The Think Canada Fair is one of the  biggest educational fairs in Nigeria. The fair is aimed at  presenting an array of Canadian education opportunities to intending Nigerian students who wish to study in Canada. Mubo Olabode speaks to Vanguard on the rationale behind the fair and benefits for participants.

• Why Study in Canada? 

As a graduate of a Canadian University,  I experienced firsthand some of the  amazing benefits that Canada offers international students. Canada is one of the world’s most developed countries and one of the most popular destinations for international students. Canada is also one of the most multicultural countries in the world. 

Presently, there are over 621, 000 international students studying in Canada. The country offers international students one of the world’s most competitive packages, allowing them to study  and work in the most convenient manner. 

After graduation, international students can get up to 3 years post graduate work permit. During these three years, when they have gotten one years worth of  valid work experience, they can then apply to be permanent residents of Canada and eventually Canadian citizens.

There are also numerous scholarships and other educational aids made available to students. The country’s acceptance of diversity has earned it the reputation of one of the friendliest countries in the world. Studying in Canada is also much more affordable than many other countries.

• Tell us about the Think Canada Fair, its uniqueness alongside the opportunities that it provides for participants? 

The Think Canada Fair was established to provide significant admission insights and  opportunities for the growing number of interested Nigerian students seeking to study in Canada. Our approach to delivering value for the numerous participants that will attend the Think Canada Fair is bringing together the best of Canadian Universities/College representatives.

• When you conceived the idea of the Think Canada Fair, what rationale drove the idea and what significant  challenge do you intend to address?

We realized that a considerable number of persons with interests in Canadian education do not have the complete information that they need to successfully process their admissions into desired institutions. To this end, we created a fair that makes it a lot easier and convenient for these prospective students to access all the insights, information and requisite knowledge, directly from top Canadian universities and college representatives.

We find that prospective students are more informed, not only about their desired institutions, but also about their dream courses of study. Ultimately , for us, it is about enabling them to be completely equipped to take their place in Canada.

• The Think Canada Fair has witnessed several editions, since commencement, what should participants look forward to, in this edition?

Participants can look forward to meeting and interacting with several Canadian universities alongside college representatives.

We are also providing the perfect opportunity to get a clear overview of program options from diverse institutions. This year, we will be conducting a free review of admission documents for participants, alongside free admissions and visa processing counseling sessions, Participants are encouraged to come along with a copy of their academic credentials, i.e WAEC, NECO results and transcripts.

• How are you leveraging strategic partnerships to drive impact and value  for the huge number of participants that will be attending? 

We are heavy on leveraging strategic partnerships to drive significant growth for the sector.  We are affiliated with over 65 Canadian universities and this provides our clients with an array of exciting options and programs. 

Through our strategic collaborations we have organized several fairs, seminars, webinars and other impactful educational events and initiatives to provide clients with the best value of educational experiences.

• Who are your targets for the Think Canada Fair and how does the fair provide a pathway for success for them?

Our target audience are students who are interested in studying in Canada, particularly students that have just completed their secondary education and recent University graduates. For them, the Think Canada Fair will be the beginning of a journey that will enable them to secure their place in Canada and experience the education of their dreams.

• When is the event scheduled for and do participants have to pay to attend. 

The Think Canada Fair is an absolutely free event. The event will take place across 3 major cities in Nigeria- Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt. 

Lagos Mainland:14th October at Radisson Blu Hotel.

Lagos Island: 15th October at Eko Hotels and Suites.

Abuja: 18th October at Bolton White Hotel.

Port-Harcourt: 20th October at Hotel Presidential.

Interested students must register at: https://cadedufair.com/ 

• How would you describe the foreign education market in Nigeria and what innovation do you think will drive change for the sector in years to come?

The foreign education market has grown significantly in the last decade, with new players coming on board and as a result, there has been healthy competition, which I think is great for the industry. However, in the foreseeable future the role of technology and innovation will play a major role in shaping the industry and the services that we offer. I expect to see a full scale automation of services for clients within the sector and this will have to be an end-to-end experience requiring limited human interaction.