Academic Opportunities And Malaysian Hospitality Draw The Nigerians

By Franklin Inyama Franklin Inyama, a Nigerian journalism undergraduate at the Malaysia's university college, Metropolitan University College (KLMUC) here, talks about what lures his compatriots to Malaysia and how do they find being in Diaspora here. KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 25 (Bernama) -- There has to be a compelling reason why Nigerians have been arriving on the Malaysian shores in numbers over the years. The people from the west African state are no strangers to Malaysians. Nigerians come to Malaysia mostly for academic empowerment with a small number in employment or business. In general they are jovial in nature and easily adopt with the locals here. This writer, a Nigerian final year undergraduate at the Metropolitan University College (KLMUC) here, who is currently doing his attachment with the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama), noted that Nigerians view Malaysia as an education hub that provides quality education at a reasonable cost. The reasonable tuition fees and cost of living when compared with Europe or America, and even the rest of the world, apart from a welcoming host nation is among the main draw for the Nigerians here. MORE THAN EDUCATION AND COST This writer's compatriots here also tell of there are many other attributes that draws the Nigerians whose country is more than 10,000 kilometers away from Malaysia. Paschal Ayogu, 31-year, Information Technology student of Kuala Lumpur Metropolitan University College (KLMUC) said he chose to study in Malaysia because he liked the harmonious way Malaysians live and he wanted to experience life in Diaspora. He firmly believed life in Diaspora would be helpful in building up his social intelligence skills. "Being a country with numerous races and religions, you can barely know the diversity because the way everyone tolerates and sees each other," he said. Despite of the diversities, the races have bound together and this has helped the country emerge as among the best economy in this region. "The more we are together, the happier we will be," this is the spirit of Malaysians observed by Paschal. MALAYSIA PROVIDES A DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE Living in Malaysia has made Paschal see things differently. "The infrastructure and development in the country is far better than back home. The locals are very friendly and helpful when it comes to interacting and mixing up with them, they will like to teach you the Malay language which is Malaysia's official language but they do have other dialects too," he said. Malaysia being a peaceful and welcoming country has enticed the interest of many Nigerians to sojourn into this endearing destination. Aloy Alozie, a 35-year old Nigerian who had studied here previously, said he liked Malaysia and the Malay culture. He in fact has married a Malay and settled down here. The Malay culture and tradition is quite unique and reserved, and religion is a paramount aspect of life. This has helped Aloy so much in building up his religious life. "I love the food here. Nasi lemak, beef rendang, nasi goreng ayam are my favourite Malay cuisine," he added. BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE, GOOD COUNTRY "Beautiful people, good country and great heritage because Malaysia has all it takes to make you feel home away from home. The 88-storey Petronas Twin Towers (KLCC) soaring to a height of 451.9 metres, is the tallest twin tower in the world making it among the landmarks Malaysia has to offer. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) world heritage city in Melaka is among the great places to visit. Being an entrepreneur, he said doing business in Malaysia is good and encouraging because both the locals and Diaspora would provide you the support. "I import fabrics, food and other commodities from Nigeria and it amazes me most times when I see locals wearing Nigerian fabrics that has been tailored into a nice Malaysian attire. This makes me so happy and I feel the spirit of self-acceptance in this new country that I have made my second home," he said. LIFE IS BETTER HERE THAN LONDON Osuhon Monday, 38, a journalism student of KLMUC said: "I like it here because we almost have the same climate with Malaysia and with the large number of Nigerians here always make me feel at home". "I had lived in England for four years and when compared both life here and there, I can frankly say Malaysia gives us more liberty and self-acceptance to do so many things which some of us living here do abuse that privilege," he said. "This country is also blessed with so many sights to behold and looking out from the balcony of my apartment here as the light illuminates the city at night will tell you how beautiful the skyline of this great city is. "What makes a country inhabitable is its people" he said. Everywhere you go is the same but what makes the difference in all places is the people and I am glad to be in Malaysia. "I have been fortunate enough to visit few European countries but will always attest about Malaysian seven star hospitality, and the way they foster peace and welcome foreigners. It has been a great experience being in Diaspora here," he said ending the conversation. --BERNAMA