Aminat Balogun
Mariam Omomolade Olayiwola, a digital strategist, still remembers the tough decision she had to make during her undergraduate days. She initially studied Biochemistry but later realized her passion lay elsewhere. After reaching 300 level, she made a bold move switching to Mass Communication, a course that resonated with her interests. However, this transition came at a cost, as she had to start over from 200 level, effectively losing nearly three years.
Reflecting on her journey, Mariam recalled how her struggles in Biochemistry, combined with a lack of prior knowledge about the course, left her feeling lost. "I just had to opt out," she said. "Losing some years was inevitable, but after weighing my options, I realized it was better to start afresh in a field I loved rather than endure a miserable academic journey."
Mariam’s story is not unique. Every year, thousands of Nigerian students enroll in universities, only to later find themselves stuck in courses they either did not choose or did not fully understand. This often results from parental influence, societal expectations, or simply a lack of prior knowledge about the courses they chose.
A recent survey by the National Universities Commission (NUC) revealed that over 50% of university students in Nigeria feel uncertain or uninformed about their chosen course of study. While some manage to find their footing, others struggle with poor academic performance, frustration, and a lack of motivation.
In Nigeria, it’s not uncommon for parents to have a strong say in their children’s career paths. Professions like Medicine, Law, and Engineering are often seen as prestigious and financially secure, pushing many students into fields they have little interest in. Societal expectations also play a significant role. There is a widespread belief that certain professions guarantee success, while others are often seen as less important or less lucrative leading students to make choices based on perceived job security rather than personal passion. This often leaves students who might have excelled in creative or vocational fields feeling trapped in courses that do not align with their abilities or interests.
Kareemat Oladipupo, a student who had a different experience, revealed that her decision to study law was largely influenced by her family's expectations and the traditional prestige associated with the legal profession. However, after earning her law degree, she came to the realization that her true passion lay in storytelling and communication.
"I’ve always been fascinated by the media and its power to shape public opinion," she shared. "I chose to pursue Mass Communication as my second degree because I wanted to explore my creative side and develop skills that would enable me to effectively communicate ideas to diverse audiences."
Reflecting on the challenges she faced, Kareemat admitted that the fear of starting over and feeling “behind” her peers was one of the most difficult hurdles. "I had invested so much time and resources into my law degree, and I was worried that switching fields would mean wasting all that effort," she explained. Additionally, she encountered resistance from some family members and friends who questioned her decision to leave law.
Despite these challenges, she was fortunate to have the support of her parents, siblings, and a few close friends who encouraged her to follow her dreams. "They reminded me that it's never too late to pursue a new passion and that my background in law would enhance my career prospects," she noted.
The emotional journey of starting over was not an easy one. Kareemat recalled moments of anxiety, uncertainty, and frustration. "But I saw this as an opportunity to rediscover myself and pursue something that truly aligned with my values and interests," she said.
Looking to the future, Kareemat is excited about the possibilities her Mass Communication degree holds. She expressed an interest in pursuing a career that combines her passion for storytelling, social justice, and community engagement, with potential paths in journalism, public relations, or digital media. "I’m confident that my unique blend of law and Mass Communication skills will serve me well in these fields," she added.
Kareemat Oladipupo shares her journey of transitioning from law to mass communication to pursue her true passion for the media
Abdulgafar Adebayo describes his educational journey as challenging yet rewarding. It all began in JSS3, when, like many Nigerian students, he had to choose between Arts, Commercial, and Science classes. At the time, he was captivated by the dynamic voices on Brila FM, Osi Suave on Cool FM. These media personalities inspired his interest in Mass Communication. However, other influences, particularly his father, steered him in a different direction.
His father, a banker with strong connections in the medical field, saw the financial success of his friends who owned pharmacies and hospitals. Wanting the same prosperity for his children, he encouraged Abdulgafar to pursue a career in the medical field. Consequently, Abdulgafar's interest in the media was stifled before it could fully develop. He enrolled in the Science class, but his grades began to decline as he struggled with subjects, he found abstract and uninspiring.
His academic difficulties became more evident when he failed his first JAMB exam, prompting his parents to enroll him in a JUPEB program at the University of Lagos (Unilag). Originally set to pursue Pharmacy, his parents suggested Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) due to its lower cutoff, but he failed to meet even that requirement and was offered Industrial Chemistry instead.
Feeling disconnected from his academic path, Abdulgafar became more rebellious and chose to stick with Industrial Chemistry, intending to complete it despite his struggles. Unfortunately, his grades continued to suffer, and by his 400 level, he was advised to withdraw from Unilag due to poor academic performance.
Determined to continue his education, he explored alternatives and discovered that his WAEC and GCE results qualified him for Hospitality Management at the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN). However, he couldn’t afford the full tuition and sought help from his elder sister, who insisted he inform his father. Although reluctant, he did, but his father disapproved.
His father, then a lecturer at Fountain University, suggested he transfer from Unilag to complete Industrial Chemistry there. However, during an inquiry visit, Abdulgafar saw Mass Communication students filming on campus, reigniting his passion for the media. This encounter gave him two choices: transfer and complete Industrial Chemistry or combine his WAEC and GCE results for a direct entry into 200-level Mass Communication. He chose the latter, confident that the practical experience from Mass Communication would better prepare him for life after graduation.
His initial fear of being the oldest student was dispelled when he found peers his age or older, creating a supportive environment. The practical, relatable teaching style of his lecturers transformed his academic experience. Classes in Advertising, Public Relations, and Event Management provided hands on exposure to real world business challenges, igniting his passion for practical projects.
Despite facing rejections when pursuing journalism after graduation, he remained inspired by prominent journalists like Aisha Saludeen, Eromo Egbejule, and Abiodun Jamiu. Although the rejections outweighed his wins, his experiences at Fountain University equipped him with practical skills, confidence, and a sense of purpose.
Reflecting on his journey, Abdulgafar expressed gratitude for his bold decision to follow his passion. Choosing Mass Communication allowed him to pursue a career he is passionate about and proud of, and he continues to excel in his chosen field.Top of FormBottom of Form
Abdul gafar Adebayo shares his journey of shifting from industrial chemistry to mass communication
For Aisha Ismail, a Business Administration student, university life initially felt meaningless. "I picked the course myself, but I had no real knowledge about it," she admitted. "I found the coursework dry and uninspiring. I often felt like I was wasting my time and my parents’ money."
Things took a turn when Aisha took an elective course in marketing. "I loved it," she said. "The creativity, the strategy it all clicked. That course changed my entire university experience. Today, I’m currently taking my ICAN professional exams, and I couldn’t be happier with my journey."
The consequences of choosing the wrong course are not just academic; they are also emotional and financial. Students who struggle with mismatched courses often experience anxiety, frustration, and even depression. Some push through the difficulties to finish their degrees, only to graduate with little interest in pursuing careers related to their field of study.
Experts argue that enhancing career guidance at the secondary school level is crucial for addressing these challenges. In many schools, career counseling is either inadequate or nonexistent, leaving students to rely on advice from parents, peers, or societal trends. This gap is often due to the absence of guidance counselors or the lack of properly trained personnel, resulting in students making uninformed career choices. Consequently, this can lead to academic difficulties, poor performance, and, in extreme cases, dropping out of school.
Mr. Joseph Fawole, a teacher at Obafemi Awolowo University International School, recounted an experience that highlights the importance of effective career counseling. He spoke of a student who was passionate about Yoruba culture but was pressured by her parents to pursue sciences. Seeing her struggle, he intervened by engaging her parents in a conversation and successfully persuaded them to allow her to switch to Arts. Today, she is exceling in African Languages and Communication at Obafemi Awolowo University.
Reflecting on this, Fawole stressed the significance of proper career guidance. “Many Nigerian students lack access to effective mentorship and career guidance programs, leading to confusion and a lack of motivation, especially when it comes to choosing a course of study,” he explained. He believes that students should be encouraged to explore their interests and strengths before making career choices.
Dr. Moromoke Nimotallah Raji, a counseling consultant and lecturer at Osun State University, emphasizes the need for universities to enhance their support systems for students facing academic challenges. According to her, many students struggle with their coursework because they lack adequate guidance in their educational journey.
“We need to provide flexible course options, mentorship programs, and accessible counseling services,” she explained. She also suggested that universities should introduce orientation sessions and introductory courses to help students gain a better understanding of their chosen fields before fully committing to them. This approach, she argued, would reduce the likelihood of students feeling overwhelmed or trapped in unsuitable programs.
Dr. Raji further stressed the importance of career counseling sessions and mentorship programs to guide students in making informed decisions about their academic paths. “It’s essential to create an environment where students can switch courses without losing significant progress. This not only minimizes the emotional stress associated with changing career directions but also reduces the financial burden of starting over,” she added.
She believes that by offering more effective career guidance, universities can empower students to pursue fields that align with their passions and strengths, ultimately leading to better academic performance and overall wellbeing.
Parental expectations play a significant role in Nigerian culture, but according to Dr. Jamiu Ogunsola, a lecturer at Fountain University, it is crucial for parents to strike a balance between guiding their children and respecting their personal interests. He emphasized the importance of open communication, stating, “Parents should engage in meaningful conversations with their children about their passions and aspirations. Supporting a child’s interests doesn’t mean compromising their future; rather, it increases the likelihood that they will pursue a career they are passionate about and capable of excelling in.”
Dr. Ogunsola also highlighted the importance of purposeful living for young people, noting that discovering one’s purpose is often a challenging journey. “Finding purpose doesn’t happen overnight. It’s one of life’s greatest challenges because sometimes you think you’ve found your path, yet you still feel lost or uncertain,” he explained. He encouraged young people to explore their interests by trying out activities they enjoy, as career paths are often born from hobbies, talents, and passions.
“Engage in self-reflection to identify your interests, and once you discover them, work on developing those skills. It’s equally important to back this journey with spirituality, including prayer, for guidance and clarity,” he added. By combining self-discovery, personal development, and spiritual grounding, Dr. Ogunsola believes that young people can find fulfilling career paths that resonate with their passions and purpose.
In a society where societal expectations and parental pressure often dictate career choices, its crucial for students to break free and pursue their true passions and purpose. While the path to self-discovery can be challenging, it is ultimately more rewarding than conforming to societal norms.
To address the challenges faced by students, educational institutions must prioritize career guidance and mentorship programs. Additionally, parents must learn to balance their expectations with their children’s interests, fostering mutual understanding.
The journey of choosing the right career is not just about securing a livelihood it's about finding meaning and joy in one's chosen field.
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