Meet The 22-Year-Old Who's Revolutionizing How Nigerian Students Find Universities

Photo: Iwaria Inc.

You know that feeling when you're in SS3 and everyone keeps asking, "Which uni you wan apply for?" and you're there like... Oga, I don't even know where to start! Well, one 22-year-old Nigerian decided to turn that exact struggle into a solution that's now helping thousands of students across the country.

From Personal Pain to Purpose

Like many of us, this young entrepreneur faced the nightmare of choosing a university in Nigeria. You know the drill - your parents want you to go to UI or UNILAG because "that's what we know," your friends are talking about private universities you've never heard of, and Google searches just leave you more confused than when you started.

But instead of just complaining on Twitter like the rest of us, this guy actually did something about it. He created Kollegescout, a platform that's basically like the "Jumia for Nigerian universities" - you can search, compare, and filter universities based on what actually matters to you: location, school fees, and admission requirements.

"I was tired of calling different schools, visiting websites that don't work, and getting different information from different people," he shared. "I thought, 'Guy, there has to be a better way to do this thing.'"

The Real University Selection Struggle

Let's be honest - choosing a university in Nigeria can be more stressful than JAMB itself. We spoke to some students about their experiences, and the stories were painfully familiar:

Chioma from Lagos: "I applied to three different universities without really knowing what their cut-off marks were. I just heard people mention them. It was pure guesswork, and I wasted so much money on application forms."

Ahmed from Kano: "My biggest challenge was understanding school fees. Some schools would tell you one amount, then when you get there, you discover there are so many other charges they didn't mention."

Grace from Port Harcourt: "I wanted to study Engineering, but I had no idea which schools had the best programs or which ones were even accredited. I just went with what my uncle recommended."

These stories highlight exactly why platforms like Kollegescout are needed. In a country where information is often scattered, unclear, or outdated, having a centralized place to get accurate details about universities is revolutionary.

How Kollegescout is Changing the Game

Think of Kollegescout as your personal university consultant, but without the expensive fees. Here's what makes it special:

• Smart Filtering: Want a university in Lagos with school fees under ₦500,000 that offers your course? Just filter and boom - your options appear.
• Real Information: No more calling schools repeatedly or relying on outdated websites.
• Comparison Tool: You can literally put universities side by side and see which one makes sense for your pocket and preferences.
• Admission Insights: Get clear information about cut-off marks, requirements, and application processes.

Practical Tips for Using University Search Platforms

Whether you're using Kollegescout or any other platform, here are some smart ways to make your university search more effective:

1. Start with Your Budget: Be realistic about what your family can afford. It's better to go to a good school you can comfortably pay for than to struggle in an expensive one.

2. Consider Location Seriously: That university in a remote area might seem perfect until you realize transportation costs will choke you. Factor in living costs, not just tuition.

3. Check Accreditation: Make sure your course is accredited. You don't want to graduate and discover your certificate isn't recognized.

4. Research Beyond Rankings: Some "unknown" universities actually have better facilities and teaching quality than the famous ones. Don't let hype cloud your judgment.

5. Connect with Current Students: Social media is your friend here. Find current students of schools you're considering and ask them the real questions about campus life, lecturers, and facilities.

The Bigger Picture

What this young founder has done goes beyond just creating an app - he's addressing a systemic problem in Nigerian education. The lack of easily accessible, reliable information about educational institutions affects thousands of students every year.

Some end up in schools that don't match their career goals, others spend more money than necessary, and many miss out on great opportunities simply because they didn't know they existed.

Platforms like this represent the kind of tech solutions Nigeria needs - ones that solve real, everyday problems for real people.

What This Means for Future Students

If you're a current student or about to become one, you're living in the best time to make informed educational choices. No more depending on uncle's friend's cousin's recommendation or outdated guidebooks.

The key is to take advantage of these tools. Don't just apply to schools because "that's where everyone goes." Use platforms like Kollegescout to actually research and make decisions based on facts, not just vibes.

Remember, your university choice will affect the next 4-6 years of your life and potentially your entire career. It deserves more than a rushed decision based on incomplete information.

As this 22-year-old founder proves, sometimes the best solutions come from people who have actually experienced the problem. And honestly, that's the kind of innovation we love to see - Nigerians solving Nigerian problems with Nigerian solutions.

What challenges did you face when choosing your university? Drop a comment below - let's share experiences and help future students avoid the same struggles!