It was like a dream come true when it was announced that the university was offering me a job after my national service. It was the day that I was inducted into the profession of science laboratory technologist.
I had studied for five years and was awarded a bachelor's degree in science laboratory technology. Shortly after the approval of the final results by the university senate, a date was fixed for the oath-taking/induction ceremony to be administered by the Nigerian Institute of Science and Laboratory Technology (NISLT).
Throughout my time as an undergraduate, my course adviser kept encouraging me to study hard and come out with the top grade so that I stood the chance of joining the department as an academic. This encouragement, combined with the fact that I have a passion for teaching, spurred me to always be at my best in my academic pursuits. When the final results were released, it was a rain of congratulatory messages over me. I couldn't contain my joy either.
It is months later that I am now standing in front of hundreds of audience members to give a speech as the valedictorian.
After my speech, the deputy vice chancellor, representing the vice chancellor, made the offer that made the whole audience render repeated applause.
"After your national service, the university is offering you a job as a graduate assistant in the department of science and laboratory technology. Report back after your service to get your appointment letter," the deputy vice chancellor announced.
In Nigeria, it is mandatory for every university and polytechnic graduate under the age of 30 to serve the nation for a year after graduation. The discharge certificate gotten after completing the national service is a prerequisite for getting a job in Nigeria.
I was overwhelmed with joy while still in my standing position on the podium, from where I had given my valedictory speech. I nearly missed my steps when I was descending the steps of the podium to join my colleagues. The attention of the whole audience was on me, and I couldn't stand the spotlight.
After the induction ceremony, the press crew of the university and other private media organizations were standing at the entrance of the auditorium to grant me an interview. If there was another exit route for me, I would have taken it. My kind of person doesn't like being the center of attention of many people.
With no other option, I walked into the hands of the media crew. The interview ranged from questions about my driving force for excellence, my advice for the undergraduates, and my response to the job offer.
"The university promised to give you a job. Do you consider accepting the offer after your national service?" A member of the press asked me while pointing his microphone to my mouth to record my response.
"This offer can be likened to an opportunity meeting the readiness of an individual to take such an opportunity. It's a dream come true, and I am proud to accept the offer."
"Congratulations once again on your achievement," they chorused as I walked away to take my leave.
Two weeks after the induction, I was mobilized for the national service. A year seemed like ten years to me. I was eager to finish my service and returned to the university to accept my job offer.
On a fateful day towards the period of rounding up my service, a friend of mine forwarded a job link to me.
"Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) is recruiting. Try and apply for the graduate trainee role," my friend wrote alongside the application link.
"Do I really need a job again?" I asked myself. "The NNPC job may be better financially, but my dream and passion is to lecture at the university." I convinced myself not to bother applying for any other job since my dream job was waiting for me at the university.
A few days before the closing date of the application, my friend reached out to me to find out if I had applied.
"Getting a job with NNPC is not an easy task. You must have a connection with top politicians before you are considered," I explained to him.
"I don't think it cost you anything to apply. Just apply and follow up with the recruitment process. You may be considered if you perform excellently well in the interview, and I believe you will do well."
"Let's talk about something else. I don't even like the job. My passion is in the classroom, and the university has offered me the opportunity to begin my dream career of teaching and research," I responded to him.
"Well, if you insist, no problem. I just hope that you are taking the right decision." He reiterated.
I kept on rejecting all other job offers that came my way. I would even tell some friends and family that shared job links with me that I had applied for the said job so that they could leave me out of what I saw as unnecessary pressure of searching for a job, despite the fact that I have gotten one.
I finished my service and returned to the university to claim my job offer. I went to the office of the deputy vice chancellor to report my arrival.
"Write an application letter addressed to the vice chancellor through the head of your department. Attached copies of your credentials with the letter," the deputy vice chancellor instructed me.
I wrote the application letter and got endorsement from the head of department and dean of the faculty.
Upon submitting the application, I was told to wait for the recruitment of the university, which was to happen in a few weeks. That was how my waiting period started. Politics entered the recruitment process, and jobs were offered to people. Instead of giving me an offer as promised, someone else among my classmates whose father had a connection with the vice chancellor was offered the graduate assistant position for my department. I was shocked to my bones.
I waited for almost a year, trying to see to the possibility of getting the job, but nothing happened.
It became obvious that I counted my chickens before they hatched. It became so hard for me to go back to the people that shared job opportunities with me and tell them that I needed those jobs again.
I learned lessons and moved on.
