Are you one of the Nigerian university students who think that they’re studying the wrong course?
This could be as a result of an unwise choice or a changed admission. Perhaps you didn’t spare enough effort in choosing the right course, or that engineering course you chose didn’t meet your expectations. In another perspective, it could be that you didn’t meet the requirements for your chosen faculty course or it was too competitive and many had to get admitted in other programmes.
Nevertheless, there’s no use crying over spilt milk. You never know, it could turn out for the best!
Confusion after Admission!
In November, 2021, Bayero University opened its doors for multitudes of students to study different courses. In a considerate manner, the school had delayed its resumption by a month to accommodate 2021 JAMB candidates whose SSCE results were yet to be released by the initial October resumption date. The massive admission resulted in a surge of students whose idle stay at home was halted, but many still complained of ‘changed courses’!
Many of such students were caught at crossroads, wondering whether to accept the offered courses or try again later. With half of the semester already gone, some of the 2021/2022 admitted students still attend classes half-heartedly.
But it’s not just newly-admitted candidates who face this dilemma. Even some of their predecessors who have spent more time in the university are battling with poor performance due to the nagging feeling that they’re studying the wrong course.
Are you Really Studying the Wrong Course?
It should be noted that one shouldn’t mistake feelings of laziness as proof of studying the wrong course. Also, maybe you just need to calm down; perhaps you’re only overwhelmed by the new experience and will fall in love with the course after some time.
However, there are a number of symptoms which, when noticed simultaneously, imply that a student is studying the wrong course. You can conclude that you’re studying the wrong choice when:
- You’re uninterested in your course of study or dispassionate about it.
- You attend classes rather mechanically with no zeal.
- Notice performance poorly in quizzes, tests and exams.
- You can’t imagine yourself practising in the field or you fail to see the course’s prospects.
- You’re overwhelmed with stress and always feel pressured.
- Your interest lies in another field which you’re good in.
- Feeling unhappy and unfulfilled.
- You make excuses not to talk about your course.
- When you see assignments or activities related to the course as tedious chores or burdens.
- You frequently feel like giving up.
What should You do when you Realize You’re Studying the Wrong Course?
When you delay taking a concrete decision, you’re already walking towards failure. Therefore, procrastinate no more! This article is ultimately aimed at helping you make the right decision when you realize that you’re studying the wrong choice. You can do that by considering the stages below:
1. Trace Your Path
Ask yourself why you arrived at this crossroad. How did you find yourself studying this course? Did you choose it unwisely? Was it forced on you or were you pressured into choosing it? When you realize that it was never your choice in the first place, chances are that you might not do well in the field. It could also be that you chose it yourself but without considering what it actually entailed. The answers to these questions could help you in knowing whether to keep pushing or quit to another field.
2. Revisit Your Aim
What is that goal of yours that you’re trying to achieve? Ask yourself if it’s in line with this course you’re studying. In light of that, will it be wiser to buckle up and keep pursuing the course or would it be best if you quit and pursue a career that is more in line with your purpose?
Remember that in anything you do, you should keep your son in sight. Also, you have a better chance of being the best while studying the course you want to study.
3. Reflect and Weigh your Options
Reflection and review of past actions and decisions, as well as their contributions towards one’s future are very important. When trying to decide whether to continue or quit a wrong course, it’s also important to weigh your options in addition to reflecting on how far you’ve come.
Analyze the prospects open to you in for each option; this will help you in choosing the best one. For example, you can note down possible positive and negative consequences of studying the course. Would you be able to gain admission if you quit this current course? Are tere better chances of excelling and practising well in another field? What of financial and time constraints? These and other similar considerations should be made at this stage.
4. Ask for Advice
It should be noted that many times, decisions we make on lives don’t affect only ourselves but also those around us. These include family members and even the society at large. Even though we’re talking about a decision regarding a course you are studying, it isn’t a bad idea to seek advice from elders and professionals. Perhaps skipping this step got you into the mess in the first place!
People you should approach for advice include parents, siblings, wise colleagues, teachers, level coordinators and career guidance counsellors. You can lay down the information you gathered from the previous stages on the table and they can help you make the right decision. Make sure you aren’t pressured into following a biased opinion, though! Nobody knows your self and your capability better than you.
Make the Right Decision
After going through the stages mentioned above, the next step is making the trigger decision. It’s usually one of two: to continue or to quit.
If your analysis implies that you should make the available desirable, then give it your all! With passion and dedication, you can fall in love with your course and excel in it accordingly. It might not be your own choice but it might turn out to be the best choice.
On the other hand, if your analysis points you towards going for another course, goodluck on that too! When choosing another course, ensure that you go for the one in line with your goals.
Make sure you do this with a clear mind, after getting convinced that you can’t perform well in your current discipline, or you’re sure you have a better option. Nigerian universities are really competitive!
Reality Check!
It’s important to note that studying a course is not the end of the world. Gone are the days when degree certificates were guaranteed meal tickets, especially in Nigeria. Tertiary education might not guarantee u employment after all; it’s wise to acquire valuable skills along the way. The ultimate aim is utilising the knowledge learnt to create the desired impact.
Therefore, follow ur passion and equip urself with skills. If you definitely can’t move on, quit and follow your dreams. But remember that it’s a tough world out there. And time is ticking.
Meanwhile, Team Smartbukites will remain with you all through the way! From helping you overcome your academic struggles to solving your career dilemmas, providing scholarship updates, educational resources and so much more!