The international education market is fast expanding in scope and size. Undoubtedly, Nigeria is an ultra-rich hunting ground for foreign universities and colleges. While some see sending their wards abroad to acquire education as a status symbol, others are doing so owing to the increasing lack of access in Nigerian tertiary institutions.

Consequently, lots of institutions from West, the Arabian Gulf and indeed other parts of the world are constantly wooing Nigerian students. The implication of this is that both good and bad are in equal measure. While some of the Recruitment Placement Agents and representatives are merely looking for unsuspecting parents and students to fleece, the chances of hidden charges popping up in the course of the students’ academic odysseys remains high. To this end, The Guardian has beamed searchlight on International School Placement Agents and Representatives so as to differentiate the professionals from their counterparts.

Mrs. Josephine Peters, Director of a foremost Form Sixth College in Nigeria, GEC Academy, emphasized that quality education being offered to students at the college is to enable them stand tall when they get to their study destinations. Reacting to the academic performance of students who passed through the GEC Academy to study abroad, she affirms that “our students are articulate, focused and go-getters. They would always make their creativity obvious any where they go and we are very proud of them. This is made possible with the help of professional teachers with proven track record at the academy”. Peters also assured parents of quality post admission services and safety of students at the academy.

Mrs. Ebi Obaro, President of Maple Education Canada Incorporated asserted that her agency do not have hidden charges. According to her,“right from the outset when we counsel our clients on admissions processing, we tell them what our charges are, hence, they sign a treaty called Initial Consultation Agreement (ICA) which explains our fees and once they are satisfied with it, that seals the deal”. However, as a member of Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council, we must inform the clients on what the charges are from the beginning.

While some say that most Nigerian students study abroad just for the sake of status symbol, others say it is as a result of lack of adequate access in the tertiary institutions. Obaro reiterates that several reasons necessitate Nigerian students questing to study abroad, such as lack of admissions, strike, among others. And depending on their financial capabilities, countries of choice comes into play. Besides, some parents can always afford to enroll their wards in schools abroad so as to acquire quality education and get exposed to better practices and improved ways of doing things which is an asset.

Meanwhile, the watch-word for intending students is to stay focus and understand that the reason is to study and not to work. However, there is full time to work after graduation; opportunity to apply for permanent residence, among others, and saliently, return to Nigeria.