How I Spent 9 Years in OAU — Graduand Shares His Journey of Struggle and Hope

 Adetunji Sade 

Okajare Olayiwola James, popularly known as Ajobiewe, is a graduating student from the Faculty of Education, Department of Educational Management at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU). In an interview with Kilonshele News Agency, he recounted the challenges and lessons of his nine-year journey on campus, which tested his resilience and shaped his future.

Mr. James gained admission in 2016 into the Department of Arts and Social Science Education (ASE) under Economics Education. After three years, he realized he was struggling academically and, following discussions with his parents and lecturers, decided to switch courses. He transferred to Educational Management in the 2019/2020 academic session to study Social Studies.

His prolonged stay at OAU was due to several factors including the 8-month ASUU strike, the COVID-19 pandemic, and a departmental error that delayed his graduation. “When I transferred from Economics Education, I asked whether I needed to retake certain earlier courses but was told no, so I proceeded with Part 2 courses,” he said. After signing out and completing his final year project, his Head of Department called to inform him that some courses were still outstanding. “Despite explaining that the former HOD had told me not to take those courses, I was asked to retake them,” he said, leading to an unexpected extra year.

During his academic journey, he faced multiple challenges including adjusting to university life, financial constraints, emotional stress, and academic pressure. “To cope, I prioritized time management, sought help from lecturers and colleagues, and used campus resources like the library and counseling services,” he said.

 “Academically, I formed study groups and rewarded myself for every milestone achieved.” Emotionally, he learned to take breaks, be patient, and stay close to loved ones. “At a point, I almost contemplated suicide due to the weight of challenges,” he said.

Mr. James was also actively involved in student organizations, serving as a member of the Varsh Foundation, founded by his friend and former vice president of the Great Ife Students' Union, Aworanti Salvation Grace. “I was the Public Relations Officer of the Department of Educational Management Students’ Association in the 2022/2023 session and the PRO of the National Association of Ondo State Students, OAU Chapter,” he said. These roles helped him build confidence, gain leadership experience, and develop a strong network.

Reflecting on his campus life, he described it as transformational. “The experiences shaped my resilience, patience, and adaptability. I learned the importance of perseverance and self-care,” he said. 

He advised students, especially those facing extra years, to take things calmly, prioritize their mental health, and understand that OAU is not for the weak. "Take things calmly, prioritize your mental health, and understand that OAU is not for the weak,” he said.

His closing advice to undergraduates is, “Delay is not denial. Don’t use your grades to judge your future,” he said.

Looking ahead, he plans to pursue a career in education and further his studies. “I hope to use my TRCN certificate to work in tertiary institutions and aim to rise as far as becoming a lecturer, doctor, or professor,” he said.

Looking ahead, he plans to pursue a career in education and further his studies. “I hope to use my TRCN certificate to work in tertiary institutions and aim to rise as far as becoming a lecturer, doctor, or professor,” he said.