Wrong Time To Be A Nigerian Student.
“4 years don waka, I never still get this degree wey I leave house and money come pursue.” — Anonymous
This is the trending caption that caught my attention and I think it holds every truth.
The Nigerian educational system for students in public universities feels like a toxic relationship. The kind you can’t comfortably end without feeling guilty or feeling like you didn’t give it your best shot. A relationship that sucks you dry like a leech and leaves you with marks to show for it. Then after breaking up with you for a long period, will still waltz in to reconcile. Such effrontery! (Rolls eyes).
Lately, I’ve been wondering if being a student was the right decision. However, when I catch myself going down that wonder lane, I try to console myself by counting the changes and growth I have undergone, and the many humans I’ve connected with.
I have done so much I never thought myself capable of.
Would this change, growth, or humans still have happened without school? I don’t know. I guess I’ll have to time-travel back to 2018, consider another career trajectory, and see if I would’ve become this woman.
Although it isn’t official yet, it is quite annoying and unfortunate that a slated duration to study a course in this country gets extended and becomes an only-God-knows-when case scenario due to her inability to prioritize.
I grew up with the “education is the master key to every door” quote. Right now, I feel the key I am holding will not even open toilet door with the way it keeps jamming. So, instead of holding onto this key, why not add the key to other bunch of keys?
Yunno, Tech-keys (winks).
Thinking about it, it’s 6 years already!
I remember being so excited wearing the matriculation gown, feeling like I’ve surmounted one big mountain. But it’s 6 years already—of me officially and intentionally holding onto this key to unlock a 4 years degree programme. A degree programme I once had fire for, has been quenched due to the yearly breakfast I get served.
Let me not even address the stress that came with preparing and applying for UTME, the regular prayer of Jamb not Jammimg me—We will revisit this, but not today.
After going through all of that, I’m still facing the mountain called ASUU. I think this is the part where I take a very deep breath (inhales and exhales slowly). My mind is wandering. 6 years can do so much.
Imagine having a 6-year-old kid running around calling you Daddy or Mummy.
Imagine owning a business.
Imagine giving yourself to learn a vocational skill.
Imagine giving yourself to intense reading of books and online learning off Udemy, Pinterest, YouTube or on whatever social site you find comforting.
Wouldn’t that have been a better accomplishment than having to get hit every time of the year? Even people in toxic relationships don’t go through this mental, emotional, financial, and physical stress I’ve been subjected to. Now, I’m left to gather my already wet wood and try to light them all by myself because of a failed system.
Just some days back, I was applauding my friend for being wise enough to choose to work and still do school (as a side hustle). I guess I’ll have to applaud my friend again for being wise enough to foresee this steady saga.
So, my friend, this one is for you (claps hands).
With how much of me that has been roughly handled by this system, this is the best measure to adopt if you plan to attend a Public University in Nigeria, ‘cause with the way the system keeps going, someone can’t even trust her with anything bright or close to bright future.
Now, I’m not putting myself under unnecessary pressure. Instead of involving in this toxicity, I’m choosing to do other things that will help my mental, physical, and financial health. This ship keeps capsizing.
Till she is ready to end the toxicity and have a smooth sail, I choose to dedicate my time and energy to healthy ships.
The question is— When will the toxicity end? And, when is the right time to be a Nigerian Student?
Until then, remember…You haven’t failed, until you stop trying” – Unknown
