By: Sonaike Peter

The university journey is a complex blend of excitement and challenges. And life afterwards can present its difficulties. Individual choices, mistakes, and each student’s degree of resilience while on campus are a trio of variables that shape each graduate. There are usually no twin graduates of the same makeup. It is the little everyday experiences in life — and what you make of them — that matter most for understanding how personalities change over time. For an average graduate, the experience ranges from fond recollections to struggles with finances, personal turmoil, and tough decisions. It is the swift shift of these experiences that the November convocation ceremony of the University of Ibadan yearly celebrates.

The case can be made that convocation ceremonies are the grandest gatherings at the University of Ibadan. It marks a bittersweet milestone, as graduates celebrate alongside loved ones, and as a ritual ahead of the uncertainty of a new chapter. Donning academic regalia, holding degree scrolls and exchanging ceremonial handshakes, they are enveloped by shadows of memory and glimpses of nostalgia.

Recollections and Rhythms of Campus Life

Favour is one of the recent graduates from the Department of Communication and Language Arts. As a student, he believes that “when you pass through school, let school pass through you”. As an introvert, Favour felt a sting of regret on missed opportunities. Looking back, he recalled not engaging in extracurricular activities, such as witnessing Jar-War competition, pursuing athletic interest, or joining any of the many student clubs on campus.

Favour’s campus life was a canvas of unfulfilled potential. He drifted through his academic journey, never venturing beyond the shores of the classroom. As a communication student, he could have ventured into interning at a radio station but the thrill of journalistic pursuits remained elusive. Given a second chance, Favour acknowledged the need to re-chart his course, by seizing the opportunities that once slipped through his fingers.

Favour looked back on the stressful rounds of final- year clearance he went through; from his hall, then the faculty, and finally his department. A process he considered time-consuming and exhausting. His final sense of freedom he noted made it all worthwhile. Despite being relieved from the weight of academic burden – tests, assignments and exams – life after school has felt monotonous as he misses the daily interactions with friends and the vibrancy of campus life.

While many may subscribe to a view that school is a scam, Favour does not. He feels that his university experience has shaped him in ways he could not have imagined. The silver lining is that the discipline, time management, and knowledge he gained can never be taken away. Those skills are his. “School is never a scam. It is good you have the certificate and education. Put in your best, you will surely see the profit of school,” Favour assured.

Sarah, another graduate from the department of Agricultural Economics had an academic journey that was marked by both triumph and hardship. Admitted to the Department of Agricultural Economics, she faced a profound personal loss. Her father passed away shortly before she began her studies. With no financial support from home, campus life became an overwhelming struggle. There were times when she returned to her hostel empty-handed, having sent countless requests for funds that went unanswered. Sarah had tough times as a student but survived. She learned tailoring, a skill that dished her plates.

Graduating as the best student in her department, Sarah attributed her success to her studies and the support of her friends. “I think one of the best decisions I made on campus was the selection of good friends. They really influenced me to achieve academic feats”. Sarah also recalled considering transferring to the Department of Nursing, where she attended lectures for six weeks in her sophomore year on campus, but only to end up not being admitted. Despite a failed effort to get a transfer to her favorite department, she was able to catch up on her studies in her department, Agricultural Economics, where she had missed lectures for six weeks.

Esther Adegboluwade, a graduate from the Department of Classics, shared with IndyPress her triangular experience of campus life. Her days followed a familiar routine: from the hostel to class and then to church. While this lifestyle provided a sense of stability, it also led to a certain boredom, leaving her trapped in thoughts. Esther faced the challenge of inadequate funds, which often held her back from pursuing her goals. Now, as an unemployed graduate, Esther noted that she was determined to find her way in the competitive job market. To stay productive, she has been taking online classes and exploring other opportunities to expand her skill set.

Esther owned up to being an introvert. “I don’t really have much regret, but I think I could have opened up more opportunities in school. I was an introvert type.” She acknowledged that her introverted nature may have prevented her from fully embracing the opportunities around her, but maintained that she was resolute to move forward, looking for new paths to pursue. Advising the undergraduate students, Esther charged them to “pursue their goals, stay focused and committed to self-improvement.”

Another graduate who spoke about her campus challenges, Funmilayo Abraham, from the Department of Human Nutrition, shared that a lack of proper orientation and guidance left her and many of her peers grappling with stress throughout their time at the university. This deficiency in orientation, particularly regarding admission clearance and other formalities, began in her first year and persisted throughout her academic journey. She recalled how the delays caused by this factor ultimately resulted in setbacks, including a delay in her National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) deployment. “I think one of the challenges I suffered on campus was the fact that there was no adequate information on the necessary things required of us on campus. There was no proper orientation, even since our early years on campus,” she said.

Funmilayo also highlighted the toll that balancing academics with a side hustle during her penultimate and final years took on her. Had it not been for the financial pressures, she would have been able to dedicate herself more fully to her studies. She also recalled how she was affected by the same infrastructural issues that continue to linger and affect students today. These included frequent electricity and water outages, as well as the poor condition of the hostel facilities. She urged the university management to prioritize student welfare, while emphasizing the need for improved formal communication from the management to the students on what is required of them and better living conditions to support students’ academic success.

Abubakar, a graduate of Islamic Studies, found himself in a situation he had not anticipated. While he was still on campus, his graphic design business thrived. Now a graduate, the economic challenges in Nigeria have made it difficult for his business to remain viable. It no longer rakes in enough income. Stuck at home, he feels a sense of boredom. Abubakar recognized the importance of skills beyond academic achievements. While many students may focus on excelling in their studies, he believes that practical skills are just as crucial for navigating the challenges of life.

“Life after school feels monotonous for me. While I was on campus, I was able to earn a good income, but now that I’m at home, I’m confronted with economic challenges, and my work no longer brings food to the table like before ” he said.

From the experiences shared by graduates, there are several valuable lessons, as well as mistakes to avoid. One common issue that stands out is the lack of adequate orientation among students. Funmilayo Abraham’s delay in clearance was a direct result of insufficient information provided by the school management. This highlights the need for universities to improve their communication processes to ensure smooth transitions for students.

Another important takeaway is the tendency among some students to lead an introverted lifestyle. While university is, of course, a place for academic growth, it is equally a space for personal development and networking. Many graduates expressed regret over missing out on opportunities to socialize and build connections. Engaging with peers and faculty can open doors to invaluable information, opportunities, and partnerships that may not be accessible otherwise. Networking is not just about making friends; it is about connecting with people who can impact your future in profound ways.

In addition to academic excellence, it is essential for students to learn practical skills. Sarah, the best graduating student from the Department of Agricultural Economics exemplifies this. A skilled seamstress, her tailoring work became a vital source of income when she was unable to receive financial support from her parents. Her craftsmanship not only helped her meet her needs but also ensured her financial independence during challenging times

Undergraduates should aim to strike a balance between academic focus and social engagement. By actively participating in university life, students can maximize their potential, within or outside classroom shores.