By Chidozie Chidiogo Dorismary
My parents have always told me; go to school, get a degree so you can have a job. Go to school so you learn to read and write. Go to school to become a better citizen of Nigeria and the world at large. Literate people are better than illiterates. Literate people are rational, practical, smarter. Their advices are endless, reasons justified.
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) had embarked on the on-going industrial action on February 14th, 2022. When the strike began, I was indifferent, unaffected, happy even.
As a student undergoing Industrial Training at that time, I had nothing to be afraid of. I’m not affected, alleluia, I had said. Six months down the line, I am still in my parent’s house, in my room almost frustrated. I say almost because I was on a path to frustration, probably depression, but didn’t quiet get there.
Who is concerned about me? My dreams, hardwork, education, future slipping from my grasps right before my eyes. I watch the news picturize selfish leaders and hungry academic union in continuous tug of war. They don’t care about me, us, the Nigerian students affected by the strike and left in their homes. Clueless and hopeless about their future. The only soldier I see fighting this battle along side with me, us are our parents. People investing their time, money, sweat in our future. People to whom I am valuable, a great asset left in a state of tumult. Shacking in their boots for fear of the worse. Fear of their greatest asset crumbling before their very eyes.
I read a book during this strike period and realized ASUU is not my problem. The government is not my problem. My parents are not my problem. My problem is myself. I mean, which student would not want a break if they had something doing outside their academic pursuit in school? Something else occupying their thoughts and hands?
Linear minded. Linear thinker, I had a plan! Get educated in a reputable university in Nigeria, own a certificate, get employed and live my life. The strike hit, I am left at home for months, my school ID card already graduated before me, now what? I recall feeling pity for students who had jobs while in school. Oh how hectic that must be. Now I feel pity for myself for being without a job, ideal minded.
I used to insult students doing those on their social media platform. Those platforms are grown, thriving, endorsement deals flying left, right, center. I’m left with absolutely no idea where to begin.
To think about it, what is education? Is it a course only taught in school? A reward only school can provide? Why am I clueless, without a game plan. My answer is, I was never taught in school! That’s the place I’m supposed to get answers, education, solutions, know it all. Jack of all trade, although it would take years.
Why am I not taught time management, money management, talent building, dream chasing, business ownership and management, components that play important roles and make us whole? Couple talents brutally murdered, cause my life was so ordered.
Thank you ASUU strike because I have unlocked a fire in me, long unburning. Now I realize my education shouldn’t be restricted to the school. My hope, dreams and aspirations are no longer restricted within my long existing solitary consignment, my mindset. Thank you because now I am determined to prosper, conquer, now more than ever, my school education not being my blocker. I’m back to my drawing board, designing my future, putting different routes to consideration. I realize my downfall is my parent’s worse nightmare and settling is not an option.
*Miss Chidozie is a student in the Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences of the University of Nigeria (UNN), Nsukka.
