His Excellency: The educational system here is excellent and there isn’t much difference between Nigeria and Malaysia as we were both former British colony. The background and focus are similar. We as Africans are here to learn from the model used by Malaysia to develop rapidly to the stage it is in today.

The ability for Malaysians from different ethnic and racial groups to co-exist and the country's political stability is an education itself. An educational process that spans kindergarten to adulthood.

Claret: What is the probability that Nigerian students who graduate here will get a job when they go back home?

His Excellency: “There is too much to learn in Malaysia”. Graduates who have spent 3 or 4 years in a Malaysia institution with its standard should be fully groomed to go back home not to look for aid from government or jobs. They should go back home. Pool their talent and invent ideas that will benefit the country. They should think of contributing to the economy and list out what they must do for the country.

Claret: HIV and AIDS is rampant in Africa. What do you have to say about this?

His Excellency: The problem is ignorance. We should do all it takes to consistently create awareness that HIV and AIDS are real. The best bet for this epidemic is prevention because total cure is still a debate and some distance off.

Claret: HIV and AIDS is rampant in Africa. What do you have to say about this?

His Excellency: The problem is ignorance. We should do all it takes to consistently create awareness that HIV and AIDS are real. The best bet for this epidemic is prevention because total cure is still a debate and some distance off.

Claret: How do we get a cure and medication for this epidemic?

His Excellency: The medical profession and scientists have worked so hard to come up with medications that can help prolong the lifespan of victims. However, it is expensive. “No absolute cures have been found yet and we hope that in the near future that would be a reality. However, the governments of our respective countries are trying so hard to create awareness on the dangers of HIV, ways to prevent it and just like Nelson Mandela said: “HIV is no longer just epidemic but a human right issue”.

Claret: How do we solve the problems of illegal African immigrants in Malaysia using fake Nigerian passport?

His Excellency: The truth is that even some Nigerians forge passports from other African countries. It is just a thing of the mind in some individuals who want to commit crime and don’t want to be caught. The truth is that here in Malaysia it is not easy to run away when a deviant commits a crime. The end is serving time in jail. It is good to let our people know, even before they leave for Malaysia, that this country does not tolerate illegal activities and if they do, they will face the penalty squarely. There is nothing one can really do to curb crime and illegal activities completely but if violators feel that it is worth the investment in money and risk, then they should be ready to “make the time”

Claret: How do we promote the idea to Nigerians going abroad the need to promote the image of our country?

His Excellency: It is the same kind of publicity we are giving to Nigerians at home. The national orientation agency (NOA) in Nigeria and the media are educating the people that there is no place like home. Stressing on the need “to love their country, uphold it in honour and integrity” and to promote the good name the country stands for

Claret: Is there any way we can have a handy identity card in case of emergencies? Because "The vehicle of rapid development in Africa is educating African nations on the need to look inside"
there have been cases of police officers in Malaysia attacking our student even when they have a valid passport.

His Excellency: We haven’t looked into this issue and we will of course. But the problem of the identity card is not really the issue here because identity card is much easier to forged than even a passport.

However we will not let you all down. We will look into the case of police action on this matter...... we are here to help and protect you

Claret: Thank you once again for your time.

"The vehicle of rapid development in Africa is educating African nations on the need to look inside"

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This site was last updated 17/04/2006