The stress many Nigerians go through, in a spirited attempt to secure a visa for travelling abroad, is appalling, diminishing and very frustrating.
In actual sense, is the rigour worth it, considering the loss often recorded and ensuing disappointment when visa application fails coupled with uncertainties, as well as attendant risks if eventually application receives approval? The story of a desperate and regular, applicant, John James says it all.
At exactly 6:20 am, sudden early morning whirlwinds laced with unfriendly pouring of clappy rains took charge of the whole of Utako area of Federal Capital Territory, Abuja and the adjacent localities.
The scenario was synonymous with a military invasion of a serene Nigerian village setting with every villager scampering for safety with indefinite destinations.
The rain was pouring with so much vigour. With attendant torrents, it refused to abate and the interview hour moved hurriedly closer.
The day was Thursday, June 20, 2024. It was a visa interview date. Interview time was 7:30 am. And the place was Abuja. Enthralled was a Nigerian youth from one of the Southern states. He was in Abuja for a student visa interview.
That was his 5th attempt with different embassies. His first attempt ended with a headache-bellied result. His second attempt brewed a stomach ache and enveloped the outcome. It was an encore with third and fourth efforts.
John James ( pseudonym) was in a do-or-die attempt to secure a student visa in a foreign country.
This fifth attempt at visa procurement, John was determined to make this move his last move, seeking greener pastures outside his beloved beleaguered country. But this “demonic” rain was a nightmare!
John James dared all the huddles, rolled his trousers, removed his shoes and entered the rain. He meandered through the torrents and eventually got to the embassy drenched!
After all the embassy preliminary procedures, John came face to face with his interviewer.
The following ensued:
John: afternoon ma (trembling and looking confusedly morose)
Interviewer: Good morning ( smiling). Your name please.
John: I’m John James ( stammering).
Interviewer: Mr James, calm down. Please, put yourself together. I’m here to assist you. I’m here to support and enhance your aspirations. Just relax to enable you dish out your best.
John: ok ma. Thanks ma.( trying to compose himself)
Interviewer: Have you travelled outside of Nigeria before?
John: Yes ma.
Interviewer: where?
John: l have been to Ghana and Dubai.
Interviewer: When was that?
John: That was last year ma
Interviewer: Why did you travel?
John: l went on vacation ma.
Interviewer: Why do you want to go abroad this time?
John: l want to go for my master’s degree ma.
Interviewer: Master’s degree in what?
John: Business administration.
Interviewer: Are there no universities in Nigeria offering the course at master’s degree level?
John: There are universities ma.
Interviewer: So, why your choice of a foreign university?
John: (stuttering) Because there are better educational facilities and opportunities abroad ma.
Interviewer: It’s ok. I’m sorry your student visa application is denied. I will advise you to explore extensive educational opportunities at home first. Many opportunities abound in Nigeria. Thanks. (she returns John’s international passport).
John walked out of the embassy crestfallen. Millions of naira were spent on visa procurement efforts with valuables sold off at giveaway prices in attempts to raise money.
Where is John going to start from? He’s a University degree holder of seven years with no visible means of livelihood! Marriage is not on John’s agenda at 35. Depression rooted in hopelessness envelopes his being!
The above scenario captures the life of most Nigerian youths trying to exploit and explore greener pastures abroad. Most of them plan to leave the country under the guise of further studies with no plans of returning to the country after their studies. The raging trend is described today as “Japa”. Painfully, it’s a syndrome that has gained traction and come to stay!
Besides, what are the assurances that foreign life expectations will be a reality in the face of global economic turmoil? This is food for thought for those who deeply reflect.
Indeed, this is the reason the theme of The Companion 2024 Conference and 6th National Discourse is a good and timely initiative and attendance is a must for all.
Ismail Ozugha can be reached via belloozugha@yahoo.com.
