Do Not Go To Cyprus To Study - Hon. Abike Dabiri Warn Nigerian Students

The search for greener pastures in the area of education has led many Nigerian students outside the country.

The incessant strikes of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), unpredictable academic calendars and overall poor standard of education are just a few of the reasons why some of the nation’s students have sought educational solace in countries like Malaysia, Ukraine and Cyprus.

Unfortunately however, not all Nigerians who visit these countries come back with a better lot, some don’t even come back at all.

In April 2012, Onochie Martins Nwankwo, a student at a private college in Malaysia was beaten to death by security guards.

In December 2013, 2 Nigerian students, Theresa Olaoluwa Oresanya and Bede Olunna Ogbu, both studying at the Donetsk National Technical University in Ukraine,died in circumstances which were said to have pointed to negligence.

The Chairman of the House of Representative Committee on Diaspora, Abike Dabiri- Erewa, has now issued a warning to parents against sending their children to study in Cyprus, specifically at the Cyprus International University, Nicosa, in North Cyprus.

Mrs. Dabiri-Erewa attributed this directive to the fact that the school’s authorities had shown insensitivity towards the death of one Gabriel Soriwei, a 20-year-old who had been in his first year studying Electrical/Electronic Engineering at the university when he died.

Premium Times reports:

Mr. Soriwei was knocked down by a driver on July 13, 2013.

He went into a coma and eventually died on September 7, 2013. Five days after his demise, the university authorities flew his remains back to Nigeria.

Nigerians, especially the deceased person’s family, have condemned the manner in which the school handled the situation.

Ms. Dabiri-Erewa, warned Nigerians to be wary of the authorities of school who she said are moving to lure Nigerian students.

“The House Committee on Diaspora has drawn the attention of Nigerians to a suspicious move by the authorities of Cyprus International University, Nicosa, North Cyprus to lure Nigerian students to their university,” Mrs. Dabiri – Erewa said.

She accused the CIU of conniving with North Cyprus to facilitate the release of the driver and shield her identity from the family of the deceased.

The Director, International Office of CIU, Patrick Douse, on Tuesday apologised to the Soriwei family over the Institutions nonchalance.

He explained that the identity of the driver that knocked Gabriel down was being withheld by the police because investigations were still ongoing.

Mrs. Dabiri – Erewa recounted the death of another Nigerian, a musician from Bayelsa State, Stanley Ateimo. He was allegedly murdered during a disagreement with a white student over a girl in Nicosa on August 12, 2013.

She said Nigerians should be wary of the school’s team which was headed to Kaduna, Port Harcourt and Uyo leaving out Benin and Bayelsa, home states of Messrs Soriwei and Ateimo.search feed

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Posted: at 19-01-2014 06:31 PM (11 years ago) | Addicted Hero

It is the poor state of OUR Nigerian universities that lure our students to look beyond our shores for an education!

Its a pity it took the death of Nigerian students for the Hon. Abike  Dabiri to speak out. Most countries around the world warn their nationals about places/ universities/ holiday destinations etc to avoid BEFORE bad things happen!!!!

Posted: at 19-01-2014 06:41 PM (11 years ago) | Gistmaniac

Wat is there 2 say,wen nigeria skols aint up 2 d standard n asuu strike dat neva seems 2 end.wel itz only cyprus der warn against.

Posted: at 19-01-2014 06:48 PM (11 years ago) | Upcoming

Bcos u re jobless!

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Posted: at 19-01-2014 07:00 PM (11 years ago) | Hero

check for grammatical errors before you post. why am i always the first not why i am always.

Posted: at 19-01-2014 07:20 PM (11 years ago) | Newbie

It is pathetic that these events happen, I a graduate of EUL in North Cyprus with an MBA even though i didnt use it for once, thank God I am a medic in the United States now. the fact remains that Nigerian students get there especially in Cyprus and they get so loose, cocky and stupid. carrying out all manner of stupid acts, from yahoo- yahoo to transferring cultim over there. some of them poor as they are in Nigeria come there and brag about stuff they dont have. threatening the guys over there because of some crap.
Mind you cyprus (north) is a colony of turkey and they are hardcore muslims. so what do you think?
Second, shame to Abike and Nigerian government. first for not seeking to improve anything about education. I really do not blame them because they cant give out what they dont have. I came to nigeria in May last year I nearly cried because of frustration on the road to the beach.
I pray for a revolution, be it bloody or however i dont care. things have to change.

Posted: at 19-01-2014 07:36 PM (11 years ago) | Newbie

I meant to say i am a graduate of ........ pardon errors I was typing with heavy passion on me

Posted: at 19-01-2014 07:39 PM (11 years ago) | Newbie

all they need to fix is their minds. they go abroad for courses and programs and they see whats up where they go to. why cant they do same in Nigeria? that is why god will curse all their selfish actions

Posted: at 19-01-2014 07:44 PM (11 years ago) | Newbie

Noted

Posted: at 19-01-2014 07:55 PM (11 years ago) | Hero

REALY

Posted: at 19-01-2014 07:55 PM (11 years ago) | Upcoming