“I Am Glad I Studied Yoruba”- Akintujoye Ayomidotun Daniel #FreshGradTales
Akintujoye Ayomidotun Daniel is a graduate of Linguistics and African Languages (Yoruba) from the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria. He is a Language expert and a music instructor with a keen interest in stage performances. He leads a worship ministry “TWM” and a Gospel Owanbe Music band called The King’s Kousans.
You studied Yoruba as an undergraduate. Why Yoruba of all courses?
Hmmmm….. Bẹ́ẹ̀ làá bini o…I applied for LAW but was offered Yoruba due to my low performance in the entrance exams.
What were the major challenges you encountered in studying the course and as an undergraduate generally?
The course has a very broad scope of study because it involves language, culture and literature. One problem I had at the initial stage was that I couldn’t speak, write well, and I was not familiar with some Yoruba cultural materials. Many of the things we did would have been quite easier if we were born when the value of the Yoruba culture and traditions were standard.
How were you able to overcome these academic challenges and outside academics did you encounter other challenges?
The challenges disappeared gradually as I related more with the course. I also got to know more through research. I also had a little financial challenge. I was unable to afford a lot of books. It was not a limitation though, as I was able to get all the important materials even if they were photocopies.
Did you at any point feel intimidated studying Yoruba, and how were you able to deal with people’s reactions whenever you told them your field of study?
When I first saw the course on my portal, I went to the living room and acted like a Yoruba newscaster, then I told the house I had been offered Yoruba. I didn’t feel intimidated at all. I talk about it everywhere even before people dig into it. I’m proud to have studied the course.
I understand you play various instruments and you also sing. How were you able to balance academics and attending to invitations to minister?
That was really demanding then. There were times I arrived from ministrations a night before exams. The truth is: I don’t know how I coped. I didn’t always read so much. What I did was to pay attention to details in class. I had very little notes although I never went for exams and tests unprepared.
If you have/had so much passion for music, why didn’t you put in to study music?
I didn’t want to focus on making money with music. If I had studied music, I would have had to make money with it by all means.
If you were given the opportunity to start over as an undergraduate, what are the things you think you will correct or do better than you did at first?
Few. I actually did a lot as an undergraduate. What I didn’t do was enough business ?. I would do more if I have the chance now.
So did you have a bae on campus and if yes how were you able to balance being in a relationship and academics, was it a distraction or an advantage?
(Smiles) I got committed to a relationship towards the end of my part 2?. It was no joke at all. It had advantages and disadvantages though. Bae always took care of me, even after programs late in the night. Thank God there are no night rules as such in OAU. So I made up for seeing Bae at nights. When I have early morning classes, I leave Bae on time. ?
Asides having your degree In Yoruba, what other things did you gain as an undergraduate and if your certificate was taken from you, how do you know you have what it takes to survive the outside world?
This is a big question o. Music, itself, is enough empowerment for me. I did a bit of politics then too. Plus I am a big-time thinker and man of different talents; I don’t need a degree to be the best of myself. I needed to be at the University anyways.
What are the moments or things you would miss about OAU?
I will miss the worship attitude of OAU, I will miss the ‘Arò’. I will miss my funny lecturers. OAU is such an interesting place to be generally.
Now that you are done with school, what’s next in line?
I’m waiting for mobilization. While I wait I’m doing some business, serving, teaching and taking up an internship.
What advice do you have for undergraduates and those aspiring to get into the university?
The University education on its own will not give them all they need to survive on the outside. Everyone should work on having something tangible to offer the world. Build capacity, and be versatile. Don’t concentrate on academics alone?, get involved in other life-changing activities on campus. Above all, get God ?.
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DID YOU ENJOY DANIEL’S INTERVIEW? READ INTERVIEWS OF OTHER FRESH GRADUATES HERE >>>> #FreshGradTales
#FreshGradTales is a series of interviews with 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, we would be glad to hear from you on [email protected]
Also follow us on Instagram: @Freshgradtales
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This interview was conducted by Deborah Bamgbose, a final year student of English, Obafemi Awolowo University. Deborah is a lover of God, words and good food. She doubles as a baker of cakes and snacks.
Tunde TNT On #FreshGradTales, Talks About Journey As A Studentpreneur
Our guest for today’s episode of #FreshGradTales is Morolari Babatunde Oluwaseyi (popularly known as Tunde TNT), a graduate of Psychology, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. He is a Fashion and Graphics Designer. He is also the CEO of Tunde TNT INC, a brand he started in 2012 and which has gotten him a couple of nominations and recognition. He has won awards including the Ace Awards Entrepreneur of the Year and OYA Awards 2015 Outstanding Fashion Designer of the year.
How would you describe your journey through the university?
My journey through school was a beautiful experience. Most especially, I learnt a great deal on every level academically, socially etc. I met great people while in school and made connections that would surely affect the future positively, I started a number of brands and businesses and helped people in my own capacity to grow and achieve their dreams.
Why OAU of all schools? Why not some other school?
Well, typically, I had my secondary education in Ogun State, and we mostly had desires to go to the great citadel of learning, OAU. lol
Talking about being a fashion designer, at what point in your life did you start? What inspired you to go into fashion designing?
Well I started off as a graphics designer when I was as young as 10, and I practised all through till I got into uni and then getting into university, I designed one of the most popular shirts around, tagged “IREP Oba Awon University”. I decided to print the shirts and sell and that’s how it all started. My mom actually is a fashion designer, so I started to learn sewing and designing from her before I got proper training later on.
On your IG, you mentioned that you spent six years in OAU, is this a story you would like to tell us? What happened? How did it feel?
Hmmmm, it’s a long story which I would still write about in a blog or so. But basically, I got into school to study Bsc Food engineering and along the line, after almost 3 years, I had to cross to psychology, because food engineering didn’t permit me the time to live my fashion x graphics dream. Inclusive of all the time spent on strikes and all of that.
How were you able to merge being an excellent fashion designer with your academics? Was there a point where you felt that school wasn’t important, after all?
Merging for me was quite difficult when I was in Tech, mixing food engineering and being a Fashion x Graphics designer was way difficult. But I usually tell people, if you want to be a successful student entrepreneur, your career choice has to sync with your course of choice, trust me it makes it way easier.
What were the greatest mistakes you made as a student?
My greatest mistake for me would be accepting to study food engineering in the first place, I actually put in for Computer Science with Economics. I really didn’t want to go to a university, always wanted a creative school, but we don’t do that around here and going abroad wasn’t coming through for me at that time.
What particular moment did you have as a student that you will never forget all your life?
Hmmmm, well, I really cherish moments a lot and I have a lot of cherished moments like when I first got a major class shirt to design and produce, my first award moments, moments with close friends and all of that.
Tell us about your relationships, maybe?
In a relationship. Been in it for almost four years, I won’t really say I was heartbroken or broke anyone’s heart.
What challenges did you have as a student who was an entrepreneur?
Major challenges were when my brand started gaining grounds outside Ife so I had to do a lot of travelling. There was this particular day I had to travel to Lagos and come back the same day. Because I had a test the next day, this was kind of challenging. Balancing school work and career work too was another challenge, doing business with students sometimes too can be funny, especially in a community like OAU where they want the best quality for the cheapest amount ever.
What advice do you have for those who are still students in higher institutions and those who are looking at going to school soon?
My advice is, study a course that makes you happy, when you are in school, be focused, have fun, met people, keep the right relationships and live life to the fullest, enjoy every bit of it.
Now that you’re a graduate, what’s next for you?
Well, I would first be getting a job with an ad agency or media firm and freelancing for fashion brands while still running my brand (Tunde TNT INC) after which I would be doing short courses in fashion & graphic designing in a creative institution abroad and when I am back, would run my brand fully.
Any final words?
I believe that creativity is inventing, experimenting, growing, taking risks, breaking rules, making mistakes and having fun, cherish the right relationships, go out, travel if you can, learn new stuff, help everyone you can and love God!
Credit: Google
More About Tunde TNT:
In the university, Tunde became a brand ambassador for Nokia. He had previously worked at Neo-2 & Next Generation Image as a Graphic artist where he was involved with high-end graphics and multimedia for brands like MTN, Etisalat, and Banner Gas among others. He has participated in fashion shows like; Mr Ideal Nigeria Style Show, Unveiled Fashion Show, Miss Omolewa, Asabi Style Show, The Lagos Wardrobe and Exhibition, The Royal Fashion Show among others. He was on the graphics team for the 14th edition of Y! Magazine, also designed BlacknBold’s Falz edition magazine.
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DID YOU ENJOY TUNDE’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]
You Can’t Graduate From UNILAG And Not Have Sense – Damilola Ajani #FreshGradTales
Hello, everybody. Thank you for joining us today of #FreshGradTales. Today, I am very pleased to have Damilola Ajani, a fresh graduate of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) and he studied Materials Engineering. From his interview, though, you can easily tell that this is one of those people who really love UNILAG. Loool. But you will learn one or two things from his interview and I do hope you enjoy it. Don’t forget to drop your comments when you’re done.
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How would you describe your journey through the university?
It was terrible, in fact, horrible! I titled my Faculty, “A prison yard”. We didn’t do interesting things; No parties, no clubbing. (Laughs) I don’t like those though. But really, my journey throughout the university was no fun at all.
What were the best thing and worst thing about attending your university?
The best thing about my university is the same thing I do tell people. One thing I’m sure about UNILAG is; once you miss it academically, you’d use your talents to be great. It’s a platform where you can showcase what you love. UNILAG is a school you can be and make money if only you’re smart. I don’t think there’s any worst thing about my university.
If you had an opportunity to start all over again, would you still pick your university? Why or why not?
Yeah! Yeah!! Yeah!!! I would pick my university over and over again but I will never choose any course relating to Engineering?. If I hear anything Engineering, I will japa (run away). I would choose UNILAG again because it’s a school where you’ll improve academically and socially. Besides, You can’t be a graduate of UNILAG and not have sense (not make money)… Laelae (Not at all)!
If you had a second chance as a student, what would you do better?
Ehhhh, If I had another chance as a student, I would learn and perfect my photography skills or learn Tailoring. And I’ll just make money and create perfect awareness in school.
What did you learn most from being a student in your university?
I learnt so many things… First was how to dress well. You can be intelligent and make sense simultaneously. This is obviously what all UNILAG students possess. I learnt how to relate well with people. I discovered it’s only your attitude that can make you remain at the top, not your certificate.
Tell us about your relationships, maybe?
I dated one very fair and beautiful lady before entering the university. That was my first relationship and we dated till I got to my second year. I guess I wasn’t giving her what she wanted?(you don’t need to know that) so she broke up with me because of that and it affected me academically a bit. I had the worst G.P that semester. I don’t break ladies’ hearts, I fear God?.
What challenges did you have as a student?
The only challenge I faced in school was the funds aspect. I used to leave school for work when classes were going on. I did all kind of jobs as a man to feed myself and get materials for subsequent weeks in school. So, it affected me a bit too.
How were you able to combine having a side-hustle with your academics?
I must confess it wasn’t good. I wish I had a choice but I just had to do it.
Do you think you would have graduated with a better grade than you did if you didn’t have to work alongside schooling?
Yes, I would have. I’d have had more time to read assiduously and rest better.
Would you say you had any achievements? If yes, what are they?
Yes! I was exposed to a lot of things; I did a lot of certification programming while in school and I met the best set of people in UNILAG.
What advice do you have for those who are still students in higher institutions and those who are looking at going to school soon?
Focus and be Determined. When I was in 300 level, I had written my letter of deferment already because I was extremely tired of school. But I was determined to keep going and finish it at once and I was focused too. For the soon-to-be students, acquire skills before entering school. It would help you a lot in school. Add skills to the certificate you’re pursuing. Get professional certificates for any skills you acquire, it might be relating to your field of study or not.
Now that you’re a graduate, what’s next for you?
Now that I’m a graduate, the next step is to make money; Cool money, travel all over the world, get married and have sex?
Any final words?
Whatever you do, be good at it because one day, your knowledge will be challenged and only the studious will not fall victims.
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#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.
READ INTERVIEWS OF OTHER FRESH GRADUATES ON THE BLOG HERE: #FreshGradTales
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]
In 300L, I Had To Do Part-Time Jobs To Survive – Kemi Farinde
Hello, dear readers! Welcome to today’s session of the #FreshGradTales. Today, we have a young beautiful lady who I have spoken with and really do admire. I’d refer to her as a woman of strength and ambition. Her name is Kemi Farinde and she is a graduate of the Building department, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. She currently works with a company where she is practising as a builder. And lest I forget, she actually served as the president of her department in her final year on Campus. I do know you would enjoy this.
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How would you describe your journey through the university?
First, I would like to say thank you, Orifunke Lawal, for the beautiful job you are doing on this platform.
My journey on campus was tiring and stressful but sweeeettttt, fun and challenging. Every experience was worth it, truthfully speaking.
If you had an opportunity to start all over again, would you still pick your university? Why or why not?
Lol, no oooo…ah, I would love to experience other institutions, their calendar, standards and all.
Tell us about your relationships, maybe?
I have had two relationships. The first one was for over five years while the second was for eight months. I am turned off from relationships presently. I just want to invest all my energy in myself and anything that concerns me asides relationship. When the right person comes, then I can be in one. But right now?, my dear, NO.
My experience has been bad. In my first relationship, we shared different values and he was violent. The second one broke up with me because I bought ordinary 4,500naira weavon with my freaking money and he assumed I spent lavishly. And then his senses got awakened that I do social media too much.
What challenges did you have as a student?
Challenges? I had a whole lot of them. Was it the part where I had to sleep in classrooms because I had no accommodation in part two? Abi the part that my G.P dropped drastically in part 3 because I was carried away by different part-time jobs that I had to do to survive, and lots more. But see ehn, all those things never weakened me, instead, I saw them as opportunities to perform excellently; which I did.
Would you say you had any achievements? If yes, what are they?
Oh yes, I did. I led my department as the President for a session and it was awesomeeee. I understood what it felt like to starve, I understood what it felt like to be faced with challenges above, so I ensured the students didn’t have to go through those things. Life was easy for them, but it wasn’t for me. We were able to provide welfare packages for students, visitation, packages worth more than their dues, a talk show with free food (smiles). We were able to raise enough funds (a’int telling you guys how much), we bought a printer, concrete mixer and poker vibrator for the department, we renovated the studios, we gave all our lecturers packages and the week was awesome.
Oh, and despite all my travelling and “Joyful Noise” (my fellowship’s anniversary), I still finished with a 2.1.
What advice do you have for those who are still students in higher institutions and those who are looking at going to school soon?
See, you need to have a passion before you can even cope. Your passion drives you, it motivates you personally. Don’t ever be distracted nor disappointed in yourself. If you know you have failed then strive not to fail again. Talk to people. Your ego and silence won’t help anyone in the end, my dear. Walkaway from people with bad testimonies . You can do alllllll things, that’s what the scriptures say.
Any final words?
Keep believing in yourself. You are not limited by anything. Know your weaknesses, your strength and never settle for less. You don’t even know all you can do except you try. Don’t walk alone. And never stop loving God. In the beginning and the end, it’s still God. But don’t leave God with all and be sleeping… Lol, you are on a jonzing things o. I wish you nothing but God’s best. Soar!!!
Thanks, Miss Orifunke Lawal. God bless you and keep being an impact. Let’s stay blessed.
I remain Farinde Kemi And I am a Builder.
I Tried Being In A Relationship in 300L, 400L and 500L With The Same Girl But She Refused ~ Dipo #FreshGradTales
#FreshGradTales is here again and well, I am as excited as you are (or should be). Today, I have Olaitan Dipo being featured on #FreshGradTales. Dipo is a fresh graduate from the Federal University of Technology, Minna, Niger State (FUTMINNA) and he studied Chemical Engineering. The young graduate who hails from Kwara State is the only child of his parents and loves to watch movies, read and gist with friends.
Do enjoy his interview and do not forget to share after you’re done with reading. Thank you.
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How would you describe your journey through the university?
I would describe my journey through the University as a great one with loads of experience from friends and from the environment.
What were the best thing and worst thing about attending your university?
The best thing for me about attending the University was the freedom you get when you leave home; you don’t have anyone to control you. The worst for me was having to deal with different kinds of people especially roommates, lecturers and sometimes the courses themselves
If you had an opportunity to start all over again, would you still pick your university? Why or why not?
I would not, because of the stress I have to pass through to get to the University and the distance from my home (Lagos) to Minna due to bad roads as well as considering conditions such as light issues we experienced outside the campus because of the number of limited hostels we had in the University.
Imagine you had a second chance as a student, what would you do better?
If I had a second chance as a student, I would plan my life better than before. I would make more inquiries about the course I want to study. In details, what I mean is that I won’t go for Chemical Engineering. Although I planned to study Computer Engineering, along the line, I applied for Chemical Engineering.
What did you learn most from being a student in your university?
What I learnt most was how to accommodate different kinds people (their behaviours) and also learning to relate well when meeting people for the first time. I didn’t relate with people well in secondary school when meeting them for the first time until I had known them very well and this affected my relationship with my level mates in 100L.
Tell us about your relationships, maybe?
Actually, for relationships, they did not work out for me. I tried being in a relationship in 300, 400 and 500L with the same girl but she refused.
What challenges did you have as a student? (This could be personal, academic, whatever)
The challenge I had as a student was mainly the problem of mentoring. I had nobody to guide me and that was actually my fault because I kept a lot of things to myself.
Now that you’re a graduate, what’s next for you?
The next is to launch into the labour market (Lol). But before then, I would love to acquire some skills such as programming and leadership skills.
Any final words?
Yes, I want to say a big thank you to Orifunke for this great opportunity. God bless you ma.
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#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 Recognized The Issue Of Boyfriend-Girlfriend As A Potential Unwanted Distraction.”- Kehinde Martin #FreshGradTales
Hello! Welcome to #FreshGradTales ??? Today, we have an interview with Mr Kehinde Martin who is a fresh graduate from the department of Geography, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. Kehinde Martin hails from Ikakumo Akoko in Ondo State and is the last born of a family of six and enjoys football and reading. I am sure you definitely would enjoy his interview.
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How has OAU been for you from Part One till now?
Let me begin. I started as a Science student before I transferred to the Social Sciences due to some circumstances. In spite of this, OAU is a school that taught me real life issues. I would say the journey from Part One till now has been challenging, full of ups and downs. The OAU sojourn has moulded me to be a better version of me
Having to cross from the sciences to a department you didn’t have any intention to study in the first place, what did it feel like at first?
I would say it was very difficult at first, psychologically, most especially. I found it quite difficult to acclimatize myself to my new department but the support of my dad and siblings was there for me. I told myself I needed to mix and feel at home, which the Lord helped me to do.
All right. Are there any experiences you wouldn’t forget in a long while that you faced on campus- whether good, bad, funny or embarrassing?
Yeah.. There was this terrible illness I had in 2012, November to be precise. The intervention of God and a family friend ensured that I came through it unscathed. I had a lot of good experiences too, but I wouldn’t forget the day Dr. OLAPOJU called my name in GPY202 class (Economic Geography) and announced that I had the best score in GPY 201. I saved the date in my diary… *laughs*
Were you in any relationship(s)?
Nope. Not on OAU campus anyway.
Really, Why?
Lol..I didn’t have any before I left Geology. Getting to Geography, a new department, a new opportunity to start everything afresh, I recognized the issue of boyfriend-girlfriend as a potential unwanted distraction.
Could you share some of the life lessons OAU taught you with us?
Like I have earlier said, OAU is a school that has taught me many things. Discipline is an important lesson OAU has taught me. Maintaining a balance with the stressful demands of academics, spiritual activities and social life requires a huge discipline. Nothing comes easy in OAU. With this, the school has taught me to be strong mentally and always be prepared for anything. I do say that if you can survive OAU with all her trouble, thriving the outside world shouldn’t be much of a problem.
Any words of advice for current students?
A wise man once said, “Greatness is never achieved by never falling but by rising each time we fall”. Every successful person out there has had their own moment of real darkness too but what distinguished them eventually is their tenacity, doggedness and never-say-die attitude. To the current students of Geography and OAU at large, I would advise they shouldn’t let go of their academic dream and aspirations come what may. You will have challenges, for sure, but your ingenuity in turning your challenges to blessings and stepping stones to success will eventually define you. OAU will shake and almost break you, but never give up because all these will eventually make you.
Thank you, Mr Martin. Any final words, requests or shoutouts?
My shout out goes to my classmates- the Eximius class of 2016, my friend Oliyide Olushesi and other people who in one way or the other have helped made my OAU journey a success. I say God bless you all. Thanks.
Thank you very much for the time.
I really appreciate you too ma’am. You are always welcome.
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#FreshGradTales is a series of interviews for fresh graduates from ALL universities in Nigeria. If you are a fresh university graduate and would love to share your stories and experiences, get in touch via WhatsApp (08184908965) or send a mail to [email protected]
“Going to class drained me so I’d rather stay in my room, photocopy notes and write exams”- Oyinlola #FreshGradTales
Hello, dear reader. Thank you for joining us on #FreshGradTales! Today, we have a charming lady whose words would sweep you off your feet. I had a great time interviewing her and I am sure you will have an equally great time reading her interview.
She is Oyinlola Akindele, a fresh graduate from the department of English, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. Do enjoy the interview and don’t forget to follow the blog after.
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So, tell us, what was the motive behind studying English in OAU?
Well, I had always thought I was meant to study law. It’s funny I bred the thought for so long. My parents wanted it enough to make me believe I wanted it too. But ironically, I filled in for English in OAU and had a cut off with which I would have been admitted for Law in OAU without questions. However, having chosen English, I realised I was meant to be here all the while. You know, the mere fact that I love to be expressive is enough. Let me say, there was no motive behind me studying English. The fear that I won’t make the cut off for Law was the motive, funny enough.
Oh. Great! Considering that your parents really wanted you to study Law, what was their response to you deciding to study English?
That’s quite huge. My mom got the picture quite fast, that this last born of hers wasn’t interested in studying Law anymore. She never read my posts and works online, but she heard from family so she was encouraged to make me continue. However, my dad always thought I would cross to Law. It took me time to tell him I wasn’t interested in the Law thing anymore. I think I told him when I was in part two. He was quite disappointed, I guess. And if I tell you he’s over it, I would be lying. Still having that crush for Law somewhere in his heart…turned out his last hope for having a lawyer in the family bailed out on him. *smiles*
Hmm. Interesting. So, tell us, which level did you like best and why? And which level do you dislike most and why?
Hahah. That’s a huge one now. I think I disliked my first year most. Not think, I definitely did. I had no friends, practically had no one to talk to. My roommates were all stalites, and the only freshman in my room, was an ex-predite. So, she had lots of friends and would leave the room early, only to return late in the night. My class? About 500 strangers were there. All looking too fancy and glossy for a mummy’s girl like me to mix with. It was too boring. Church? I felt I wasn’t welcome too at the time. Now, I realise that I didn’t make myself at home, that’s why I was so alone everywhere. But well, it got better at the end, had two friends, Toluwa and Eniola, and life got better afterwards.
The best? No doubt it’s my 400 level. I get to be a finalist, yipee! I get to stop being a church executive, yipee! And I get to brag to a lot of people, double yipee! Anyway, that’s just on a lighter mood. I loved my fourth year on campus because it was an avenue for me to be listened to, at home. Now, my plans get to be skyrocketed. And a new life gets closer. And my friends made it the best, it’s the best level ever. Shout out to them all.
If you had the opportunity to start all over again in OAU, what would you do better?
I’d create better relationships with people, in the department, in church and with even my lecturers. Relationships rule the world. I’d create better connections with people that are worth it, right from my year one. Then I’d join a lot of associations, and not let church take that from me. You know, weigh balance between church and associations. The major thing is the relationships, it’s the one thing I regret starting to build late.
I’ve heard on several occasions that OAU lecturers really hit students down on grades. Would you advise anyone to still come to OAU knowing that?
Of course, let them come. I only know what OAU lecturers do because I was once there. It might be worse elsewhere. If you have a good reason to study in OAU, just do it, irrespective of the lecturers.
Tell us about the challenges you faced while being a student.
The major thing was my health. My health was quite stable until towards the end of my first year when I developed issues with it. At some point, before the resumption of my second year, I considered taking a leave of absence, but I didn’t anyway. It was always coming on and off. It’s the major challenge that I had on OAU campus. At some point, I consciously stopped attending classes. I didn’t mind the unserious stares people were passing at me. Going to class drained me, so I’d rather stay in my room, photocopy notes, and write exams. Anything for me to maintain my stability.
Doing a personal review, what’s that one thing OAU taught you that would stick with you for the rest of your life?
It taught me that nothing is gotten on a platter of gold, you gotta work for it. You work to get everything. Then it taught me the essence of relationships; when you relate right, you remain right. Right relationships can get you everything. If you’ve ever struggled with bedspace, you’ll know that. Finally, never compromise. Compromising always makes you eventually become a liability to yourself. Oh, lest I forget, be nice. People always meet again.
Noteworthy. Uhmmm, is there anything I have missed out that you think we should know? Anything?
Well, is there? I don’t think so. I just have to say this. That, English Department is quite interesting and challenging. So, whoever breaks that above 20 year old first class jinx, s/he deserves a portion of my fourth salary. Salary 1-3 is already booked. Smiles.
Haha hahaha. ??? Any final words?
Enjoy yourself as an undergraduate. Don’t suck all the fun in. And have good grades. But don’t let your primary purpose on campus be academics. Let your primary purpose be to discover purpose. Else, you’re gonna graduate with no answer to the general question, “what’s next?”. Trust me, even the canteen waiter will ask you that.
Thank you very much, Miss Oyinlola. It’s been an awesome time with you ?
It’s been an honour here too, Miss Orifunke.
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#FreshGradTales is a series of interviews for fresh graduates from ALL universities in Nigeria. If you are a fresh university graduate and would love to share your stories and experiences, get in touch via WhatsApp (08184908965) or send a mail to [email protected]
“One of the Challenges I faced on OAU Campus was financial- it was really a struggle”- Bolanle on #FreshGradTales
Hello. My name is Orifunke Lawal and right here with me is a fresh graduate of OAU. This is our first episode of #FreshGradTales. Can we meet you?
I am Benjamin Omobolanle, a graduate of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development and it’s been a wonderful time on OAU campus. Nice meeting you, Orifunke.
So, how has it been on OAU Campus? I’d like to know your challenges and your achievements. Or rather, what were the challenges you faced while on campus?
One of the challenges I faced on campus was a financial challenge. It’s really been a struggle, financially. Another challenge I faced was an academic challenge in part one. However, this reduced with increase in level and better orientation and enlightenment. Another challenge I had was with relationships but as time went on, the “learning and culture” in OAU came on.
What would you say have been your achievements so far?
Okay, yes, one major achievement for me was acquiring leadership skills, the ability to bear responsibilities that do not look like they are possible but which were achieved with great people and God. Another was the ability to cherish relationships, get connected with people and network with them.
You mentioned leadership skills, was there a time when you had the opportunity to lead? Or were they just things you learnt by reading books?
Yeah, I had the opportunity to take up a leadership position in my religious association and in my department, specifically my class (being a group leader by virtue of lecturers’ interest). And then others are things from books.
Was there anytime where you felt like you just wanted to leave OAU?
Sure! *laughs* There were times I began to count down and I was like, “God, when am I going to finish?”
Would you say, “Thank You, OAU”?
I’d say “Thank You, OAU” because I have been able to meet people I would never have met and I may not have known what I actually know now.
What words do you have for OAU students at large?
PLAN. Don’t get “gutted” (laughs) like when you get to your final year and have to start asking, “What have I done with my life?”. Start planning. And it is not too late to plan even if you are a fresh graduate. Planning is the watchword of a leader.
Thank you very much. It’s been very nice speaking with you. Have a nice time outside OAU.
Thank you.
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Thank you for reading.
#FreshGradTales is a project specifically for fresh graduates of Obafemi Awolowo University. This initiative aims at knowing the various stories and experiences that fresh graduates of OAU have to tell to the world.
Are you a fresh graduate of OAU and would love to be featured on #FreshGradTales? Then, WhatsApp 08184908965 or mail [email protected] to schedule an offline or online interview. Share with someone who should see this too.
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