Before Matriculation

 

I am writing this message to all 2021 UTME candidates and 2020 applicants waiting for admission. This article is about what you should be engaged in before matriculation.

Every year, I have noticed the following trend. Jambites usually waste a lot of time, during their waiting period. Some just merely think about admission, some add preparation for PUTME, while some just do not know what do with their time.

 It is worthy of note that the following happens to JAMBITES every year.

1. Many candidates eventually do not gain admission. This has happened to me before.

2. Many gain admission and do not eventually get to resume because of lack of money for school fees. This has also happened to me.

3. Some have the money to begin schooling, but along the line risk dropping out of school, owing to declining financial status of their sponsors or their demise.

4. While to so many, schooling and survival is good throughout for them.

To every student, there is a chance that you experience one of the above. This is reality, as nothing is so certain an experience among humans.

This is why we need to consider the words of Jesus. He said, which one of you who plans to build a house, will not first evaluate the cost, to know whether he will be able to have the money to finish his project? This is coming from the Lord of Faith!

Friends, as you await your admission, you need to understand that your future depends on you first, before you shift the responsibility on your sponsors.

What then can you do as you await your admission?

1. Learn a skill or a trade. This is very important as unemployment is a reality in the Nigeria of today. Also, with a vocation of your own you can have a source of income even when there is nothing coming from your sponsors.

2. Get the materials needed for 100 level. You can start studying A level textbooks. You will find this very helpful when you resume.

3. If you know that you don't have a reliable sponsor. Find a menial job to do, immediately, to source for the money with which you will start school. When you are in school, you can then apply for student work-study schemes and scholarships.

4. Most importantly, pray. You need to find time to know God, now that you have time. This will help you to stay away from campus vices when you resume. Do you know that you can read through the entire Bible now before December?

I wish you all the best, and may the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.