“In My 400Level, I Regretted Being Too Serious With My Academics”- Imisioluwa #FreshGradTales
Hey there!!! Welcome to another episode of #FreshGradTales. If you’re visiting for the first time, FreshGradTales is a series of interviews with fresh graduates from universities across Nigeria. Today, I have the pleasure of sharing one of the thrilling interviews with fresh graduates that I have had. I enjoyed every bit of it! He is Owonikoko Lekan Joseph (Imisioluwa), a fresh graduate from the department of Music, Obafemi Awolowo University. Enjoy the interview as much as I enjoyed it. ?
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Why did you come to OAU?
First, interestingly, was because OAU went on strike regularly and that was going to work very well for me. I was going to need all the time to be able to do so many other things while in school and OAU was just perfect. Second reason why I came to OAU was because I was changing from the Sciences to do Music so I needed a school that could accommodate my O’levels. Then I wanted OAU because I was hoping I could be influenced with indigenous African Music. I really wanted to do African music.
Where did the love for music start from? What influenced it?
I believe every individual is wired in certain ways. I didn’t choose it (Music), I found out that I was just in love with it. I was particularly in love with how music affects the mind- the interactions between people and music and I saw it as a tool to influence people. I’ve always been around music but I didn’t always want to study Music because I didn’t think it was necessary.
Could you explain what your journey in OAU was like?
After my final exam, someone asked me how it felt to be a graduate. The first thing I said was that I felt cheated. I think Nigeria’s version of western education is highly overrated. The problem is not with education but the way we have been doing it overtime. So my journey in OAU has really not been too interesting in terms of the academics. I think I lost interest in the entire school thing after my first semester, part one. I realized that the school was not preparing me for what I wanted to be but for what my lecturers thought I should be. In my 400L, I regetted being too serious with my academics. It wasn’t until 300L that I began to do some other important things.
What were the “other important things” you started doing in 300L?
They were still part of music but were not core academic music. In 300L, I started an NGO- Music for Development- and the goal was to use music as a tool for social change. In 2015, we had our independence month which was to preach a message of responsibility to the youths to stop asking the system to necessarily change before we change. The next year, we did the Girl-Child Concert which was also in October and that was to advocate against rape, violence and harassment.
What were the challenges you faced?
The fact that the university is not equipped for what we are learning. Our lecturers also know that something is wrong with the system but they say there’s nothing they can do.
Any mistakes or regrets?
I didn’t do politics earlier. I contested for presidency in my part 3 but I stepped down. Looking back now, I should just have continued. A lot of people have not forgiven me for that.
So, what next?
For me, what next is not what next but a continuation of what has always been. I’ve always been an advocate of “If you are still waiting to graduate then you are late already” so there are a lot of things that I have been test-running. I’ll launch out now but it’s still around music. It’s time to solidify my NGO. I really want to be a music business entrepreneur.
Any words for students?
Understand who you are. Know that the world has changed and is changing rapidly. The system that held the former generation nay not necessarily work for us. We must open ourselves up to the possibilities of this generation because our children will take no excuses. If you need to read your books, read. Know who you are, know where you’re going and be bold enough to take steps to get there.
Thank you very much, Mr Imisioluwa. I have had a pleasant time speaking with you.
I’m very honoured. Thank you.
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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]
“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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