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The Twists and Turns of Adult Students at Lagos State University

Prejudice and structural barriers based on age are some of the reasons many older people refuse to further their education. The fear of discrimination, segregation, and possibly bullying by younger students cripples the minds of individuals who think they are too old to be seen in a higher institution.

A report by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) reported that adult learners, particularly students aged 25 and above, are at high risk of dropping out. Therefore, many of them do not even try due to the fear of academic underachievement. 

While some have given up hope, some older students have decided to challenge the stereotypes by enrolling in university as undergraduates despite their age. Musbaudeen Sideeq, 37, a 400-level Sociology student at Lagos State University, still sits among classmates who weren’t born when he first attempted to enter university. He refused to let his age define his future.

Musbaudeen Sideeq

“I graduated from secondary school in 2004 and wrote my first JAMB (Joint Admission Matriculation Board) when it was pen and paper. My first JAMB score was 242, and I chose Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU). Despite meeting the cutoff mark, I wasn’t admitted,” he recalled.

For 11 years (2004-2015), Ololade consistently tried to further his education. During these years, he attempted admission into several universities in Nigeria, including Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Obafemi Awolowo University, and the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. Despite all efforts, Ololade was still not fortunate enough to gain admission.

“All the JAMB exams I wrote, I scored excellently. It was not a matter of my brilliance, but I guess it wasn’t my time yet. However, in 2015, I gave up entirely on school. I was into printing and media, and I learned until I became a master, but I still did not have a certificate to prove my competence.”

Despite his challenges, Ololade eventually gained admission to Lagos State University after being encouraged by his sister, Walia, who had recently graduated, to retake the exam.

“I scored 220 in my last JAMB, which was the lowest I had ever scored, and, luckily for me, it got me into LASU to study sociology. Before my difficult journey, I used to see things as most people do. I used to think that when you are brilliant, it’s your right to get admitted. But now, I see it as whatever God has chosen for me is the right time,” he continued.

Similarly, 35-year-old Mutalib Olayinka, now a 400-level law student at LASU, recounts his ordeal. He graduated from secondary school in 2008 and wrote JAMB in 2009 to study law. He tried again in 2010 with an outstanding JAMB score, yet he wasn’t admitted.

Mutalib Olayinka

“I wrote my JAMB in 2009 to study law at Unilorin, but I wasn’t admitted. I tried again in 2010 and failed again. Each time, I passed excellently,” he explained.

Just when things were looking good for Mutalib, financial difficulties caused him to lose his admission for a third time.

“My life goal is to study law, but after several rejections, all I wanted was just to get into school. In 2011, I applied to Lagos State University and was admitted to study English Education. Unfortunately, that same year, then-Governor Babajide Raji Fashola increased the school tuition fees from ₦25,000 to ₦190,000. My family could not afford it, so I dropped out. I stopped pursuing schooling and enrolled in an Arabic school, which I completed in 2014.”

That same year, Mutalib applied for another JAMB. Unfortunately, he lost his father and had to put his education on hold once again. Eventually, in 2015, he applied to Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education, now LASUED, Ijanikin, where he studied Arabic and Islamic Studies and graduated in 2019.

Mutalib’s pursuit of education took him through several educational programs before he finally gained admission to study his lifelong dream course at Lagos State University, after 13 years of twists and turns.

For many adult students, balancing work to support their families with paying tuition and meeting other needs can be overwhelming. Mutalib, who is currently maintaining a strong grade point while managing a family of five, describes the challenges he faces.

“It is very difficult to manage both school and family at the same time. Sometimes, I will be left to choose between going to class or making money for the family. And on many occasions, I would have to prioritise home because my family comes first,” he explained.

To support his family, Mutalib runs a football viewing centre to earn some money.

For Ololade, the story is different.  “I am into printing and media, so I haven’t faced many challenges because God has been faithful to me. I pay my school fees conveniently. Sometimes, I will call my mum when I am broke, and she will send me money. Even my younger sister sends me money. My family supports me, and I also work to complement their efforts, so it has not been that challenging,” he noted.

Social and Intellectual Stigmatization

Mutalib describes the discrimination he faces from his younger classmates. “There is this impression among the younger generation that people like us are dullards or not smart. Their body language and expressions, especially during exams, show that they feel they know better than us. They look down on us with that ‘these-are-good-for-nothing’ attitude. It is demeaning and annoying. However, I stay out of their business as much as I can,” he said.

Ololade, however, found a way to manage the differences. “Before I gained admission, I had already prepared my mind for what was to come. So I completely came down to their level. I don’t brag or compete with them. I avoid anything that could lead to disrespect or conflict,” he stated.

Abdul-Hamid Lawal, the Deputy Registrar of Student Affairs of the university, responded to the struggles of older students at the institution. “There are no specific resources provided for students in this category. There is no preference for them because it is presumed that most of them are family men and women.”

He explained further that Lagos State University strictly abides by Nigeria’s educational policy, which sets only a minimum age requirement. “The admission policy in Nigeria states that anyone who is 16 years old and above is eligible for admission. Therefore, regardless of your age, as long as you meet the requirements, you will be admitted to LASU.”

He reiterated that all resources available to younger students are also available to all students at Lagos State University. He noted that LASU encourages inclusivity and, a few years ago, celebrated an 80-year-old graduate from the Department of Sociology.

However, it was noted that the institution provides alternative study programs for working or adult students.

“The only resources and support we offer to students in this category are through the provision of part-time programs. These programs allow them to work and study at the same time while maintaining their homes and family responsibilities,” he added.

“Although we recognize the tenacity of these individuals, we cannot give preferential treatment when we have many younger students to pay attention to. If you want to do a full-time program, compete with the younger ones. If you can’t, go for a part-time program.”

This story was funded by the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) through its Empower Women in Media Cohort project.

 

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1 Comment

  1. Jonathan Johnson

    I haven’t heard of these stories before. It’s a welcome development. But I don’t see myself plunging into it if I were in their shoes

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