I Almost Didn’t Go To the University Because of Talks of Cultism – Sandra Nze #FreshGradTales
Thank you for joining us today on #FreshGradTales. In this episode, I have Nze Chidinma Sandra. She is a graduate of the Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti and she studied Crop Horticulture and Landscape Design. Sandra would like to describe herself as one who enjoys doing a lot of things. Do enjoy her interview!
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DID YOU ENJOY SANDRA’S INTERVIEW? READ INTERVIEWS OF OTHER FRESH GRADUATES HERE >>>> #FreshGradTales
#FreshGradTales is a series of interviews for fresh graduates from ALL universities in Nigeria. This initiative aims at hearing and sharing the stories, struggles, achievements and experiences of fresh Nigerian graduates. We do believe everyone has a unique story that someone somewhere would love to read and benefit from reading as well.
If you are a fresh university graduate and would love to share your #FreshGradTales, Orifunke would be glad to hear from you on [email protected]
I Wanted To Drop Out Because I Felt I Could Learn So Much Without Attending A University – Bello Toluwalope
Read Bello Toluwalope’s #FreshGradTales. Toluwalope is a fresh graduate of Agricultural Economics from the University of Ibadan. He is a photographer (runs Toluwalope Bello Photography) and a budding creative analyst. He hails from Ibadan in Oyo State and comes from a family of 6 where he is the second child. Tolu is also a believer in Christ Jesus who enjoys playing games, music, hanging out and networking. Do enjoy his interview and don’t forget to share when done.
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How would you describe your journey through the university?
My journey through the university was a bitter-sweet experience, although, no experience caught me by surprise. I always prepare myself for the worst.
What were the best thing and worst thing about attending your university?
The best things, for me, were knowing God and meeting people. The worst thing was having to cram to pass exams. (The lácramè, lá passé, lá forgeté theorem)*
If you had an opportunity to start all over again, would you still pick your university?Why or why not?
If I had the opportunity to school outside the country, I would never pick the University of Ibadan. But in Nigeria, I would pick the University of Ibadan again. UI is still the best in Nigeria. In a city full of blind men, a one-eyed man is a king.* This is because I have toured schools; none like the University of Ibadan. Everything is conducive here compared to other schools. We study hard in a conducive environment.. (Compared to others).
If you had a second chance as a student, what would you do better?
I would pay more attention to my personal growth (e.g take professional courses), attend challenging seminars and apply for scholarships).
What did you learn most from being a student in your university?
I learnt how to live with all kinds of people and I learnt how to manage my time.
Could you tell us about the relationships you had on campus?
I had just one relationship in school and it lasted for just three months. I loved her but she did not love me back. I was the “Mr Nice Guy” so, out of external pressure, she consented hoping to grow into love (I understood her and was really patient for her to grow into it). However, after struggling for three months, she couldn’t do it anymore so we mutually gave each other space. It hurt though…but shit happens.
What challenges did you have as a student?
Well, academically, I had so many down times because I was not the cramming-or-reading-just-for-exams kinda person. I wanted to know all there is to a particular subject. I wanted to drop out because I felt I could learn so much without attending a university. The Nigerian university system is a scam mehn.
Would you say you had any achievements? If yes, what are they?
Yes. I found purpose. I discovered myself in the process (this is my greatest achievement). This happened as I journeyed through different leadership positions, especially when I pastored a
fellowship on campus.
What advice do you have for those who are still students in higher institutions and those who are looking at going to school soon?
Discover yourself (know what works for you). This would determine the kind of school you would go. Well, that is, if you have to go to the University to fulfil the requirement for becoming you.
Now that you’re a graduate, what’s next for you?
Well, I would keep learning, keep becoming ME. I’d build a brand as two sectors I am passionate about are the Corporate world and the Media
Any final words?
This life is not complex. Understand the dynamics and be ready to pay the price. ENJOY LIFE.
P.S:
*The lácramè, lá passé, lá forgeté theorem: The interviewee used this term to describe the usual cycle of students in many Nigerian Universities who memorize (cram) a lot of things they have been taught in order to pass exams and also, forget all they’ve learnt after writing the exams.
*In a city full of blind men, a one-eyed man is a king: This is a well-known Yoruba proverb.
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DID YOU ENJOY BELLO TOLUWALOPE’S INTERVIEW? READ INTERVIEWS OF OTHER FRESH GRADUATES HERE >>>> #FreshGradTales
#FreshGradTales is a series of interviews for fresh graduates from ALL universities in Nigeria. This initiative aims at hearing and sharing the stories, struggles, achievements and experiences of fresh Nigerian graduates. We do believe everyone has a unique story that someone somewhere would love to read and benefit from reading as well.
If you are a fresh university graduate and would love to share your #FreshGradTales, Orifunke would be glad to hear from you on [email protected]
The Best Thing About Attending University Was The Freedom I Got From My Parents – John White #FreshGradTales
Today on #FreshGradTales, I have the privilege of interviewing John Oyinbo White. John Oyinbo White is a graduate of Chemical Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUTMINNA) who is very interested in business. He is from Kabba in Kogi state, comes from a family of six which includes his parents, elder sister and two younger brothers. Mr White is a Christian and also looks forward to pursuing a career in the lucrative Oil and Gas industry. In this interview, he shares his experiences and achievements as a student, making mention of the best thing about attending university for him.
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How would you describe your journey through the university?
I would describe my journey through the University as interesting and enlightening; the ups and downs, the stress, the laughter, the disappointments, the fun, the failures, the successes, the hard work, the reading (TDB and MTN). They all summed up to become the most interesting and tasking five years of my life.
NB: TDB means “till daybreak” and MTN means “Morning Till Night”
What were the best thing and worst thing about attending your university?
This is a tough one to answer. The best thing would probably be the freedom I got; no mum or dad to Lord it over me. Although with this came some mistakes, I learnt.
The worst thing was the stress, especially from 200 level to 500 level. Gosh!!!!! They don’t pity students in that school, the transport system was bad, we had to queue(very long queues, anyone from FUTMINNA can relate). There were just two ATMs on the campus back then so to withdraw was like hell. You almost had to queue for everything, I can remember back in 2013 when we had to undergo a medical test, my friend (Richmond) and I got to the clinic around 5am and we still met people there. The stress was just too much for 5 years coupled with the harsh weather.
If you had an opportunity to start all over again, would you still pick your university? Why or why not?
I’d still pick the school because asides the stress, FUTMINNA is top notch, especially my department; a very nice one. Plus the school isn’t all that social, hence, fewer distractions.
If you had a second chance as a student, what would you do better?
I would read more books (not academical books though), attend more seminars and be more politically active.
Tell us about your relationships, maybe? (Probably number of times your heart was broken, or times you broke others’ hearts. Or tell us if you found love.)
LOL. I had a couple of crushes but they were nothing serious, didn’t break anyone’s heart in school?. Neither did anyone break my heart. Was just in one serious relationship though, just one. It had a bad ending though.
What challenges did you have as a student? (This could be personal, academic, whatever)
Had challenges combining church, school, politics and business but they were later settled.
Would you say you had any achievements? If yes, what are they?
Yes. Number One achievement was that I bagged my first degree (B.Eng) in Chemical Engineering. Two, I was able to get an organization of mine (specializing in training students in chemical engineering software e.g., HYSYS) and organized a couple of trainings in school. Three, I was the General Secretary of the Nigerian Society of Chemical Engineers (NSChE), Students’ Wing(FUTMINNA chapter), and even received a national merit award from the society’s national body (the students’ wing). I also did some businesses; in some, I lost and in others, there were profits. My business partners being Winner, Richmond and Dyil. All by God’s grace, mercy and Favor.
What advice do you have for those who are still students in other higher institutions and those who are looking at going to school soon?
To the students, I’d say, get your priorities right, set your goals and put in conscious efforts to see them achieved.
To aspirants, I’d say, train yourself to be disciplined and learn to do the right things with or without supervision, learn not to be susceptible to peer-pressure. These should get you prepared for life on campus
Now that you’re a graduate, what’s next for you?
What next?? NYSC definitely, service to my fatherland. After that, I would apply for jobs and for Masters as well as, get myself busy with one or two businesses.
Any final words?
Let’s take the responsibly of building a stronger Nigeria and remember that without God, we’re nothing.
We need God to fulfill purpose and affect lives.
A big thank you to Orifunke for this interview.
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DID YOU ENJOY THIS INTERVIEW? READ INTERVIEWS OF OTHER FRESH GRADUATES HERE >>>> #FreshGradTales
#FreshGradTales is a series of interviews for fresh graduates from ALL universities in Nigeria. This initiative aims at hearing and sharing the stories, struggles, achievements and experiences of fresh Nigerian graduates. We do believe everyone has a unique story that someone somewhere would love to read and benefit from reading as well.
If you are a fresh university graduate and would love to share your #FreshGradTales, Orifunke would be glad to hear from you on [email protected]
