An African proverb has it that a lizard in Nigeria isn’t going to become a crocodile else where. Whatever you are will most certainly shoot out regardless of the situation or condition, all that is needed is a space of time. Typifying the saying that a gold-fish has no place to hide, Desayo Ajisegiri is a young Nigerian who flew the nation’s flags high during her academic sojourn at Howard University in the United States. In this interview, the 24-year-old graduate shares with Exclusive Africa’s Wale Ameen insights gleaned from the academic journey plus her vision for the future. Do enjoy and be inspired.

 

EA: A warm welcome to you Desayo, so take us through your academic journey. Coming out from Nigeria, the transition and what the journey was really like.

Desayo: I left Nigeria in January 2008 to study in the U.S. I landed in the dead of the winter in New York, it was the first shocking welcome I received. The major difference was the style of education, the terminologies, and the environment but as a Nigerian, we adapt, hence I adapted quite smoothly.

EA: So tell us what exactly made the style of education in the US different from what is obtainable in Nigeria?

Desayo: In terms of content, it is similar however, you get more hands on learning here and depending on the school you attend, you get very great interaction with professors and teaching assistants. There is the avenue for a free flow of dialogue between the student and the school officials, and there is an immediate reward of academic achievements in terms of deans list recognition, awards and so on.

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