₦airaland Forum

Hello Nairaland, please a 21 years old boy needs your advice.

Recently, OAU just offered me admission to study (education and geography) and which is not the course I choose or passionate about.

But due to the pressure on me from my parent and others, I'm willing to accept the offer and get away from home because this is third year of me processing admission .

Now this is the problem, adding the both the school fees and house rent together going to over 200k.

Now I think, Instead for me to go on and waste such amount for on the course I didn't even understand. I'm thinking of collecting the money, then go far from home and start something with it as source of income.

Then sit for another jamb next year.

What will be your wisdom to me ?

This is a very risky business you're thinking of doing buddy ...

If you had a source of income already, I would've said, it's alright to risk it, but then ...

I believe honesty is the best policy, just come clean with your parents and let them know how far ...

You could collect the cash and tell them that you'll lock the cash (fixed deposit) till next year, then get something to do so that you can fund your jamb by yourself next year ....

Spending 4 or 5 years in a course you're not passionate about is indeed a waste of time and resources ...

By the way, which course are you intending to study? ...

Is better to go study the geography and afterwards get a good job with it. Later in life, as you are working, you will be going to learn short courses on other skills you always wanted to do and get their certificate!

While in school, you can also find time to learn some useful skills. If your pocket money is large or you find a part-time work to do, so you can learn one skill in school with the money.

My own suggestion.

Had similar situation and I wouldn't recommend doing any wrong.

Though I was already seeking God's face back then due to major life situations. And now I know the course I got is much better than the initial one.

It seemed to be a shameful course but I had to walk by faith and settled with the Educational course. As many looked down on me to have settled for such.

Now by God's grace, I've not only taught locally
but also internationally teaching students from different parts... But I think the main thing was I was already Surrendered to God due to prior situation that almost took my life if not for God's Mercy.

God bless

Fahvvy:
This is a very risky business you're thinking of doing buddy ...

If you had a source of income already, I would've said, it's alright to risk it, but then ...

I believe honesty is the best policy, just come clean with your parents and let them know how far ...

You could collect the cash and tell them that you'll lock the cash (fixed deposit) till next year, then get something to do so that you can fund your jamb by yourself next year ....

Spending 4 or 5 years in a course you're not passionate about is indeed a waste of time and resources ...

By the way, which course are you intending to study? ...

OP listen to this guy

Go and do that Geography course! If not you are on your way to being hopeless!

Don't do plan B, I take God beg you. Go and study that course like that.

Brother please go for the course, you see in this life, God brings what you need not what you want (especially when it comes to destiny). When I left secondary school 2006, all my mind was medicine and surgery but after years of writing UME, I later got admitted to study a science course (by Divine destiny). I never liked the whole idea, however I did and graduated, today with the help of Jehovah Ebenezer (My Helper) I do not regret. See trust your maker it is foolishness to ignore Abba. I know there is this trend about people ignoring Divine leading, well that's them but I have come to realize this life is beyond bread and butter, there are spirits and the only wise thing any individual will do is to submit totally to The Father of spirits (God Almighty). I am not talking about superficial religious rituals. I mean in-depth intimacy with The Holy Spirit. I know my biological origin (especially Africans) there is need for a higher origin (Spiritual-God life). Take this everything will fight you into getting close to God, I repeat everything, but submit and you'll see His goodness. Take care.

Hemart:
Hello Nairaland, please a 21 years old boy needs your advice.

Recently, OAU just offered me admission to study (education and geography) and which is not the course I choose or passionate about.

But due to the pressure on me from my parent and others, I'm willing to accept the offer and get away from home because this is third year of me processing admission .

Now this is the problem, adding the both the school fees and house rent together going to over 200k.

Now I think, Instead for me to go on and waste such amount for on the course I didn't even understand. I'm thinking of collecting the money, then go far from home and start something with it as source of income.

Then sit for another jamb next year.

What will be your wisdom to me ?

JJC!

You will start the business and it will collapse.

I'm not cursing you. Even in the US, a large amount of start ups die in their first year. You can Google the stats, that's just the nature of business.

Now imagine what will happen in Nigeria with your meagre 200k. You think that is money?

You're 21 now, by the time you are done with your adventure, you will be older than that, if it hurt your parents, they may never sponsor your education again.

My strong advice is, go to school, study very hard and get a good grade. While in school, learn skills that employers need. There are skills that would make you employable in 6 months to 2 years, once you graduate, apply to jobs like crazy.

Moresalt:
Had similar situation and I wouldn't recommend doing any wrong.

Though I was already seeking God's face back then due to major life situations. And now I know the course I got is much better than the initial one.

It seemed to be a shameful course but I had to walk by faith and settled with the Educational course. As many looked down on me to have settled for such.

Now by God's grace, I've not only taught locally
but also internationally teaching students from different parts... But I think the main thing was I was already Surrendered to God due to prior situation that almost took my life if not for God's Mercy.

God bless

Thank you sir 🙏🏾

Go take that admission and study that with all dedication and intent. You must give your all. Graduate with good grades become a success.

Don't go ahead with your plan and don't study a course just for the sake of it. Sit down with your parents and talk to them, make them see reason why you don't want that course. Suggest and alternative like learning a skill while you sit for JAMB again. If you study geography after graduating you will still end up learning a skill or trade. Those advising you to just go for the course ask them which job will you use the certificate for after spending 4 years plus any additional ASUU years?

My guy go and do ur registration n resume Asap.e get y.

Bro, please go for the course, you will be surprised how much you can tolerate the course —you may even love it at some point. Think about how you'd feel if your preferred course ended up disappointing you, and how proud you'd feel if you excelled in your given course. Try to be as positive as possible and don't take unnecessary risks, for you have come this far already (your third attempt). You can also take next year's jamb and apply for your preferred course in the same school. I hope you make the right decision.

shortgun:
Dear OP, it’s clear most of the advice you’ve received so far comes from people with average mindsets.
People who are comfortable in their comfort zones, peoples who are risk-averse, never break rules, or question the status quo. Nothing is wrong with their advice, just that you’ll likely end up just like them—average.

But I see a spark of greatness in you, something beyond the ordinary. Take a leap and pursue the business; make a lot from it and then return to study the course of your dreams.
You might fail, so what? Failure equips you with valuable experience for your next journey.
The only person standing between you and your dreams is you.

They're not average, they're realistic. The op said he'll relocate and start a business with just over 200k. For someone wanting to go to another state to start a business he'll surely rent an apartment, it'll take a while before he found his feet and he'll be feeding out of the 200k, transport fare etc. How much do you think will remain out of the 200k? Like someone comment up there it'll be different if he has a skill like maybe barbing. He can take his barbing set along rent a shop that will also serve as his apartment, get used mirror and chair and Behind up the shop as time goes on but even with this, it's almost impossible with that capital in this Tinubu's Nigeria.

Start what? Do you have defined plans? If it goes wrong what’s your backup?

If I were you, I’ll go, take the course but register for something like altschool (1year) on the side. Or any other verified online business that could bring you extra income

By the time you get to 300l you should be working remotely & earning enough to stand on your feet.

The degree might be useless but it’s a necessary requirement later

I will only plead with you not to fail to write Jamb again, and try to get a high score. Becoming a teacher in today's Nigeria will not help you!

LordIsaac:
I will only plead with you not to fail to write Jamb again, and try to get a high score. Becoming a teacher in today's Nigeria will not help you!

Well, that may actually be the best if one is a true worshipper who puts God first.

I was in the same situation around 2011, written Jamb the 3rd time, got accepted by my 2nd choice of uni. to take my desired course, but was disqualified by o'level result from the actual course I put in. Then I was asked to choose between psychology and other educational courses, I think.

Got some advice from one or two people that edu. is better in Nigeria here. Then I accepted my fate in shame (you know, written jamb 3 times only to end up with edu., wow).

Not knowing it's God's hand work, and was being tested whether I'll give up because of what people say, or rather get broken and eat my pride.

Long story short, I soon found passion in teaching. I even started doing private lessons to keep busy before and after I graduated; also worked private schools a little for 10k or 15k or so.

But later by God's grace I began online jobs, teaching students from different parts of the world; earning in foreign currencies without leaving home.

You see, I'm sure my initial course that's more respected which I almost cried about would probably not give quarter of the opportunities. So the key is if God's first, others are small. Then we'll see that even money is nothing, except for those whom God has not helped to conquer greed which we all have in our flesh from Adam.

God bless

Also writing jamb again and again hoping for a better score seems to be an expensive risk without much guarantee except you're willing to do extra work you haven't done before...

Moresalt:
Well, that may actually be the best if one is a true worshipper who puts God first.

I was in the same situation around 2011, written Jamb the 3rd time, got accepted by my 2nd choice of uni. to take my desired course, but was disqualified by o'level result from the actual course I put in. Then I was asked to choose between psychology and other educational courses, I think.

Got some advice from one or two people that edu. is better in Nigeria here. Then I accepted my fate in shame (you know, written jamb 3 times only to end up with edu., wow).

Not knowing it's God's hand work, and was being tested whether I'll give up because of what people say, or rather get broken and eat my pride.

Long story short, I soon found passion in teaching. I even started doing private lessons to keep busy before and after I graduated; also worked private schools a little for 10k or 15k or so.

But later by God's grace I began online jobs, teaching students from different parts of the world; earning in foreign currencies without leaving home.

You see, I'm sure my initial course that's more respected which I almost cried about would probably not give quarter of the opportunities. So the key is if God's first, others are small. Then we'll see that even money is nothing, except for those whom God has not helped to conquer greed which we all have in our flesh from Adam.

God bless

We are talking about practicing only what you studied in school and making a living from it, as obtained everywhere else on earth.

LordIsaac:
We are talking about practicing only what you studied in school and making a living from it, as obtained everywhere else on earth.

Yes, I see. I studied education (by accident), and I'm an educationist now.

Yemike:
They're not average, they're realistic. The op said he'll relocate and start a business with just over 200k. For someone wanting to go to another state to start a business he'll surely rent an apartment, it'll take a while before he found his feet and he'll be feeding out of the 200k, transport fare etc. How much do you think will remain out of the 200k? Like someone comment up there it'll be different if he has a skill like maybe barbing. He can take his barbing set along rent a shop that will also serve as his apartment, get used mirror and chair and Behind up the shop as time goes on but even with this, it's almost impossible with that capital in this Tinubu's Nigeria.

Yap, just like i said in my previous post. Everything you listed that could go wrong are mere excuses that will limit an average person. It takes a more than an average creative mind to spot opportunities where others only see impossibilities and failure; this kind of mindset is not for the average joe.

shortgun:
Yap, just like i said in my previous post. Everything you listed that could go wrong are mere excuses that will limit an average person. It takes a more than an average creative mind to spot opportunities where others only see impossibilities and failure; this kind of mindset is not for the average joe.

bless you superman

Hemart:
Hello Nairaland, please a 21 years old boy needs your advice.

Recently, OAU just offered me admission to study (education and geography) and which is not the course I choose or passionate about.

But due to the pressure on me from my parent and others, I'm willing to accept the offer and get away from home because this is third year of me processing admission .

Now this is the problem, adding the both the school fees and house rent together going to over 200k.

Now I think, Instead for me to go on and waste such amount for on the course I didn't even understand. I'm thinking of collecting the money, then go far from home and start something with it as source of income.

Then sit for another jamb next year.

What will be your wisdom to me ?

I don't know you personally nor the skills you possess, but if I were in your shoes I'll look for a genuine person in your town who will teach me any of crypto/forex/deriv trading.

With this training in a year, you will fund your education without help.

Please Go to school. I regret stopping at secondary school education before you know you'll be done with your university studies. Those optional courses are still reasonable. I the future you can complete your favorite course with a two year diploma study. Fellow undergraduates can also share some online hustle to you. Stay positive.

My young friend, I can sense the dilemma you're facing. It's great that you're thinking critically about your decision. Here's my advice:

Weighing the Options

1. Accepting the offer: Consider the pros of attending OAU, even if it's not your desired course. You'll gain a university education, networking opportunities, and a chance to explore your interests.
2. Pursuing an alternative path: Using the funds to start something entrepreneurial can be a great way to gain practical experience and build a potential income stream.

Key Considerations

1. Parental expectations: Understand your parents' concerns and expectations. Have an open conversation with them about your aspirations and the potential benefits of exploring alternative paths.
2. Financial implications: Carefully consider the financial consequences of not attending university. Will you be able to generate sufficient income to support yourself?
3. Future opportunities: Think about the potential impact on your future opportunities. Will not having a university degree limit your career prospects?

A Potential Middle Ground

1. Defer admission: If possible, consider deferring your admission for a year. This will give you time to explore alternative paths, gain practical experience, and reassess your priorities.
2. Part-time or online studies: Look into part-time or online study options that might align better with your interests and goals.

Final Thoughts

1. Take responsibility: Ultimately, the decision is yours. Take ownership of your choices and be prepared for the consequences.
2. Stay focused: Whatever path you choose, remain focused on your goals and be willing to adapt and learn.
3. Communicate with your parents: Keep your parents informed about your decisions and plans. Their support and understanding will be crucial in this journey.

Remember, my young friend, there's no one-size-fits-all solution. Take your time, weigh your options carefully, and trust your instincts. Good luck!

DM smjaay on telegram she's good at everything crypto.

ZaRuleOfLaw:
I don't know you personally nor the skills you possess, but if I were in your shoes I'll look for a genuine person in your town who will teach me any of crypto/forex/deriv trading.

With this training in a year, you will fund your education without help.

Rubyjade:
DM smjaay on telegram she's good at everything crypto.

Thanks 🙏

🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

Rubyjade:
My young friend, I can sense the dilemma you're facing. It's great that you're thinking critically about your decision. Here's my advice:

Weighing the Options

1. Accepting the offer: Consider the pros of attending OAU, even if it's not your desired course. You'll gain a university education, networking opportunities, and a chance to explore your interests.
2. Pursuing an alternative path: Using the funds to start something entrepreneurial can be a great way to gain practical experience and build a potential income stream.

Key Considerations

1. Parental expectations: Understand your parents' concerns and expectations. Have an open conversation with them about your aspirations and the potential benefits of exploring alternative paths.
2. Financial implications: Carefully consider the financial consequences of not attending university. Will you be able to generate sufficient income to support yourself?
3. Future opportunities: Think about the potential impact on your future opportunities. Will not having a university degree limit your career prospects?

A Potential Middle Ground

1. Defer admission: If possible, consider deferring your admission for a year. This will give you time to explore alternative paths, gain practical experience, and reassess your priorities.
2. Part-time or online studies: Look into part-time or online study options that might align better with your interests and goals.

Final Thoughts

1. Take responsibility: Ultimately, the decision is yours. Take ownership of your choices and be prepared for the consequences.
2. Stay focused: Whatever path you choose, remain focused on your goals and be willing to adapt and learn.
3. Communicate with your parents: Keep your parents informed about your decisions and plans. Their support and understanding will be crucial in this journey.

Remember, my young friend, there's no one-size-fits-all solution. Take your time, weigh your options carefully, and trust your instincts. Good luck!

Hemart:
Hello Nairaland, please a 21 years old boy needs your advice.

Recently, OAU just offered me admission to study (education and geography) and which is not the course I choose or passionate about.

But due to the pressure on me from my parent and others, I'm willing to accept the offer and get away from home because this is third year of me processing admission .

Now this is the problem, adding the both the school fees and house rent together going to over 200k.

Now I think, Instead for me to go on and waste such amount for on the course I didn't even understand. I'm thinking of collecting the money, then go far from home and start something with it as source of income.

Then sit for another jamb next year.

What will be your wisdom to me ?

Hey bro over 10 years I made a mistake accepting a course I didn't apply for or liked because of pressures at home. Well, I had stayed at home for 5 years trying to get admitted into law school but it never happened. I had to settle for a course so I could leave home, it was a course that was totally against my ideas about the most high or faith.

When I look back, I felt I should have learnt a trade or wait a bit more.

Don't go for a course you don't want or have a plan for... It will make you miserable.
Get that money and explain to your parents why you would rather start a business