Despite recession, quest for overseas learning grows, says Dosunmu

At a time when majority of Nigerians are groaning due to economic recession, Chief Executive Officer of Westerfield College, Lagos, Mr. Michael Dosunmu, has revealed that the quest for overseas education is on the increase.

At a media briefing to announce the 2017 International Education Fair, organised by MOD Education, Dosunmu said that the economic recession has not really affected his outfit’s overseas placement business, but has rather made parents to become choosier in selecting their wards study destination.

He hinted that the vast benefits of overseas education far outweighs its challenges, as parents that recognise these benefits have not relented in providing their kids with the best.

He said: “The economic situation in the country has not really affected our business, in fact our business has grown in spite of recession. What has happened is that consumers of international education are more choosy in picking universities they go to. They are seeking for where they will get value for their money. Parents’ consciousness is more on getting the value for what they pay and on our part, we are committed to working with universities that deliver the best value.

“Secondly, we have constantly negotiated the best deals for our students. They are constantly awarded scholarships, discounts on their tuition and of course there is also a relaxed payment plan. Nigeria being in recession is temporal, it won’t be forever, and things will definitely improve. This phase is going to pass, so we are managing this phase until it passes and in doing that, our students are getting the better end of the stick not the shorter end.”

He said the fifth edition of the fair, which begins Thursday, in Kano, “remains the biggest education event in Nigeria taking place in seven major cities across the nation. The fair provides a fast and easy way to study abroad by giving parents and prospective students direct access to about 14 top-rated institutions from the United Kingdom, United States, Canada and Australia.”

After the Kano event, the one-week education fair will also hold in Lagos on Friday January 20, and then Ikeja, Warri, Abuja, Calabar and Port Harcourt, respectively.