If I could go back five years, there is one decision I would clearly change. After my National Diploma, I had the chance to go for direct entry into a degree program, but I refused. It wasn’t because I didn’t know the importance of a degree, but because of the people around me. I didn’t want to leave my friends behind. We started our National Diploma together, and I wanted us to continue the journey side by side. So, I chose to stay back and go for Higher National Diploma with them.
At that time, it felt like the right thing to do. I valued friendship and togetherness, and I believed we would all move forward at the same pace. I didn’t think too deeply about the long-term effect of that decision. I was more focused on the present moment and the comfort of not being alone. But now, looking back, I see things differently.
If I had chosen direct entry, I would have saved time and placed myself in a better position for job opportunities. Instead, I followed a path that has made things a bit harder. In many organizations in Nigeria today, there is still a clear difference between those with a university degree and those with National Diploma or Higher National Diploma. This difference shows in salary, job roles, and even how people are treated at work.
I have experienced this myself. I got a job where I noticed the gap, and it made me reflect on my decision. It is not just me, many people I did Higher National Diploma with are also facing the same challenge. We often do similar work as degree holders, yet there is still a difference in how we are paid and valued. It can be frustrating, especially when you know you are capable.
If I could go back, I would choose direct entry without thinking twice. Not because Higher National Diploma is useless, but because I now understand how the system works better. Sometimes, it is not just about your skills or how hardworking you are. It is also about the qualification you hold and how it positions you in the job market.
One thing that makes me realize this even more is this: the same friends I didn’t want to leave behind, we have all gone our separate ways now. Life happened, and everyone moved in different directions. We are all trying to find our own balance, and things are not as easy as we thought they would be. This made me realize that holding myself back for the sake of staying together did not really change the outcome.
This is not about regret. At that time, I made the best decision I could with the understanding I had. But now I know better. I have learned that some decisions should be based on your future, not just your present feelings.
If I could go back five years, I would still value my friendships, but I would not let them stop me from growing. I would choose the path that helps me move forward, even if it means walking alone for a while. Even though I cannot change the past, I can use this lesson to make better choices now and in the future.
I am inviting 
