International Student Profile

Schola Nkem Mumah

Kaduna, Nigeria

BSc, Political Science, Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, Nigeria, 1989
In progress: MEd, Education Leadership and Administration, Jones International University

Married, two children: Daniel (14) and Sharon (11)

Profession: Lecturer, Department of Social Sciences, School of General Studies
Employer: Kaduna Polytechnic, Kaduna, Nigeria

  1. How would you describe Nigeria to someone who has never been there?
    Nigeria is a very beautiful country. It has extended and roomy rivers, oceans, beaches ideal for swimming and other water sports, unique wildlife and vast tracts of unspoiled nature ranging from tropical forests to magnificent waterfalls.

    Nigeria is a multi-ethnic society, with a value system that derives from the diversity of its people, religions and cultures. The most common language is English. There are three major tribes: Ibo, Hausa and Yoruba. These diverse ethnic groups are also a source of ethnic rivalries.

    Nigerians are friendly, hospitable people, and Nigerian food is very delicious. Just like every other country, some places are not that safe. It’s good to always take precautions when traveling. Traffic can be a huge problem in the cities, and electricity is not always in constant supply. Nigeria has more than 60 universities and 52 Polytechnics. It has developed a good transportation system, especially airline and road transportation. But recently, there have been frequent air crashes. Between September and October we had five crashes and a sixth happened October 29.

  2. What was it like growing up there?
    When I was growing up, things were much better in Nigeria. There was much more tolerance and less religious disturbances. Things were cheaper and affordable, more peaceful, with fewer adulterated goods [products that are of lower quality than represented by their packaging].
  3. What is your favorite thing about Nigeria?
    For now, the only thing I can think of that makes me happy about Nigeria is the absence of earthquakes.
  4. And your country’s greatest challenges?
    Religious disturbances, overpopulation, corruption and politicians being voted into office based on ethnicity, rather than competence. Examination malpractices exist at all levels of education in Nigeria, where some students bribe the teachers and some teachers outrightly demand money in order to pass the students. Power cuts, school admission and certificate racketeering, a general lack of discipline and the emergence of secret cults are also problems. In addition, there are personnel management problems that result in frequent strikes and the closures of schools.
  5. What do you teach at Kaduna Polytechnic?
    I teach Political Science-related courses and citizenship education.
  6. Tell us about your students.
    Kaduna state is in the northern part of Nigeria and the students are from different backgrounds. Students come from every part of Nigeria, but we have more northerners, and the population of the Muslim students is more than that of the Christians. This is because of the frequent religious disturbances between the Muslims and the Christians, and because the school is in the north, where the population of the Muslims is greater.
  7. How did you learn about JIU?
    When I decided to go for my master’s, at first, I wanted to do it in Nigeria, but because of my job and family, there was no way I could leave and stay in a hostel, and if I had to go for a weekend program, I would be driving 160 kms (approximately 100 miles) each way, every weekend day. I reasoned that it would be too stressful for me, and so, I decided on a correspondence course, and came to an Internet café to search for a suitable school. That was when I heard of online schools and selected schools that included JIU.
  8. What made you decide to attend JIU?
    I first selected five online universities to choose from. I did further homework to find out how flexible they were, and the programs they offered. I found out that with JIU, I’m not obligated to log on at a fixed day or time, but at my convenience. I was also looking for a school that would not unjustly discriminate against me or victimize me because I’m black African.
  9. You are completing your second class and will soon be starting your third. Do you study from home?
    Just before I started my course, I got my home connected to the Internet, but was surprised at the telephone bill that followed. We used to pay 4,000 naira monthly (US$32), but after connecting it, the first bill sent to us was 30,000 naira (US$244). We disconnected immediately and could not even pay that bill. Our telephone line was tossed for more than a year. Now, Internet cafés are littered everywhere, and very cheap, for public use. I have a computer at home and also a laptop. I go to the café to download my work, save on my flash drive, and then print out at home. I work at home, save my work on my flash and go the café and send it.
  10. Are you enjoying your experiences at JIU?
    In fact, I’m short of words to use to express what my experience has been like. This is the best schooling I have ever received. I am made to feel as if I meet face to face with everyone I get acquainted with in the Forum, and the facilitators are great. We are so far apart, but seem so near, and the courses are very practical. You can go to the Forum today and apply what you learn the next day. I am very glad I chose JIU and pleased at the results I’m seeing so far.
  11. How do you plan to use your Master of Education degree?
    I plan to use my master’s in my own private school. Presently, I have a very small Christian school that is being managed for me until I finish my master’s program. I plan to resign my appointment with Kaduna Polytechnic as soon as my master’s is completed so that I can take better charge of my school.
  12. What are your dreams for your children?
    As a parent, God expects me to bring up my children in “His” way. I believe that God will require accountability for the children given to me (Ephesians 6: 22). I want them to have the fear of the Lord instilled in them, and to always make godly choices. In this age where you cannot demand or force your children to embrace a particular profession, my only desire is that whatever they decide to become in the future, let it be Christ centered.
  13. And your dreams for your own future?
    I plan to set up an orphanage and a place of refuge for elderly and neglected widows. For now, I visit other orphanages and donate what I can. I also run a free bible club in my residence every Sunday evening and I have 65 children between the ages of 3 and 14. They are divided into two classes (ages 3-9 and 10-14). I have helpers that come in on Sundays and I sort of give them monetary gifts to motivate them to keep coming. I look forward to it every Sunday, but my helpers may not feel the same way.

    Most of the children are from less privileged homes, and I help to pay some of their little tuition fees that I can afford for now. The children are so happy. Twice every term (three months), we have a “bible quiz” and I usually give them good gifts to motivate them. They all wish we could do this every day.

    I also help out the less privileged adults and the aged, periodically. The poverty in the northern part of Nigeria is very terrible. Their women are neglected, especially the elderly ones. My heart goes out to them. You find them on the streets begging from motorists when there is a traffic jam. Can you imagine that some of them have husbands that are well to do who have married younger girls according to Islamic law, which states that a Muslim is entitled to four wives? I feel fulfilled when I have met the needs of people, and put smiles on their faces.