A struggle to make payments online. A fear of getting scammed. A study abroad dream. These may seem like something anyone can handle online, but it's far from the reality. Many Nigerians have become desperate and frustrated because they cannot find trustworthy companies to solve their needs within minutes.
A socially shy person, Philip Awe, learned the hard way after an educational agency took his money and disappeared in thin air. Weary and tired of experimenting with his money on different payment options online, he stumbled upon Pay4Me.
Let's meet Philip.
I am the first in a family of five children and an Engineering graduate working as an HR Professional. I am passionate about Data Analytics and working towards a career transition. I am religiously inclined with a very conservative background.
How do you unwind?
I love watching movie series on Netflix.
Have you had issues with online payments?
Yes, I have many issues with online payments, especially for foreign websites and organizations.
Can you share with us some of these issues?
My debit cards often get declined, and I have to use "middlemen" or agents. For example, I had to register for my GRE Exam through an agency, as I couldn't pay the exam fee using my debit card.
Have you suffered from online scams or any type of scam?
Yes, it's been a long time, though. I contacted an educational consultancy company that I found online to help me purchase a Postgraduate registration form for one of the Nigerian Universities. I never heard from the company.
Read: 10 Travel Hacks That Make Relocation Easier for International Students
What is the first thing you will do if you have all the money you need?
I will buy a piece of land or an apartment, possibly in Lagos, buy a car for my partner, and give cash gifts to my mum, siblings, friends, and church. Go for a high-ranked Master's program in Data Analytics and invest a lot in real estate and high-performing stocks.
Could you share a money-related mistake?
I really can't point to any. Apart from the scam I previously mentioned, the only mistake I can point to is sometimes giving too much to others during the month, that sometimes, towards month end, I could be broke and sometimes even have to borrow.
Do you have plans to travel?
Yes, I intend to travel for a Masters in Data Analytics. When I return to Nigeria, depending on the opportunities available in Nigeria, I may also consider seeking employment in other countries.
If you were the CBN Governor for 24 hours, how would you address payment or banking challenges?
I would first seek to quickly understand the causes and reasons behind the Nigerian payment and banking challenges and review various surveys on banking challenges faced by Nigerians.
Following this, I will utilize my skills, experience, and expert knowledge in the country (Consultants, etc.) available to resolve the challenges. This may involve rolling out regulations, monitoring and supervising bank operations, etc. Not all of these may be possible within 24 hours; however, the groundwork could be set out.
What advice would you give to your 16-year-old self?
Be firm with your career choices; do not be influenced.
What are your thoughts on studying abroad?
I would really love to study for my master's in Data Analytics abroad, and I am working on that. It would really be expensive (and I have applied for a loan), but it will be a worthwhile investment.
Read: 7 Best International Student Loans for the USA
How was your experience with Pay4Me App?
I had a great experience using the app. The process was so fast and reliable.
