2015 UTME Review

Jamb 2015 CBT exams

The much anticipated 2015 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) finally took off yesterday. As stated by the exam body, this year’s JAMB is totally computer based (CBT). The exam which is expected to last ten days (10^th March – 21^st March) will see nearly 1.4 million candidates vying for entry into various tertiary institutions of their choice.

Asides the CBT only option enforced this year, the exams would also be written during the weekdays hence the ten day spread as against the usual Saturday only option. Special arrangements are also being made for inmates to write the exams.

Observing the level of technology within the country, questions on the readiness of the country to adopt computer based means of assessing candidates continues to raised eyebrows. other areas worth assessing are the preparedness and logistics support for such an exercise. Jamb however stated that its decision was reached based on a need to reduce examination malpractice, to make the results quickly available and to foster the inclusion of technology to Nigeria’s educational trends.

The exams began with some initial hitches. Most candidates had to wait under the hot sun in lengthy queues while waiting their turn to face the computer. Verification and routine checks were also carried out. The challenge of space and accessibility to computers hampered issues. In some centers, candidates had to wait as chairs, tables and necessary material had to be deployed and arranged before the exam could commence. Although many were quite patient, it wasn't same story for their parents, some who had to ditch work and wait patiently to return their wards home.

Some students also had to travel outside their states of residents, although no record of death has been announced, we are hopeful that no danger would befall any of our beloved Jambites who has need to travel.

Again below are some of the instructions candidates should keep in mind as they write the exams:

• DO NOT bring any writing material to the Examination Centre.

• Pencil, Eraser, Sharpener and Calculator will be issued to you at the Examination Centre.

• Come along with ONLY your e-Slip to the Examination Centre.

• Bring ONLY the ORIGINAL copy of the e-slip to the Examination Centre and submit it to the Invigilator. You are advised to make a copy of the e-SLIP for reference purposes.

• Your Biometric (Thumbprints) Verification is COMPULSORY at the Examination Centre. You MUST thumb print by yourself.

• No need to bring JAMB Purchase receipts. This would be covered for by Your JAMB photocard/e-slip and thumbprint.

We hope the results would be better this year. Finally BEST OF LUCK to our numerous

JAMBITES this year! 

5 Simple Ways to Learn a Skill without Paying a Dime

The demand for skilled hands is growing by the day and the current output doesn’t look encouraging enough.  It’s no longer news that Nigerian university graduates are inadequately prepared for the labour market. Recruiters are on the lookout for the best and anyone who doesn’t measure up is, well…you know how it is.

All these challenges implies that job seekers and undergrads have to arm themselves if necessary to the teeth with the requisite skills to become the recruiter’s choice. But getting skills is not easy to come by these days. Any shred of hope is made thinner by soaring cost of training and certifications, the duration it may take to acquire the training among other challenges we are surrounded with.

 Well, all these excuses are about to become a thing of the past. You can acquire and develop a skill without paying a dime. Here a five simple ways to go about it.

1. By Leveraging Volunteer programs

Although this hasn’t caught up with our side of the world, it is gradually getting entry. I know you don’t want to work without getting paid, ok! what if you get paid skill wise, seems fair enough don’t you think, not to talk of added benefits like chances to network and to contribute your quota towards a cause or life. Here are some places to find volunteer programs in Nigeria

UN Volunteers

Volunteer In Nigeria

Churches and mosques

Old boys association, NYSC etc.

By the way, no one is stopping you from doing something all by yourself, self-volunteer programs do show your passionate and self-motivated side.

           2. By Mentorship

This is another equally great way to learn. It’s like being taught a skill by a master. You actually get this teacher-student environment. Chances are that you may even be employed by your mentor or he/she could put in word for you. An important suggestion is that you chose a mentor who is vast in your desired career path.

 3. By Taking Free Online Courses

This is the latest one and it’s buzzing in Nigeria. These free online classes are provided by organizations that believe learning without barrier or the fall walls of a classroom is possible. Funding is done via donations from partners guaranteeing that those who take the course pay nothing. Some even offer degrees in some courses. The only thing required is internet connection and time management. Here are great places to do online courses.

Alison    

Coursera   

Udemy   

Free- Ed     

Edex    

 4 Taking Advantage of Government or Entrepreneurial Training Incentives

The last method is to take advantage of government training/skill development incentives. Some of these trainings are provided by the government while others are privately sponsored. Most times they are geared towards entrepreneurial campaigns. Some also come along with a start-up capital incentive plus mentorship opportunity.

Here are a few to check

ParadigmInitiative Nigeria   

SurePGIS scheme    

Vocational centers at various LGA offices

5. Personal or Home Study

This is when you do your own thing your own way. All that is required is to get the right materials; text books online videos, DIY sites, eBooks etc and a good dosage of discipline. This method offers great flexibility and can be used alongside other methods, as I said you're going to need lots of self discipline to succeed in this, but its very possible.

Today's world is offering every form of learning in order to cure the deadly disease of ignorance. You cannot be left out, you can now actively participate, its free and all yours for the taking. Learning needs not be a burden any longer.

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Do remember to SHARE, someone you know might just need this. I love to hear from my readers, so feel free to DROP A COMMENT.

Thanks!

One More Thing We Can Learn From Superheroes On Self Discovery

Some popular superheroes

We love them, some even want to be them. We adore their super powers (be it mutant powers or high tech device) and their super-cool costumes. Superheroes spend most of their fictional lives in a good versus bad, love-hate tussle. They also have a thing for identity secrecy; needful if your power drunk foes would give no second thought to lashing out on your loved ones.

Apart from their powers, costumes and secrecy, most, if not all superheroes, have a unique trademark scene. This scene is always about them, film directors always seem to get it right by adding some mystic aura around those scenes. This moment or experience where the superhero reaches and draws strength from within is the theme of this post. I call those unique scenes vantage points.

A vantage point or position can be a place, moment or experience which offers its owner a rare chance of grasping the 'big picture'. All Superheroes have theirs and yes! the ordinary person also has his or hers. The problem is recognizing those points and according it the right status.

In Superman Returns, superman reveals one such vantage point; the scene where he turns his focus on the blue planet. Superman shows us that at times it is necessary that we isolate ourselves from the problem bedeviling us. I do not suggest we run like cowards, on the contrary, I am saying that we, just like superman need an isolation if we ever want to see beyond the ordinary. At times, we only need a fresh gush of air when the norm won't make the needed cut.

Hulk looking at Betty

Another character worth observing is the green nuclear abomination called The Hulk. Hulk's vantage point is Betty. Betty is his co researcher and love. If you want to get Bruce angry, just try laying your fingers on Betty. If you also want to calm the beast, go get 'it' his Betty. All I'm saying is that people can become a vantage point too. For some, life has a meaning because someone is just out there, it can be a loved person, a mentor or even work - anything that makes life worth living is a vantage point.

Prof X inside Cerebro

Professor Xavier of X-Men is my favourite. Professor is a superb telepath; he probably has the best brain in the superhero world. For all his gifting, Xavier still has his limits. That's where cerebro comes in. Cerebro amplifiers his powers enabling him reach more mutants (and humans as well). The sight of Professor X in cerebro is iconic, worth tagging a vantage point. Anything that amplifiers you, celebrates you or makes you feel that 'extraness' is worth calling a vantage point.

A vantage point gives you a broader view. It energizes you. It also gives a person the chance to look inwards, into a reservoir of strength, giving one the needed motivation to achieve more.

Take out time, reflect a little and list out those experiences, days, persons or things that make your life worth living. A vantage point is also something you are willing to sacrifice for. In the book 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, author Stephen Covey, stresses that outward victories are only manifestation of internal positive reforms. Your vantage point reflects your internal worth-your true worth.

There is a close relationship between vantage points and life purpose. Your life purpose is something you were born to be or do; your vantage point is an experience that showcased that life purpose. Think of vantage points as those eureka moments.

When you find your vantage point, cherish it. Help others find theirs as well. We can all be fulfilled and happy if only we find what makes us thick and what makes life worth living for.

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2014 Review, A Nigerian Context to Alfred Ajani's 2014 Job Landing Stunt

  

Alfred Ajani

  Earlier this year Nigerian media went agog with a job hunting stunt pulled by Alfred Ajani. As the story goes, Alfred had used traditional job hunting methods for 300 applications without success. This prompted a launch of a rather innovative stunt which eventually got him some offers and his dream job. As the year comes to an end, I have selected his story and by subjecting it to a more local setting I hope to compare both environment while offering some tips from the most unexpected method of searching for a job.

   There are some lessons job seekers first need to learn from Alfred's strategy. First on the list is for job seekers to know that hope should not be lost, after 300 applications Alfred still struck his neck out even to the point of using a bizarre yet effective method. Job hunting can be frustrating especially if it records no positive trend, applicants can learn from Graham Bell and Alfred Ajani's continuous attempt on not losing hope in such circumstance. The second is for job seekers to seek innovative ways. They should realize that there are many other job seekers out there, attention should be shifted to seeking viable ways to showcase oneself.

   Another revelation from Alfred's experience is rightly stated in Segun Akiode's eBook 'Corporate Misfits'. He stated that recruiters don't make home calls, applicants need to see them selves as a product or service while recruiters are like customers looking for the best deal. If one sees it this way, applicants will realise a need to market themselves to buyers.

    In bringing Alfred's strategy under a Nigerian context, I had to ask myself some questions and then i attempted to provide some solutions (to the best of my knowledge). The first question I asked was if any central place (a sort of Waterloo station) existed where applicants can meet recruiters. Some possible options I know are through

Networking and career mentorship

Attending career fairs - if you ever get to hear of any.

Joining professional bodies and the likes.

Recent innovations by job advert agencies is now making such moves possible, an example is Philip Consulting's Shortlist Nigeria.

    The second question I've had to ask myself was if Nigerians would honour such efforts. In a country where everyone is trying to survive, who would be sweet enough to ask for a resume. In solving this, job seekers would need a good dose of courage. Alfred must have felt awkward during the first few minutes as he stood watching people walk pass without any regards to him save a stare. This dose of courage should be fueled by persistent and a good knowledge of knowing you would become the talk of the town and maybe some people's BBM/Watsapp dp - what better way to get massive publicity.

The third lesson herein is for job seekers to know what they want and to set their priorities.

Job hunting is truly a job in itself. The job seeker must throw myself at recruiters, no need to wait on recruiters any longer

Create your own strategy.

5 Life Lesson Learnt From The Childhood Game of Odjoro

Hello dear reader, welcome to the months of reunions, thanksgiving and that anticipation for gifts. Christmas is so special, carols fill the air and the diverse lights and dressings give an extra colour to the season. It offers us a time to reflect and look ahead, so I'm wishing you the merriest of Christmas.

Children playing odjoro

My post today bothers on insights I got as I thought on the hunger to succeed. This urge to excel is like a constant face that stares at us, at times I wish it just goes on some long vacation, needless to say, I find his stern face waiting for me at the next turn. Recently, I had an encounter that gave me some insights.

 It happened some days back, I had just seen some school kids playing a local version of soccer called "O d o- odjoro". Instantly, I had a flashback to the o d o odjoro games I played during my secondary school days. OK! I know you are kinda wondering, what the heck is the game about? Here's a brief description.

O d o odjoro is a form of football where a team-less number of players are allowed ( in my case, about 15 - 20 students). Entry to play was determined by knowing somebody or just tagging along. The game allows just one goal post and one goal keeper at a time. The goal of each player is to score a goal- this is the only way out of the struggle. The interesting thing about the game is that "there are no rules", just get a goal and you are good to go.

As I watched and reminisced, loads of insights about life and success kept flowing through my mind, here are five of those thoughts.

1. There is a Struggle Involved: Imagine having the ball (life vision, purpose or desire) and facing you are about twenty other individuals, some more skilled, hefty or faster - and you mustn't lose your cool. The burden of maintaining a self worth amidst a sea of "not so good", "better" and "way better" people can be daunting. Everyone wants to be first even before the shot of the gun, we all pray to be the head, but there can only be one "first". This struggle is the fight to remain true to self, values and purpose while traveling through the sea of others, their ideas, intentions and expectations.

2. Focus on The Goal: Just like in odjoro, the target is the goal and the prize is rest which in itself is freedom from "the struggle". My focus must be to score the goal. If I dribble, run or push, my goal must be to get closer to the goal. Every strategy must lead me to the goal and the reward of scoring - Rest. It is only at rest that I can supply the ball for others. The poor man is driven by a need to survive, the wealthy by a need to bless others.

3. Watch Out For Hypocrites: Everywhere you turn, you would see one of them. In odjoro, the hypocrites are the ones that take the ball away from others, they take the ball to a corner and beckon to others to join in their folly. Most hypocrites are either, the skillful ones who want to beat them one at a time, the unskilled whose only tool is running (for the record, I hated these bunch) or the sadist who don't want to score and neither want others to. I solved the hypocrite problem by making sure I cut the ball from them. I understood that if an hypocrite ever gets to the goal, then those left would want to keep him there since no one wants a fun spoiler, thus they became hypocrites themselves, I think this is an issue with Nigerian leaders.

In success parlance, hypocrites are those who do not believe in you, do all you can to keep your ball away from them, as the saying goes, only a fool throws his pearl to the pigs.

4. Talent is Never Enough: I also discovered that although I may be skillful, I still may not be able to sail through the sea of players, the ball may get snapped in transit. I can combine my talents with my environment to achieve far greater results. To achieve quantum leap, I must leverage on the skills and availability of others. The underlining principle of talent isn't enough is that no man is an island.

I remembered how I built a mini team during one of my numerous odjoros. I scratched some backs and sure, my good friends returned the good gesture.

5. Enjoy Yourself, You Have Just One Game Before Its Breakover: Back in those days, fun was the bait that lured me to odjoro. Being a bookworm, my love of fun was equally balanced with an "ear out" for the bell that signaled the end of break.

Live life to the full, in your quest to success, learn to savour the moment. Scripture puts it right by saying "we should run with patience the race set before us" . This means, we shouldn't be in a haste to succeed. Delay is not denial.

Oh, before I forgot, part of the fun back then was playing "boys pranks" on any girl that dared venture into the game.

The game of odjoro was fun, the only exception was the issue of uniforms getting torn and having to wash, Omo was the student's best friend then. The reminiscence was timely. I had just learnt some real life lessons from a childhood game.

I hope you have learnt some useful life tips from the crude game of O D O Odjoro.

Do you also have any thoughts to share, kindly drop it as a Comment and do visit again some other time.

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11 Tips You Can Learn From Crossing a Road That Will Help You In Decision Making

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11 Tips You Can Learn From Crossing a Road That Will Help You In Decision Making

Lagosians crossing the road

I live in a country where the business of keeping alive isn't any easy. Everyday we come across risk and various challenges, the attitude we have towards them goes a long way in determining how successful we will become.

Success as an achievement does not grow on trees, this mean that we all have to be deliberate in our approach. These approach are expressed best in our choices and decisions.

I want to share some insights that will help you in decision making. I got these insights from a simple task - crossing a road. I hope you acquire better perspective when making decisions using something as simple as crossing a road.

Here are few lessons you can learn.

1. Always walk opposite traffic: This implies that you should be facing an on coming vehicle. This way you get to know what is coming ahead of you.
Application -be proactive. Proactive people don't wait for things to happen, they make things happen. They are always prepared because they are visionary and not afraid to take the bull by the horn.

2. When crossing, look left , right then left again: Life decisions carry both opportunities and consequences. Your success lies in your ability to spot either the threats or opportunities before you.
 Application - when taking a decision, consider carefully its disadvantage, advantage then disadvantage again. Don't be in a rush, consider carefully and wisely.

3. Never cross with the crowd, do it independently: By this, I mean if you find yourself among friends or a group, don't hold someone or allow someone hold you to cross the road. The exceptions to this is if you are walking with an older person or someone who stopped moving vehicles for the group to cross.
Application - you should make your decisions alone, don't let someone else drag you or make any decision for you. The bottom line is that, You Are Your Responsibility. The exception to this is when you have a more experienced person to guide you (mentor) or if your decision will affect a number of persons.

4 When crossing, dictate the pace: This is one of my special rule. To dictate pace means that you should be in charge when crossing. Don't allow any driver hurry you or hush you. Tell the driver what you want, signal the driver if you want him/her to stop, slow or keep driving.
Application -  don't allow circumstance determine your life. Those who wait for fate or luck rarely become successful. Your life is actually in your own hands.

5. After crossing, stay as far from the road as possible: Normally when you cross a road you may end up backing traffic or trending the same direction as the vehicles. To avoid the risk of accidents, stay farther away from traffic.
Application - things may backfire, protect yourself by staying away from risk.

6. Allow the person facing traffic stay closer the road than you: When traveling on a road, always allow those travelling opposite traffic walk closer to the road. The person walking opposite traffic has the advantage of seeing what's coming up behind you.
Application - look out for proactive people, don't be afraid of criticism. You will not be right all the time. Observe and learn from how others succeeded. they will give you signals of dangers behind you.

7. Take advantage of road signals: Signs like zebra crossings, pedestrian bridges and traffic light are there  to help make crossing easier for you, don't ignore them.
Application - if there is an easy way out, you can go for that. Care is still needed though, some drivers don't know the meaning of some of these signs.

8. When crossing, pick a spot to cross form: It is very unwise to just run across a road undecided. Before you cross a road, take your time and pick a spot. Vehicles are more likely to stop for you if they see you standing at a spot with the intent of crossing.
Application - don't be hasty in making decisions. Make a choice and stick with it. People and life generally respect someone who knows what he/she wants. They may even be willing to help.

9.When moving with a younger persons or a lady, courtesy demands that you keep them away from moving vehicles: If you ever get to travel with someone younger or a lady, show some courtesy - keep them off the road.
Application - as a leader, the onus rests on you to take full charge of circumstance. Be prepared to bear responsibility and risk as a leader.

10. When you cross successfully be grateful: Sometimes crossing may become a difficult task. If you do get across, remember to thank the driver and move on.
Application - some people may not be that lucky, be thankful you made it through and be ready to offer help to those who would need it, especially information.

11. When cars won't stop for you, plunge on and make them halt, (especially in a traffic jam):  Some drivers may be unwilling to stop especially when there is a heavy traffic.
Application - at times life seems to be moving so slow or uncertain. When you seem not to understand things again , take a bold step of faith, plunge on ahead. You may be shocked to see life settling to your pace.

There you are, hope you would consider these suggestions when next you have to make a decision. Life can look so difficult, but if you are willing to take the risk and not be afraid of failing, you are definitely on a path to excellence.