during and after their academic programs. Common questions typically revolve around setting priorities while in school, planning for life after graduation, navigating immigration in a new country, and relevant skills to acquire. I'm here to offer my perspectives based on my own experiences and the help I've received along the way. While I most certainly do not have all the answers, my opinions and experiences may just be useful. Book a one-on-one session with me here: (https://lnkd.in/gj2Z8hdA) to discuss any of the above or any other relevant topic. I look forward to chatting with you :)

I’m glad I found this out early on… As university students, we’re often told that graduating with excellent grades is the ultimate goal. For many Nigerian parents, academic success is still seen as the key to a bright future. And yes, good grades do matter, but they aren’t the only thing that shapes our future. It takes more than just academic achievement to navigate today’s world, especially in Nigeria. We need to recognize that university is not just about attending classes and passing exams; it’s also about personal development and building connections. Developing skills, creating opportunities, and expanding our networks are just as important, if not more so, in determining our success after graduation. The real edge comes when we understand the importance of networking—meeting people, collaborating on projects, joining communities, and learning from others. The relationships we build now are assets that will benefit us in the long term, whether it’s career advice, opportunities, or collaborations. Remember “The network you create today will determine the benefit and information you receive tomorrow”.

The key to success, whether in Nigeria or abroad, lies in self-improvement and value addition. Simply put, if you do not recognize and seize the opportunities around you, even in the wealthiest countries, you can still remain poor. Adding value to yourself is vital. This does not necessarily mean obtaining a formal education. Learning practical skills can be equally, if not more, valuable. Remember, prosperity is not tied to any particular country but to your determination and the effort you invest in realizing your goals.

Direct entry Frequently Asked Questions:- What is direct entry into Nigeria University??? Direct Entry (DE) is a mode of entry into Nigerian universities that allows candidates with advanced educational qualifications beyond the traditional secondary school certificate to gain admission into universities at an advanced level, not the regular 100 Level/First year. Who can apply for direct entry??? Candidates with additional qualifications such as A-levels (Cambridge, International Baccalaureate, JUPEB, or IJMB), National Diploma (ND), Higher National Diploma (HND), or professional certifications( ICAN, ACCA or CIPM) as well as candidates who transfer credit scores from their current university. Can I apply for a direct entry program based solely on my O’Level results??? Admission through direct entry at Miva Open University requires either a Diploma certificate (NCE, ND, or HND), an A’ Levels result (Cambridge, International Baccalaureate, JUPEB, or IJMB results), or a professional Certification (ICAN, ACCA, CIPM, etc). Can I transfer from another university to Miva through direct entry??? Yes, you can transfer your credit score from your current university to Miva Open University through direct entry to further your studies. Learn more👇 https://lnkd.in/eTZZ4hR8

A year ago, when I spoke about developing top-tier programs for Nigeria's education tourism, I emphasized that it extends beyond music and fashion. As a strong advocate for international education and diversity, I believe Nigeria’s contribution to the global pool of knowledge and research is invaluable. We must also focus on developing academic curricula that include the study of nano, micro, and small to medium enterprises (SMEs)—the backbone of Nigeria's and Africa’s economy. There is a clear and crucial synergy between educational development and economic advancement, and now more than ever, we must bridge this critical gap. Watch my full video here https://lnkd.in/dcqA6nEk

"Reflecting on 64 Years of Independence: My Nigerian Journey" As Nigeria celebrates its 64th Independence Day, I am reminded of the resilience and determination that defines our great nation. Born and raised in this vibrant land, I have experienced firsthand the challenges and triumphs that shape our collective story. My journey as a proud Nigerian has been marked by moments of service, growth, and contribution. I recall my time serving as a Youth Corps Member in Command Science Secondary School (Girls) Gusau Zamfara State, despite the insecurity challenges, as a testament to my patriotism. It was there that I learned the value of perseverance and community. Beyond my national service, I've sought opportunities to make a positive impact: ~ Volunteering with Dubawa Week for Truth (2023), empowering high school students with fact-checking skills to combat misinformation. ~ Participating in the Electoral College of Nigeria's intensive 8-week training, equipping myself with knowledge of the electoral process. ~ Completing an internship in Human Resource and Capital Management at the Global Citizenship Foundation to enhance my skills and contribute to Nigeria's workforce. These experiences have not only shaped me but also enabled me to give back. As I reflect on Nigeria's 64-year journey, I'm reminded that: Our independence is not just a historical event but a continuous process of growth and self-improvement. Every small action counts and collective efforts can transform our communities. To my fellow Nigerians, I ask: What does independence mean to you? How have you contributed to Nigeria's growth? What milestones, no matter how small, have you achieved? Let's celebrate our nation's progress and recommit to building a brighter future. Together, we can overcome challenges and create a Nigeria that's a beacon of hope and opportunity. #NigeriaAt64 #IndependenceDay #ProudlyNigerian #Dubawa #ECN #ServiceToNation #GrowthMindset #CollectiveProgress

In the past, just having a university degree in Nigeria was all you needed ✅ Students didn't have to learn any extra skills beyond their chosen field of study. They don't need to have a side job or be forced into starting their own businesses. Just having their certificate was enough to make a good living. I never realized such times existed until today when I was reading Chinua Achebe's book "There Was a Country." I'm sure you didn't know about these times either. Nigeria used to be a wonderful country. Chinua Achebe mentioned that he once got a job offer and was allowed to choose where he would be interviewed. He wrote in his book, "After graduation, I didn't have to worry about my next steps. The system was so well-organized that as we finished university, most of us easily found jobs in government, academia, business, or industry." It's clearer now why our parents pushed us to do well in school. A certificate used to be the way out of poverty. BUT THINGS HAVE CHANGED. Nowadays, just having a degree isn't enough. Graduates struggle to find jobs, let alone well-paying ones. They have to be more than just Graduates. It's really sad, and we understand the challenges graduates face in today's competitive job market. That's why we offer a range of dynamic and career-enhancing courses designed to give you the edge you need to succeed. Choose ICBMD for courses that not only expand your knowledge but also open doors to exciting career opportunities. Don't just dream of your dream job—make it a reality with ICBMD! Contact us today to learn more about our courses and take the first step towards a brighter future. #ElevateYourCareer #ICBMD #ProfessionalDevelopment

In the past, just having a university degree in Nigeria was all you needed ✅ Students didn't have to learn any extra skills beyond their chosen field of study. They don't need to have a side job or be forced into starting their own businesses. Just having their certificate was enough to make a good living. I never realized such times existed until today when I was reading Chinua Achebe's book "There Was a Country." I'm sure you didn't know about these times either. Nigeria used to be a wonderful country. Chinua Achebe mentioned that he once got a job offer and was allowed to choose where he would be interviewed. He wrote in his book, "After graduation, I didn't have to worry about my next steps. The system was so well-organized that as we finished university, most of us easily found jobs in government, academia, business, or industry." It's clearer now why our parents pushed us to do well in school. A certificate used to be the way out of poverty. BUT THINGS HAVE CHANGED. Nowadays, just having a degree isn't enough. Graduates struggle to find jobs, let alone well-paying ones. They have to be more than just Graduates. It's really sad, and we understand the challenges graduates face in today's competitive job market. That's why we offer a range of dynamic and career-enhancing courses designed to give you the edge you need to succeed. Choose ICBMD for courses that not only expand your knowledge but also open doors to exciting career opportunities. Don't just dream of your dream job—make it a reality with ICBMD! Contact us today to learn more about our courses and take the first step towards a brighter future. #ElevateYourCareer #ICBMD #ProfessionalDevelopment