“My Dad Chose This Course For Me” – 3rd Class Female Graduate Shares Story

A young Nigerian graduate identified as Laura Emi-Suku had always dreamt of becoming a journalist and would have studied it at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, but for her dad who chose international relations for her instead. 

In this exclusive interview, she tells Legit.ng about her dreams, regrets and burning desire to still be an On-Air Personality (OAP). 

Laura Emi-Suku hated teaching but it is what she does now Laura said she got married immediately after she graduated from the university and ”practically did her NYSC in her husband’s house.“

She has however not recorded success in the labour market as she has been unable to do anything financially rewarding with her degree or get a job as most companies or organisations don’t consider 3rd class graduates.

In a LinkedIn post, the Rivers state indigene said she had to go into the teaching profession – an occupation her mum did but she hates. She said the salary is even poor. 

Her post reads:

“I graduated with a 3rd class from the University of obafemi Awololo. I studied International Relations 🙂. My Dad choose this course for me because he felt he was making the best decision for me but I wanted to study (Mass Communication )it has always been my dream to be a journalist.

“My father claimed that journalists die early because they are exposed to a lot danger while working so I gave up and choose his own direction. Am I happy I did what he wanted me to do (No!!!) because I have not been able to use my certificate for anything gainful and the grade is below Nigeria standard to get a good job.

“I got married immediately after university and I practically served my country in my husband’s house, and the blessings of God followed(kids). Since my graduation, I have only worked as a teacher in various schools(my mum was a teacher and I hated teaching) but I found myself doing it because this is what the society has offered me with a very poor salary.

“In 2020, I was able to go for a certification on Broadcasting Presentation and I was happy I did take that bold step. Although I have not been able work as an OAP(On Air Personal) but I am hoping to by his grace. I am currently job hunting and wish those job hunting , success!!!!!

Speaking with Legit.ng, the OAP enthusiast said that some of her sad ordeals with some lecturers back in school contributed to her 3rd class finish. 

Laura said she aced her WAEC examinations in one sitting as a bright student and had high hopes of replicating such stellar performance in the university, but that wasn’t the case.

READ ALSO: I regret dropping out of school for acting —Nigerian actor, Sanyeri

She said: “…Well that (her 3rd class finish) was because my lecturers were on my case. 

“I can’t forget my History 110. A lecturer who practically told me that I will keep coming back until I slept with him. 

“Then my supervisor was another bigger problem. My mum had to come to school to beg him to let me graduate.

“Also, my psychology lecturer is included too. “So many (issues with lecturers) but God took control eventually, unfortunately I graduated with a 3rd class. 

“I am not proud of it, I was a bright student in secondary school I never had to seat for wasce twice…..with that spirit I felt university was going to be a done deal but I was in wrong.” 

Drawing lessons from her own experience which she still regrets, Laura said that if she was opportune to give a speech before parents she would tell them not to force career choices on their kids. 

“My advice to parents is allow your children choose their own career paths. You as the parent is only there to direct them with their decisions.

“Kids who tend to choose their career paths in life succeeds more because they have passion for what they are doing. Please, parents just pray for them and watch them become great achievers,” she said. 

READ ALSO: “Education should be the most important thing in Nigeria,” says Successful Developer

CREDIT: ALLSCHOOL, Legit