In the last post, we talked of some of the unheardof things that happens in the University systems in Africa and we received a special comment in the voice of an African, who has schooled in a Nigerian University:
Everything you wrote is true from my experience in an African university.... Although you fail to mention the few bright spots in the system... Some of the rare victims actually paved the way to their own failures ... Overall though the educational system in Nigeria is fucked up...
So yes, how about the bright spots from schooling in universities in Africa? I tell you in life, regardless of the situation, there are always bright spots. This can be subjective though as a lot has to do with the makeup of the person experiencing these situations.
Bottomline, if we imbibe the culture of learning, then we can draw bright spots out of the toughest situations.
The word "tough" may not sound very sexy. We live in the 21 st century, where things are now done as easily as the snap of a finger, so why be "tough"! Well, one thing that the hassle of education in Africa cultivates in good learners is "toughness".
Yes, toughness is necessary in many aspects of life and especially when it comes to "focus and decision-making". Whether it is mental toughness or emotional toughness, there are times when toughness plays a role.
General success requires these various forms of toughness no doubt!
The daily pressures that come with schooling in African Universities, does make people tough, well rooted and defined, thus, graduates are unshakened by events and can excel in the secular world even under utmost pressure.
"Let the school pass through you"
Yes, this happens in the African university. You may come out a half-baked student in the secular world but a ready-made grown and mature person and the latter attributes are keys to success, under any environment.
It is not new to see African students excel in any country in the world.
Another bright spot is innovation and entrepreneurial skills become well developed. Due to alot of discomfort and improvisation throughout school, "change" becomes a core ambition. Yes, you want to bring about changes to the educational system and bring about changes in general. Your vision become clear and your perceptions become broader. Yes, you are no longer some mama's pet, who gets everything fixed. You become a leader! This is essential to excel in the real world as you are more prone to stand out, instead of following norms and this is where innovation and enterprise stems.
Education in Africa also instills in you other core values. Things like respect, discipline, sacrifice become part of you and these are rare virtues that help you deal with situations and human relationships better.
Ultimately, the quality of a graduate is essential in addition to expertise or skill. The whole education system when you look at it, is actually there mainly to broaden your scope when it comes to understand concepts and theories, expanding your ability to apply learning and to become a leader overall in your field, thus along with being a BSC Holder, you want to also be made ready for a secular world filled with competition and this is where school in Africa helps.
Next post, we will talk about life after University and have a glimpse into some of the hidden things that go on there. We will also tackle bright spots as Africa does have alot of bright spots and these should be highlighted as well!
Drop us a line in the comments regarding your thoughts!
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