I do not even know when I would be taking these examinations. I am at the mercy of government and ASUU, whenever they choose to resolve the crisis. As uninspiring as these sounds, I still have to read. God, forbid I spill over.
But do you know what the bigger question is? Even much bigger than when would ASUU call off strike? It is what happens to me after I graduate? God bless Professor Umar Pate, the Head of Department Mass Communication University of Maiduguri who is a visiting lecturer to BUK. His valedictory lecture on bracing up for life after graduation still resonates in my head. The fact that unemployment is a reality in Nigeria was the core of his message.
During this strike, I have been asking myself: "Am I ready to be a graduate?" Remember, being a graduate is not simply spending four or five years in a university and coming out with a grade. Still, it is not assuming that your first class or second class honors would guarantee you automatic employment. The reality is, am I armed and prepared to make a difference in the labour market? So my fellow final year students please use this strike to reflect on how your life would be spent after graduation. After this academic turbulence, I definitely do not want to go through another hassle after graduation.
When I started school, I was made to believe that the minimum of second class honours will get me a good job. Although I aimed higher as the competition for employment got tougher, it became obvious a lower grade holder has no space in the labour market. Right now, a first class holder has to work his socks off to get a manageable employment.
Now the bar has been raised high. It is graduates with masters or PHDs that have an upper hand in the employment market. Prof Pate says he is yet to see a masters degree holder without good employment.
Reminiscing about my time in the university, my first year was somewhat difficult been a fresher. The zillion lectures and assignments were very grueling. But my third academic year was very scary, I felt like throwing in the towel. This is when theoretical and practical work intensifies. The climax was my birthday. Mark you, I did not celebrate or anything. That day I went out to continue the process of getting our mandatory newspaper published. I was on a motorcycle when heavy rain started to fall. In the twinkle of an eye I was drenched. I felt so frustrated that day. But I had a good ironic laugh much later when I got a text wishing me a happy birthday and saying hope I enjoyed my day and had fun.
All hope is not lost; I want my fellow colleagues to understand that government is not the only provider of employment. The major issue with our graduates is that they always wait to get employed by one organization or the other. We never think of employing ourselves. There is the need to do a soul searching to find that unique talent which can stand you out. A friend of mine would always say, "your brain is your money." There is always something meaningful to make out of your life. I want to leave you with these inspiring words from Bill Gates, one of the richest men in the world. He said: "I am not the best student in college, the best student works with Microsoft, I own Microsoft."
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