How Nigerians can earn a US degree online without relocating, according to Florida Coastal University

• Florida Coastal University says Nigerians can earn a US degree online without relocating abroad.

• The university focuses on working adults who want career advancement or a career change.

• Dr. Alex Parnia says critical thinking, not memorisation, is the most important skill in the AI era.

• The institution offers flexible learning, payment plans and is provisionally licensed by Florida's Commission for Independent Education.

For many Nigerians, studying abroad has become more difficult than ever. Between expensive tuition, visa uncertainty, relocation costs and leaving family behind, getting an international degree can feel out of reach.

But what if you could earn a US degree without leaving Nigeria?

That's exactly what Dr. Alex Parnia, President and Chief Executive Officer of Florida Coastal University (FCU), says the institution is trying to make possible.

Speaking in an interview with Pulse Nigeria, Dr. Parnia explained that the university was built with working adults in mind, allowing students to study online from anywhere in the world while continuing with their careers and family responsibilities.

Drawing from over 40 years in higher education, Dr. Parnia said education should go beyond simply teaching technical skills.

According to him, while training equips people for a particular task, education transforms how people think and solve problems.

He explained that this belief also influenced his own career journey.

"I moved into administration because I wanted to create a bigger impact. As a professor, you influence hundreds of students. As a university leader, you can influence thousands."

He added that what has kept him in education for four decades is the opportunity to make a lasting difference in people's lives.

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With tools like ChatGPT, Google and artificial intelligence making information readily available, Dr. Parnia believes universities need to focus less on memorisation and more on helping students think.

"Information is everywhere today," he said.

Instead of simply teaching students where to find answers, he said universities should help learners develop:

• Critical-thinking skills

• Good judgement

• Evidence-based decision-making

• The ability to separate useful information from misinformation

According to him, these abilities are becoming even more valuable in an AI-driven world.

Unlike many traditional universities, Florida Coastal University isn't primarily targeting students who have just finished secondary school.

Dr. Parnia said the university was designed mainly for adults who already have careers but want to upgrade their qualifications or switch professions.

Many students, he explained, return to school after spending years in the workforce.

Some may be in their late twenties, while others could be professionals in their fifties looking to remain competitive in today's job market.

"They shouldn't have to choose between work, family and education," he said.

One of the biggest talking points during the conversation was whether Nigerians have to move to the United States before enrolling.

Dr. Parnia said the answer is no. Students can complete their programmes online while remaining in Nigeria.

That means they can continue working, stay close to family and avoid many of the huge relocation expenses that usually come with studying overseas.

The university's programmes are largely asynchronous, meaning students can complete coursework at times that fit around their schedules while still interacting with lecturers when required.

Dr. Parnia also explained that FCU follows an andragogy model rather than the traditional teaching approach known as pedagogy.

Simply put, adults learn differently.

Instead of lecturers doing all the talking, adult learners bring their own work experience into discussions, making learning more practical and collaborative.

This approach, he said, is especially important for people returning to school after spending several years away from formal education.

Returning to school after years away can be intimidating.

Dr. Parnia acknowledged this and said adult learners often need additional encouragement and flexibility.

For example, if a student experiences a family emergency, the university aims to work with them where possible, provided they communicate with their lecturer.

The goal, he said, is to help students succeed without ignoring the realities of adult life.

One question many Nigerians usually ask before applying to foreign schools is whether the institution is recognised.

Addressing this, Dr. Parnia said Florida Coastal University is provisionally licensed by the Florida Commission for Independent Education (CIE).

He explained that the university currently holds state authorisation to operate and intends to pursue institutional accreditation after meeting the required timeline and regulatory conditions.

Beyond earning a degree, Dr. Parnia said the university is working to strengthen career support for students.

Plans include establishing a dedicated career centre to assist students with career development, internship opportunities and professional growth.

He noted that remote internships and remote work opportunities are becoming increasingly common globally, creating more possibilities for students regardless of where they live.

International tuition can be expensive, especially for Nigerians dealing with exchange rates.

Dr. Parnia said affordability is one of the university's priorities.

According to him, the institution offers international pricing and may provide flexible payment plans, extended payment arrangements and scholarship opportunities depending on each student's circumstances.

Prospective students are encouraged to speak with the admissions team to discuss the options available to them.

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Beyond individual career growth, Dr. Parnia believes adult education creates a ripple effect.

He said when children or younger relatives see someone return to school after 10 or even 20 years and successfully earn a degree, it often inspires others to pursue their own educational goals.

As more professionals embrace lifelong learning, he believes education becomes not just a personal achievement but something that positively influences families and entire communities.