New Post #13

In today this Newsletter

1. My Story so far…..

2. Where the Job at….

My Story so far….. All i can say is Alhamdulillahi

Before we dive into it, here is a brief introduction.

My name is Faruk Adebayo Timilehin, a recent graduate of Banking and Finance from Lagos State Polytechnic. Earlier this week, I decided to write about how far I have come in life, the decisions and choices I have had to make. It is basically my life, starting from my last days in secondary school to my current situation here in Offa, Kwara State, as a Corp Member (Corper).

Growing up, I was one of those children who hardly read but somehow performed well academically. In my secondary school days, if not the best, I was definitely one of the best in my class, and I enjoyed it that way until I failed my WAEC exams. Thankfully, I sat for the NECO exams that same year and passed, though I still scored relatively low compared to my academic performance in past years before the exams. The fact that I took two exams, both of which had unsatisfactory results, brought a reality check to my academic ability. My O’Level exam results affected me for two years; I couldn’t gain admission into the university because my NECO results were low according to the grading system. During those two years, I passed the JAMB exam (UTME) but was unable to scale through UNILAG’s Post-UTME and admission process twice.

Those two years after secondary school were challenging because I saw other people, whom I thought were not better than me academically, successfully navigate admission processes into their desired universities. Many of them scored less compared to my JAMB scores. At some point, I was angry with myself because most of them attended extra lessons to prepare for JAMB, which I didn’t, yet I still scored far better than them. It turned out my O’Level results were just not good enough.

Moving forward, my dad sat me down one night and asked if I would like to move to a polytechnic since I was unable to get admission into a university. I agreed because I didn’t want to sit for the JAMB exam for a third time and didn’t want to stay for another year. For the next few months, I started the admission process and was finally admitted into Lagos State Polytechnic for the National Diploma Program.

By the end of my first semester at the school, I was awarded the certificate for the best student in my department. I wouldn’t say I was the best because my GPA was not exceptionally high; I didn’t make a distinction. It was just a strong Upper Credit, and it happened that I had the highest GPA for that semester. I had a CGPA of 3.47, just 0.03 short of a distinction in a 4.00 grading system.

The next three semesters to conclude my National Diploma program did not turn out the way I expected. My CGPA and academic performance started to drop every semester until I finished the program with 3.33. Although this was still an upper credit, it was a bit far from a distinction. I knew why my grades were dropping but just didn’t pay attention. I was under the mindset that since I didn’t fail any course, there was no need to be concerned; besides, it was just a National Diploma.

After my National Diploma, I was supposed to take part in a one-year internship program before furthering my education, but I didn’t. Instead, I got a job at LAWMA as a Highway Supervisor. It’s also important to note that my dad had business issues before the COVID-19 pandemic, which worsened during the pandemic, so he couldn’t support us financially as before. I come from a family of four boys, and I am the second born.

Getting a job after the National Diploma was what I needed and what the family needed at the time. It meant my parents didn’t have to worry about me financially, and I could contribute in any way I could. A lot happened during the supposed IT year; a friend of mine introduced me to his uncle, and I started running deliveries for him to make extra money in addition to my monthly income.

Later in the year, I had to make the biggest decision of my life so far: choosing between pursuing university admission through direct entry or going for a Higher National Diploma (HND) at LASPOTECH. For direct entry, I met all the basic requirements to be successfully admitted into LASU, but it came at a cost, and there were many factors to consider. After reviewing these factors, I decided to go for the HND at LASPOTECH where I had completed my ND program.

Many factors affected my decision, such as financial support. At that time, going back to school was a personal decision, meaning I would have to handle all expenses, and my family was at its lowest. My parents were struggling to meet the financial needs of my younger siblings, so I was pretty much on my own. I also knew that going to a university would be too expensive for me, especially a state-owned school like LASU, so HND seemed like a better financial option.

Another factor affecting my decision was my work life. I wanted to continue working while going to school because that was the only way I could manage all my expenses. I knew it would be very hard to balance work and school life if I pursued university admission, but it would be possible with the HND program. I knew that way I could maintain a good work and school life balance.

Distance also played a vital role in my decision-making. Moving from home to work and then to school would only be easy if I returned to LASPOTECH. With LASPOTECH, I didn’t have to worry about accommodation because transportation from home to school was straightforward, saving me the extra burden of rent or hostel fees.

Making the decision to choose HND over BSc was hard, and it took me days to finalize it because I kept playing different scenarios in my head. Looking back now, I still can’t determine if I made the right choice, but I know that I have been performing well academically and mentally since then. Would I have done better by choosing university education? I don’t know, but I am a strong believer in God’s plan.

During my HND program, I started on an average note because I had to juggle school and work, which wasn’t easy. I also began the HND program with the same mindset I had during my ND days; I just wanted to pass and not fail any courses. The first semester was ordinary. That changed in the second semester when I achieved my first distinction. The truth is, I didn’t put in much more effort than usual because I still had to deal with work, but I was surprised when the results came out and I saw a distinction. That semester result changed my approach to academics; it encouraged me to do better for the rest of the program, which I did, and I eventually finished my HND program with a distinction, a GPA of 3.57 out of a possible 4.00. I completed my HND program while still working, and I was happy to be able to do both and still succeed.

One thing that helped me during my HND days was my group of friends. They were always concerned about their academic progress. Though they weren’t the best in class, they always wanted more for themselves, which indirectly helped change my mindset towards my studies.

After my HND program ended, I began to have doubts about my HND despite graduating with distinction. One reason is that in Nigeria, people often view HND holders as inferior to BSc degree holders. Publicly, they say we are equals, but behind closed doors, they believe we are beneath BSc degree holders. Gradually, I began to worry and question my decision to choose HND over university education. I started to blame my parents and the factors I considered back then.

I joined a few job platforms, and many job descriptions stated that only BSc degree holders could apply for certain high-end jobs. The more I saw this, the more I downplayed my chances of having a successful career. I tried not to think about it, but it was all I could think about.

A few months after graduation, NYSC registration started, and I registered. I was supposed to join the first batch of the year (Batch A), but NYSC had other plans and moved me to the next batch (Batch B). My plan was to serve in Lagos because of my job, and I had already made arrangements to make it possible. Unfortunately, it didn’t work out. I was moved to Batch B and eventually posted to Kwara State rather than Lagos State, which I had initially planned for.

At first, it felt strange, but everything happens according to God’s plan. I moved to Kwara for my service year and was able to keep my job in Lagos. I only needed to check in every month and make regular calls almost every day to manage work activities, with a fellow supervisor assisting me from time to time. All this was made possible thanks to my Big Mummy, my boss at work, and most importantly, God.

After spending a few months in Kwara State, I had enough time to reflect on how far I have come. I gradually started to accept all the decisions I have made and finally let go of my worries about being an HND holder instead of a BSc degree graduate.

Looking back at every step of the way, I now accept that it was God’s plan for me. From not getting into university immediately after secondary school to pursuing a National Diploma program, getting a job after the program, and finding a flexible job that allowed me to continue my education. Had I been admitted into UNILAG then, I would not have come across this job, and things would have been difficult, especially when my family started going through tough financial times. The job provided me with the opportunity to continue my education after the National Diploma. I also realized

 that if I had continued with the direct entry admission process into LASU, I would have had to quit my job, which would have made things difficult.

Was going back to LASPOTECH for my HND program the best decision? I honestly don’t know, but I am glad I did. I did everything on my own and helped my family in the little way I could. Also, when NYSC moved me to Batch B, I was angry and frustrated, but it turned out to be a good thing. Here in Offa, Kwara State, I didn’t have to worry about rent because a close friend of mine had moved to Offa almost the same time NYSC posted me here for my service year. My PPA was good enough for me, allowing me to take some days off to travel to Lagos and check in at work as agreed.

Looking back at how everything turned out over the past few months, all I can say is Alhamdulillah, because God did it. It’s all part of God’s plan. I currently don’t know what the future holds after NYSC. Am I worried? Yes. But one thing is certain: I will definitely come out on top by God’s grace, Inshallah.

I also still plan to go back to school for a conversion program to obtain a BSc degree. I don’t want to be judged by my HND; I want to be seen as equal or even better, not inferior. Hopefully, Allah grants me all my wishes. Amin.

Where the job at'…….

• Graphic Designer at mDoc Healthcare. Apply Here

• Account Intern at BASSCOMM Nigeria Limited. Apply Here

• Digital Marketing Assistant at earlySTEMer. Apply Here

• Junior / Intern QA Engineer at iRecharge Tech-Innovations Limited. Apply Here

• Administrative Secretary at an Architectural Firm. Apply Here

P.S If the job link redirects you to an email, just attach your CV and Cover Letter, and make the job title the title of the email. Goodluck!!

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I want you to always remember, You share. I listen 😉 .

Best, Faruk Adebayo