"My dad actually advised me to pick OAU because he wanted me to leave my comfort zone, and also because he had graduated from OAU."

Hi there, wonderful readers! Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Aishat, a final-year Literature in English student at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU).

In this interview, we’ll explore her journey as a student, her experiences at OAU, her passions, and her future aspirations. Join us as we get to know the vibrant individual.

Let’s dive in!

NCB: Good afternoon, Aishat. I'm Peter, your anchor for today's interview.

 

FYB: Good afternoon.

 

NCB: It's an honor to have you with us. Could you please tell us a little about yourself?

 

FYB: My name is Aishat, and I'm a final-year Literature in English student at OAU.

 

NCB: Nice! I only know you as a literature major who sometimes wears glasses. Can you give us a proper introduction?

 

FYB: Yeah, I'm the girl with the glasses! I'm from Igboora, Oyo State which is the hometown of twins. I've lived in Ibadan most of my life and grew up as a "ọmọ Teacher" (teacher's child).

 

NCB: I love your glasses! Wow! You're from Oyo State. I would have pegged you as a Lagos girl.

 

FYB: (laughs) Nope, I'm an Ibadan girl through and through.

 

NCB: I can see that! You've got that introverted vibe going on.

 

FYB: Actually, I'm more of an ambivert. I just run out of social battery quickly.

 

NCB: That makes sense. Your parents must have been pretty chill, huh?

 

FYB: Yeah, they're lecturers, but they're not super strict. They just taught me to be disciplined.

 

NCB: Cool. Do you have any siblings?

 

FYB: (laughs) Oh, yeah. Eight of them!

 

NCB: Whoa, that's a lot! You must have been the troublemaker among your siblings.

 

FYB: (laughs) Actually, I'm more like the mom now. Breaking up fights and keeping the peace.

 

NCB: (laughs) That’s amazing. So, what made you choose OAU?

 

FYB: My dad actually advised me to go there. Although he is a lecturer in UI, he advised me to pick OAU because he wanted me to leave my comfort zone and also because he had finished OAU.

NCB: Ah, that's really cool. He sounds like a great dad.

 

FYB: Yeah, he is. He prepared me for the stress of university life, so I was ready for OAU.

 

NCB: Oh, I must say I admire your dad's approach! Most fathers in his position would likely insist that their daughters study where they teach, rather than offering guidance and letting them decide. So, how has your experience been since attending your dad's alma mater?

 

FYB: It met my expectations. He'd already prepared me mentally for all the stress I'd go through.

 

NCB: Lucky you. Most people weren't mentally prepared for the university experience, particularly OAU stress. Did he also influence your course of study?

 

FYB: Yep, he told me about the course, and I fell in love with it.

 

NCB: Okay, but did you know about the English Language course then? And how has the department been treating you so far?

 

FYB: I knew about the course before he told me, although I wasn't sure if I was up to it. It hasn't been all rosy, but Alhamdulilah.

 

NCB: I must say, you're really dedicated to your studies! As a Literature student, you're one of the most hardworking students I know. I'm aware that being an English department student isn't easy, but it's great that you're persevering. Aside from academics, what are some other things you're passionate about? Do you have any hobbies or interests that you enjoy in your free time?

 

FYB: I love reading literary pieces during my leisure time, and I love good music, especially Lo-fi pop music. I also make hair and some hair products when I have the time.

 

NCB: Wow, it just got more interesting! I read too during my leisure time, but I hardly have leisure time. What genre do you read?

 

FYB: Romance, mystery, fantasy, and horror or Gothic. Classical ambivert selection.

 

NCB: Do you belong to any association on campus?

 

FYB: Nope.

 

NCB: Ok. What's your view on NCB?

 

FYB: You guys are pretty cool, and I love what you do.

 

NCB: Oh! I'm blushing. Thanks for the kind words. What's the plan after graduation?

 

FYB: I'd love to explore different fields and probably focus on my tech skills, but I'll definitely do my master's first.

 

NCB: Masters? Most people I know aren't planning that, particularly after OAU's challenges, but I guess you are one of those who love the academic line to the core. What are your best and most challenging moments on campus?

 

FYB: I can't really think of any best or challenging moments on campus.

 

NCB: Oh! I understand. It can be overwhelming at times. As an FYB, what's your advice for your junior colleagues?

 

FYB: School isn't as hard as they make it seem. Try your best and pray to God. Also, don't get overly worked up over a bad grade; it's just a grade. Take care of your physical, mental, and spiritual health.

 

NCB: Hmmm, don't get overly worked up over a bad grade, so true! Any shout-out?

 

FYB: Yeah, to my classmates for making it worth the experience. And to my friends for being there for me. To my parents for guiding me. And to that special person for making me the best me.

 

NCB: Yeah, the class of Crackajacks indeed makes the experience worth it. Which special person is that?

 

FYB: Don't worry about that.

 

NCB: Let me worry now; why hide the brother from us?

 

FYB: Who told you the person is a man?

 

NCB: Smiles, just making assumptions, but are you really single pringle?

 

FYB: Nah, I'm not.

 

NCB: Then it's not an assumption after all. Who is that lucky brother? I'm jealous ooo.

 

FYB: You don't need to worry about "the brother". I'm sure you'll get your own "lucky sister" soon.

 

NCB: Well, we will know later, one day.

 

FYB: Yeah, yeah.

 

NCB: We have come to the end of the interview, and I must say it was an absolute pleasure having you share your thoughts and experiences with me. Thank you for your time and patience!

 

FYB: You're welcome.