Many of us thought we couldn’t get out of university fast enough. There was a new life to live and hell lots of money to make. How’s that working out now? Anyway, we asked 5 Nigerian graduates about what they miss about university, and this is what they said.

Ola, University of Ibadan

University was a rollercoaster ride. Every day had its series of gabs-gbos, and I guess in the heat of the moment, I couldn’t wait to graduate. Now that actual adulting has started, I’ve realised how important it is to be careful with what you wish for.

Man, I miss a lot of things about that school. On top of the list is the woman who did my laundry — God bless her. Paying for laundry wasn’t anything I worried about because her charges were incredibly low. But now, I can’t even give my clothes out to the dry cleaner without adding the expense to my monthly budget. It’s the ghetto.

Muwafaq, Nasarrawa State University

I was that guy on campus. I was everywhere and part of everything — academics, sports, socials, and politics. It was obvious that I was going to miss university even before I left. I’d accomplished so much, and leaving everything didn’t feel like a fair deal.

However, one thing I quickly realised after I graduated was that everything I thought I had didn’t mean a lot outside. So, it was a race to start over and build something new, but I like to think I’m not doing poorly at it.

Lauretta, Ecole Proffessionelle Specializé La Université La Cité, Cotonou

I miss the freedom I had in uni. Making decisions was a breeze because the stakes were lower. All I had to worry about was making sure I didn’t get kicked out of school. I miss that. I could party all weekend and sleep in on Monday morning, skipping classes for the day, and nobody would bat an eyelid. I can’t afford to be a little irresponsible anymore, and it sucks.

Seyi, University of Lagos

My uni was many things, but it wasn’t boring. This is cliche but I wish I could go back. The four years were some of the best of my adult life. It’s weird that I miss living in a hostel so bad. But that’s probably because I don’t talk to my friends like I used to anymore. It’s hard to get a hold of ourselves and hangout these days. It’s a good year if we meet up to three times.

Nnenna, Federal University of Technology, Minna

The only thing I was responsible for in uni was my grades. That was the best deal I’ve ever had. I didn’t think so at the time, but a few years later, I would give anything to go back: attend lectures and write exams, and I won’t complain about a thing. I made a lot of memories in that school, and I hate that they’re just memories now — nothing but a reminder of the life I used to live.

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