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Surviving Final Year: Challenges Faced by Nigerian Graduates

In this phase, students encounter a myriad of challenges that range from academic pressures to existential crises about post-graduation plans. Let’s delve into the rollercoaster ride that is the final year experience in Nigerian universities.

The Dreaded Extra Year: God Forbid!

The fear of an extra year looms large as final year students grapple with the pressure to complete their academic journey within the stipulated time frame. The prospect of additional semesters becomes a constant source of anxiety, urging students to buckle down and prioritize their studies.

Putting the Essentials on the Back Burner: Ignoring Everyday Basics

In the pursuit of academic excellence, the daily rituals of dressing up, enjoying meals, and maintaining a balanced lifestyle often take a hit. The struggle to find time for personal care becomes real, and students might find themselves sacrificing these basic necessities to meet project deadlines and prepare for exams.

Seniors Slaying Styles and Makeup

Observing some final year students still dedicating time to fashion and beauty can be perplexing for those fully immersed in the academic grind. Balancing a sense of style with the demands of final year projects and exams raises the question: where do they find the time?

Confusion Amidst Post-Graduation Plans

As conversations about post-graduation plans circulate, some students may find themselves in a state of confusion, struggling to articulate their own trajectory beyond the university. While peers discuss career aspirations, others are simply focused on the immediate goal of passing their final exams.

Nap Your Way to Graduation

The overwhelming nature of final year academics, especially with project proposal rejections and challenging exams, may lead some students to fantasize about a simpler solution – sleeping through the difficulties until graduation day arrives.

When Your Fate Lies in The Hands of your Supervisor

Having a supervisor dictate your project topic can be a double-edged sword. The gratitude for guidance is coupled with the uncertainty of meeting their expectations, adding an extra layer of stress to the already demanding final year.

Project Proposal Rejections

Submitting a project proposal repeatedly, only to face rejection each time, can be demoralizing. The perseverance required to bounce back from such setbacks becomes a true test of resilience.

CGPA Calculations

As graduation approaches, the obsession with Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) intensifies. Some students, overwhelmed by the challenges, start contemplating the lowest acceptable CGPA needed for graduation.

When a Single Mark Makes a World of Difference

The agony of receiving a grade just below the threshold for passing can be infuriating. Students often plead with lecturers for that extra mark that could be the difference between success and failure.

Real-Life Application

The confusion surrounding the practical application of one’s course in real life is a common dilemma. Final year students may question the relevance of their academic pursuits and ponder the future utility of their chosen field.

When Your Parents Expects A High Paying Job

Facing inquiries about post-graduation plans from well-meaning parents becomes more challenging when students are uncertain about the classification they will receive – first class, second class, or otherwise.

The Heartbreak of Graduation List Exclusion

The release of the first graduation list can be a nerve-wracking experience. The absence of one’s name can be disheartening, sparking concerns about potential hurdles that need to be overcome before officially completing the academic journey.

Conclusion:

As final year students in Nigerian universities navigate the challenges that accompany this pivotal phase, they must strike a delicate balance between academic commitments, personal well-being, and the uncertainties of the future. The journey to graduation is undoubtedly a tumultuous one, marked by resilience, perseverance, and a dash of humor in the face of adversity.

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Written by Ekene Aka

I have been writing professionally and personally for over four years. Professionally, i have worked as a content writer, creating blog posts, articles, product descriptions, website copy, and social media posts. Personally, they focus on creative writing, including short stories, poems, and a novel. I enjoy exploring different genres and writing styles.

One of my notable achievements was winning first place in a university writing competition for a short story, which boosted my confidence and encouraged me to continue writing. Overall, my experience as a writer has helped me develop a strong writing style and skills in various formats. I'm passionate about writing and geography, and I'm also committed to continuous improvement and growth as a writer.