Hello, everyone! Welcome back to mbaken. If this is your first time stopping by, welcome! Please be sure to always come back if you enjoy our blog post and subcribe to our newsletter below so you never miss a brand-new update.
Today is a very special day—it’s my Convocation Day! I’m officially finishing my Master’s degree. While I get ready and do this makeup look, I want to take you on a journey through my experience. It wasn’t a dream come true; it was a struggle. From sleeping in classrooms to staying in male hostels, I’m going to tell you the raw truth about my time at the University of Lagos (UNILAG).
unilag convocation experience
The Beginning: A 50/50 Probability
I graduated from Osun State University in 2016. To be honest, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to further my education. I was in a 50/50 state of mind about doing an M.Sc. or a PhD.
An uncle of mine who runs a tutorial center encouraged me to take the entrance form. Even on the day before the exam, I wasn’t prepared. I was actually at my ex-boyfriend’s house! I only came home Sunday morning and read for about 10 hours total. I didn’t tell anyone I was taking the exam because I didn’t think I’d pass.
The Result: I scored a 79. I was offered admission to UNILAG for the 2018/2019 session.
Also check out: Student Interview: Studying Business Management at the University of Nigeria (UNN)
The Reality of the Struggle: No Accommodation
UNILAG in 2018/2019 was one of the hardest times of my life. I was living on the outskirts of Lagos, almost near Ogun State, and commuting every day.
-
I would leave home by 6:30 AM and still get to school late for 8:30 AM classes.
-
Finishing lectures at 4:30 PM and heading back was soul-crushing.
I tried to get school accommodation, which was cheap (about ₦30,000), but I was too late—it was already full. Private apartments outside school were ranging from ₦300k to ₦500k including fees. I didn’t have that kind of money; my business was slow, and I was basically broke.
Sleeping in Classrooms and Male Hostels
When I couldn’t do the commute anymore, I started sleeping in the classrooms. We told the security we were “reading at night” just so we had a place to lay our heads. It was terrible—there were so many bedbugs.
Eventually, I ended up “squatting” in a room in the boys’ hostel.
The Experience: Imagine a lady staying in a guys’ hostel. I was sleeping in the same room as two grown men. One guy was a great friend to me, but the other was constantly looking down on me, sending me on errands, and making me feel small because I was younger.
The biggest issue? Hygiene. I had to sneak into the bathrooms to bathe. Sometimes, I went three or four days without a proper bath. I would just wash my face, hands, and feet in a bowl and head to class. I dressed like I was homeless. My colleagues on Instagram would see my photos and then see me in person and ask, “Why are you dressed like this?” I just didn’t have the time or the space to be “glamorous.”
Academic Frustrations
It wasn’t just the living conditions; some lecturers made life a living hell. One lecturer in particular frustrated me so much. I felt like he was picking on me, and it made attending his classes a nightmare.
Despite the stress, I did well in my first semester. However, in the second semester, I got a bit distracted. I was hanging out with some girls I met, attending concerts (every single one in December!), and partying. My CGPA dropped a bit, but I still graduated with a 4.something.
Advice for Aspiring Master’s Students
If you are planning to go to UNILAG for your Master’s, here is my honest advice:
-
Be Prepared: It is not a joke. You need a strategy and you need to be mentally tough.
-
Sort Your Accommodation Early: Don’t rely on luck. Commuting in Lagos will drain you.
-
Know Your Worth: Don’t let anyone (colleagues or lecturers) look down on you. You are colleagues on the same level, regardless of age or money.
-
Resilience: There were times I was on my period, in pain, with no change of clothes and no place to go. You have to be ready for anything.
unilag convocation experience 2
The Final Look
I’m wearing a cute, tight black dress today. It’s a bit tighter than I usually like, but it’s perfect for the occasion. I’m pairing it with some extra heels, and I’m ready to finally collect that degree!
Thank you for being part of this journey with me. It wasn’t easy, but looking back, I’m glad I did it. Two years have passed, and instead of just having my B.Sc., I’m now a Master’s degree holder.
Peace out, guys!
