Scholarship: Kogi Students in Vietnam Hails Wada

15 Kogi indigenes studying ICT in FPT University, Vietnam are on full scholarship provided by Captain Idris Wada-led administration in Kogi State. Wale Mustapha, spoke with one of these students, Usman Ohinoyi.

Q: Which country are you and what are you doing there?

We are in the People Republic of Vietnam. I said we because I represent the voice of other 14 people here. We are here on a scholarship from the Kogi State Government.

Q: For how long have you been there and what was the trip all about?

We have been here for 1 year and 6 months now; the trip was a Scholarship from the State government to 15 Kogi State students to study Software Engineering from a leading Science and Technology University.

Q: So how has it been over there?

Wow is the Word, but I want to say we are really privileged to be studying with FPT University. It means Financing Promotion and Technology Company Based in Vietnam, and it is regarded as one of the leading and innovation companies in terms of ICT in the world.

Usman Ohinoyi in Vietnam

Q: What will be the gain of the state government for sponsoring this educational trip?

I remember when Kogi State Government came in, it said one of its focus is making the state ICT compliance, thereby separating the Ministry of Science and Technology from Special Duties so that it can have focus, I believe we are the foundation next two it laid. As I am talking to you now, by next month we will be embarking on IT with one of the leading ICT companies, such as Google, Microsoft, Samsung, LENOVO, and the host of others.

Q: With 18 months of getting new innovations on ICT, would you say the seed has germinated?

I can categorically tell you that its yes, with this education the state will reap its benefit from these 15 students whether they are kept as one or separated across to where they are needed.

Governor Idris Wada and Hon. Shaba Ibrahim poses with Vietnam-bound scholars

Q: When are you expected to round up the program?

We are expected to round up by first quarter of 2016. It’s a full degree programme in a practical institution where we have been exposed to all sort of programming and software application of all sorts.

Q: What have been the challenges you are facing in Vietnam?

Before leaving Nigeria, our tuition fees, feeding, health care and transport fees have been paid for three years. So there is nothing standing in our way as I have told you. So for us its “eyes on the price”, graduate and help lift the state up in terms of ICT. The few challenges are economic down turn, because calculations of allowance has been made and paid at home before we left so when we got here the exchange rate we meet is down below our supposed up keep expectation. The other one is the language barrier which turned out to be a blessing in disguise because most of us now we can speak and communicate in Vietnamese. Am not saying the school teaches in Vietnamese, they taught us in English and by world ICT standard.

Q: Looking at Kogi State, do you think we are ready to venture into ICT as business. And do you think ICT can thrive in the state?

Nothing is impossible, all you need is a dream and a vision to drive it through and mind you we are planning on making Kogi the Silicon Valley in Nigeria all things being equal. We here have seen it all, it’s not a big deal with the right resources and minds.

Q: We have had similar trainings on ICT in Kogi State, for Govt officials, for students, but nothing to show for it. Are we going to see the same?

Let it not be like I am blowing my own trumpet but I want you to look at it from an angle where fifteen Student were selected on the order of merit and interest in a particular field, chained together on the same course for three years and all tuition fees, feeding allowance, health insurance paid in advance. This is because the man, the Governor of the state, Captain Idris Wada who had this vision does not want anything to derail his vision or plan.

With this opportunity gained, how do you set up yourself on ICT that is after the training?

It depends on what the state wants. If the right environment is created is a win win for us and the state, and as the governor told us words of Capt Wada “When we get to the bridge, we will cross it”. I think Kogi is on the part of that because Vietnam always tells their story in this manner.  After the war we sent 1000 of our active youths to study maths in Russia. every year for a period of 10years and while they come back they are made to teach at primary school level to transfer the knowledge directly to the upcoming generation and today if anyone think of Vietnam and the war then your deceiving yourself.