This is not the first,neither is it the second or the third time a publication like this is being released by the Nigerian press.One claimed the school was a scam- http://www.nairaland.com/575402/houdegbe-north-american-university-hnaub , and another came out recently to say that we were chasing worthless degrees in Benin republic- http://sunnewsonline.com/new/trending/exclusive-over-10000-nigerian-undergrads-chasing-worthless-degrees-in-benin-republic/ .I am not really surprised about the latest press release because it came from a media house that is famous for carrying rumours and exaggerated commentaries.Some others however choose to be different in their views. http://www.vanguardngr.com/2012/08/how-nigerian-students-dominate-houdegbe-varsity/
Firstly, am a proud student currently studying economics at the varsity and unlike many speculations that the school is a bus stop for people that couldn't pull through be it in JAMB or universities in Nigeria, I had 280 as my jamb score,cleared my WAEC in one sitting and was admitted into FUTO to study electrical/electronics engineering.I was processing my registration details when ASUU began an indefinite strike(2011).I thought it was only going to be a matter of days but then,days turned into weeks and weeks into months and I began to reconsider being a student there.What finally made up mind was when I witnessed a security challenge that got so many people killed,(as Nigerians you can all guess what it was).I then started looking at going to private universities but for an average hustling guy that I was,the prices were just too outrageous and besides,I wasn't the only one in my household that loved school.
I got to find out about the school from a friend that lectures there and being the inquisitive kind,I went online to find out about the school.What I saw was enough to pull me back from buying their registration form so I decided to go check out the school.
Honestly,it wasn't quite what I expected but the most pressing concern for me which was the accreditation of the institute was doused when I was shown the accreditation number from government of Benin republic and a top government official in Benin republic attested to it.I didn't need any more convictions so I applied for a four year programme to get a B.Sc. in economics.Just like universities anywhere,some departments are not functioning in full capacity but that is understandable to me because I know that with time,these departments will start operating effectively though the progress pace is slow.
I keep on hearing of people and media houses like the ones cited above insisting the school is not accredited by the federal government of Nigeria...I must confess,it's either these people are dumb or they have serious beef with HNAUB.The school is in Benin republic and not in Nigeria!!.If you carry a Nigerian certificate to apply for a position in U.S,why do you think they insist on you doing some exams with them first?...because our standards sometimes doesn't measure up to their own.Same goes with Benin republic and Nigeria.The university has had more than ten standard convocation ceremonies and its alumni and alumnae are well placed in various career positions all over the world.I tracked down one of the alumnae who works in a new generation bank and found out she earns a six digit salary monthly.They say the owner of the Varsity is only interested in our money....so?.He didn't force us to come to his school neither did he say it's a must we remain even if it's against our wish.I prefer to pay the current amount am paying in the school than pay anything less in any federal university in Nigeria.At least,we are sure of graduating in four years or three if you opt to do summer sessions.
Just as the contents of a book makes it what it is,I must say the students of HNAUB are really trying relentlessly both in academics and socials.One of my friends Obi a.k.a Plato graduated last year with a first class.Also,distinction is awarded from 85% upwards as against the 75% margin used in Nigeria.We rule the social sector and are front leaders in entertainment (we no dey dull).Some of my favourite performing acts are Zuka (tt @Zuka_18) http://notjustok.com/2012/07/31/video-zuka-lipstick-ft-chuddy-k/ and Panache(tt @iam_panache_ ) http://www.hotnaijamusic.com/2013/03/07/sei-teme-azonto-mental/?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter .Students also take spirituality seriously and several mosques and Christian fellowships are there to guide students in their devotion to God.We gather once in a year to pray for HNAUB.
We also have a strong presence of student bodies like; the Arewa students forum https://www.facebook.com/groups/124745857705337/?fref=ts , the economics students council (EcoSC) https://www.facebook.com/ecosc.hnaub?fref=ts ,law students asscoiation and medical students association.
Another thing I love about HNAUB students is the fact that they are great entrepreneurs.This fact is obvious in the many business run within the school environs that are largely controlled by students.One of them, U.B.M academy http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pwCOJX1qYoc is run by Mr Mshellia, a computer science student.Another successful venture, Visions photography is run by 3 young proffessionals-; Wisdom,of economics department ( https://twitter.com/Mrdalatu ),Adore of International relations department ( https://twitter.com/el_adore ) and Jerssey of law department ( https://twitter.com/4Jjesjay ). Others include Desoji arts run by Seun also of Law department ( https://www.facebook.com/desoji.arts?fref=ts ) and Enliven which is run by Felix Stephen ( https://twitter.com/oyoyoboy )
In a nutshell,HNAUB has faced many challenges which includes scandals that have left a very dented impression about the school but that is not enough for some crazy media house to go about spreading a tell-it-all tale that is incorrect and very biassed. Many serious challenges will still come but I believe she will emerge victorious by God's grace.My prayer and wish for the school is for it to become No 1 in Benin republic in subsequent years and gradually be ranked as one of the best in West-Africa if not Africa as a whole.
Here are some trendy social media sites that HNAUB students are using to engage the world
You can also follow participate in the conversation on
twitter ( #myhnaub )
from Felix Stephen K.
