Life Career and the Dilemma of Making the Right Choice
By Lawan Bukar Maigana
Unlike many other secondary school graduates who made their course choices based on advice received at a cafe during their JAMB registration, my decision-making process was different. I had clear aspirations when I graduated from secondary school, and nobody influenced my choices. I had always held a strong desire to pursue a career either as a psychologist working in a psychiatric setting or as an outstanding journalist.
Unfortunately, the University of Maiduguri did not offer a psychology department, and financial constraints added to the challenges. Consequently, I chose Sociology and Anthropology as my first choice and Mass Communication as my second during my application, years ago. However, I didn’t meet the cut off mark for admission into Unimaid and this setback led me to pursue Social Work at Ramat Polytechnic Maiduguri, where I completed my studies and graduated.
I found my time at the Polytechnic to be remarkably enjoyable because my lecturers and colleagues treated me exceptionally well, acknowledging my dedication to academic excellence by generously supporting me financially. My commitment to attending lectures, meeting assignment deadlines, delivering presentations, and thoroughly exploring course materials earned me this recognition.
However, a year later, I deliberately chose to apply for Mass Communication at Unimaid instead of opting for Sociology and Anthropology, despite numerous suggestions to pursue the latter—a field closely related to Social Work. I respectfully declined these recommendations because I sought a more demanding course to equip me with the necessary skills to achieve my desired career path. This decision was endorsed and validated by one of my senior colleagues who had recently completed his Ph.D. program.
Read Also:
Dr. Ibrahim Uba Yusuf, a lecturer with the Department of Mass Communication, University of Maiduguri, catalyzed my decision to pursue Mass Communication. His words, “You have the qualities to excel in gaining admission and thriving in Mass Communication. Your aggressive commitment to excellence, despite facing challenges, speaks volumes about your potential.”
His encouragement didn’t stop there; he cautioned me, “However, be aware that studying Mass Communication requires substantial financial investment. There will be numerous assignments that may strain your finances, potentially burdening both you and your father.” His guidance was a pivotal factor in my choice to apply for Mass Communication through Direct Entry (DE).
Dr. Muhsin Ibrahim, a lecturer at the University of Cologne in Germany, recounted an incident where a young girl chose to pursue microbiology in her UTME without much understanding of the field. She revealed that she was advised at an internet café while registering for the university entrance exam, leading her to select a course she had little knowledge about—an astonishing decision made on a whim.
In reflecting on this, Dr. Ibrahim unveiled a broader issue: the lack of proper counseling for many young people, particularly girls, when it comes to making important educational and career decisions. While some are enthusiastic about pursuing education, others may prioritize marriage. However, those with academic aspirations often lack guidance and support, sometimes falling prey to ill-informed advice. This can lead to unfortunate outcomes.
He emphasized the urgent need for parents, relatives, and especially older siblings, to actively engage with and support younger family members in understanding their aspirations and navigating life’s challenges. Dr. Ibrahim pointed out the common failure among brothers to have meaningful conversations with their sisters about their dreams and difficulties.
He concluded by urging immediate action, stressing that it’s never too late to start engaging with and guiding our children and younger siblings regarding their career choices after completing secondary school.
Lawan Bukar Miagana writes from Borno and can be reached via email:
