Admissions are on for most universities abroad, including those that come with highly competitive scholarship or funding opportunities, and many Nigerian students who are seeking an opportunity for low-cost or tuition-free education overseas have begun to key in.

This is not something new. Generations of Nigerians, going as far back as the early nationalists, have benefitted from overseas education. But whereas those ones acquired overseas education for the development of the home country, for many today, it is only a means to escape the dilapidation back home.

No matter the reason behind it, we consider foreign education desirable. There are many benefits to it, from experiencing a different educational system to learning new life skills, expanding career opportunities, building global citizenship, possibly learning a new language, and so on.

So, as universities overseas open their portals, we urge anyone who has the opportunity to seize it. Countries are also announcing scholarship opportunities for international students. For instance, the Government of Ireland recently opened applications for its 2026 International Education Scholarships, a fully funded programme for international students. The opportunity is open to applicants from non-EU/EEA countries, including Nigeria. There are many more opportunities like that.

Our advice, however, is that as you go about applying for these opportunities, look well before you leap. Desperation is not always a virtue. At a time like this when the Nigerian economy is in dire straits, it pays to be careful whom you deal with. There are many out there masquerading as agents or consultants but with their eyes trained on vulnerable people like you. They are all over the social media. For many of them, their only interest is your pocket.

For most of these opportunities, the processes are always clearly spelt out, though rigorous, which means that you can do it yourself. The knowledge gained through experience cannot be waved aside.

Here, we recall the words of Thomas Oppong in a September 2021 article ‘Learning Truly Begins When You Practice In The Real World’, thus: “I’ve learned more writing online almost every day for the past two years than I could have ever learned reading about the art of writing. I’ve learned what works, what delivers exponential results over time, and what’s a complete waste of time through practice.”

This is not to foreclose the chances that you could be genuinely confused in the application process. At such a time, we do not also doubt that there would be genuine people out there who are knowledgeable enough and can hold your hand through it. But before you part with your hard-earned money to any agent or consultant, we advise that you do your checks. Ask the hard questions. What does this individual or agency promise to deliver? Does this individual or agency have a track record of delivering on similar promises in the past? Is there any evidence to that effect? Is the deliverable commensurate with the fee charged? We believe that answers to these questions will help you to decide whether to part with your money or not.

In the end, we wish success to every Nigerian student searching for overseas education opportunity. Ultimately, may the knowledge you gain from your foreign education count towards building a better Nigeria and creating greater opportunities for the majority of the citizens back home who cannot afford to study abroad – and even those who cannot go to school at all.