Anyone who went through the academic system of Nigerian university will know it is not an easy journey. It comes with chronic stress and lots of challenges. One fond memory that always brings a smile to my face is the day I signed out of the university.
That joy of completing my studies without any issue or extra year in the university is one thing that brings a huge smile to my face. That day I wrote the last paper was one filled with so much excitement, relief, sense of confidence and unforgettable memories and experiences.
The experiences I had in the university weren't easy due to the unstructured educational system, from incessant strikes which disrupted and made me stay longer than required, the everyday trouble with lecturers on late submission of assignments, no make-up tests, and examinations.
The whole coming stepping into a classroom to find out there is no space to sit could be very exhausting. It was indeed something I felt happy overcoming and conquering. I know of so many people that dropped out due to one obstacle they couldn't overcome.
I know how many years I spent at home because of teaching and non teaching staff went on strike. The overall crowded learning classroom is not something to write home about. Staying in a crowded environment that is not conducive can impaired one's learning and listening. All these contributes to poor-quality education such as a lecturer comes to the classroom and runs out in less than an hour because he or she is sweating profusely.
Being able to overcome those struggles and signing out with others is something that when I reflect on everything makes me smile. I did had moments when I felt like not going for lectures, unprepared for tests and examination, standing up to leave the hall because it wasn't comfortable anymore. Seriously, there were moments I wished I could just stop and get a certificate for where I could attain, but the knowledge that that can't happen left me with no choice.
This memory is a crucial one to me because of what I'm able to achieve at last, the experiences, knowledge and that spirit to persevere amidst the adversity. Having my friends and colleagues signed on my dress gave me that sense of accomplishment and the support my family showed me from the beginning of my journey till the last minute also contributed.
I still remember what happened when I got home that evening. I didn't expect that from my family; I have a family that hardly celebrate anything, they don't see the importance of throwing money on celebration. My thought was since they didn't come to sign on me, mere congratulations when I get home would sum up the sign out but they proved me wrong that day. my brother broke the camel's back, he took everyone for an outing. The outing was filled with so much laughter and joy. I can't recall if we have had such a time since after December 2021 it occurred.
That togetherness with my loved ones meant so much and brings so much smile to my face whenever the whole idea of signing out comes to my mind. Apart from the togetherness and happiness, knowing it's an open door to a new phase for me to explore other tougher academic journeys make me ready to embrace other aspects of my endeavors.