A LETTER TO THE NIGERIAN STUDENT

By Adedoja Adewale

BUT WHEN DID SCHOOLING BECOME A PROBLEM?

One night, like every other day, you slept. Then you woke up and began to hear that after all, all your troubles in school aren't worth it. Okay. You seemed confused at the beginning. But as time went on, you wondered "what if they are right?" Later on, as you delayed your stay in the country you became certain that it truly isn't worth it. On the other hand, maybe you are just still as confused as I was.

Let's go through what happened.

"The educational system in Nigeria has never been the best. Although, it was once above average. Somehow, the corrupt political system crawled into every aspect of the nation and today, they are all unstable. Therefore, every Nigerian works hard to escape the prevalent monster, poverty.

Because of what goes on around (like winners of Big Brother Naija(BBN)) winning millions of Naira and other mouth-watering gifts, the Federal Government spending N800M on repentant bandits while deliberately ignoring other screaming problems in the economy) young people have concluded that School is Scam and a BSc Certificate isn't necessary."

Permit me to digress a little. Never stop praying for Nigeria. We can get better. By the prayers of the believers, righteousness will prevail.

The Bible supports excellence. Colossians 3:23- And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men.

Even if what your hands find to do is schooling, do it with all your might. Study well. You should not get involved at all if you know you aren't interested. That's better than not fulfilling purpose. God is not a failure and he has all that you need to be successful. He doesn't disappoint. He won't start with you.

Some important things may distract you from school work and hinder your academic success if you are not careful. For instance, a fellowship executive may not be able to effectively manage his responsibilities as a leader and a student. Likewise, an indigent student might decide to do menial jobs to enable him to pay his school fees. They seem justifiable but they are still not enough reasons not to do well.

Be hardworking. It pays. Don't believe any lie. A general-situation test is to ask yourself what Jesus Christ would do if He were to be in your shoes. Since the goal is to be like Him. In worse scenarios, pray for divine intervention.

If you need motivation, check the Scriptures. Proverbs 22:29-Do you see a man who excels in his work? He will stand before kings; He will not stand before unknown men.

Proverbs 23:33-34: A little sleep, a little slumber, A little folding of the hands to rest; So shall your poverty come like a prowler, And your need like an armed man.

That's enough motivation.

Look around you. Check out believers that were diligent in their studies. They don't suffer. Because they do it right. Direction is available for you too. Don't make the "unsuccessful” your model. You have all you need to prosper. But until you become conscious of them, they don't work.

Even apart from that, there are scholarship opportunities that are available only for people within a specific group like people that have just First Class honors or a Second Class Upper grade. You wouldn't like to regret not getting prepared for a portal that could have been yours.

Life is beautiful indeed. We like to blame luck and connection for our inadequacies. But come to think of it, assume that you are unlucky, unconnected, poor, how else do you intend to succeed? Even grace multiplies what you have. Grace should not be abused misused or misunderstood. If there is nothing to work on, it might as well be a waste.

My parting word is this-Be diligent in your studies, to the extent that God will be very proud of you.

Read Ephesians 1:18.