Approximately two years prior to the present moment, I made a pivotal decision that would ultimately culminate in a profound transformation in both my personal and professional life.
This decision was precipitated by a scheduled appointment with a medical professional, during which I was informed that I would be required to undergo a period of convalescence, necessitating an extended period of bed rest and abstention from work-related activities. Unfortunately, the prevailing employment norms in Nigeria dictated that remuneration was inextricably linked to productivity, thereby rendering it impossible for me to maintain my employment status whilst simultaneously adhering to the prescribed period of recuperation. Consequently, I was compelled to relinquish my position.
Subsequently, I was obliged to devote myself exclusively to the demands of my pregnancy and the subsequent postpartum period, during which time I welcomed the arrival of my baby, an event that filled me with ineffable joy and prompted me to contemplate my eventual return to the workforce.
However, as I became increasingly enamored with my child, I found myself torn between the desire to re-enter the job market and the inclination to postpone my return to employment until my child had attained a more advanced stage of development.
Ultimately, I opted to defer my return to work, electing instead to devote myself to the care and nurturing of my child during its formative year. Nevertheless, I was determined to utilize this period of domesticity productively, and thus embarked upon an exhaustive research endeavor, which ultimately led me to discover the Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ).
Following a series of preliminary inquiries and a personal visit to the institution, I initiated my academic journey, eagerly anticipating the opportunity to engage with individuals from diverse backgrounds and disciplines.
Upon commencing my studies at NIJ, I encountered a plethora of challenges, including the logistical complexities of expressing breast milk for my then five-month-old infant, ensuring the well-being of my child through regular visits to the crèche, and navigating the demands of meeting deadlines, completing assignments, preparing for continuous assessments, and balancing these responsibilities with my domestic duties, nocturnal vigilance, and marital obligations. However, as time progressed, I adapted to the rigors of the program, discovered strategies that optimized my productivity, and benefited from the counsel and experience of fellow mature students who had navigated similar challenges.
As I approach the culmination of my studies at NIJ, I am compelled to affirm that this journey has been truly worthwhile, yielding invaluable lessons and insights. Foremost among these is the realization that motherhood need not signal the termination of one’s career aspirations, but rather can be reconciled with professional ambitions, provided one is willing to exert the requisite effort and dedication.
Therefore, I encourage all women to keep striving for self-improvement, regardless of challenges. I’ve learned that the toughest journeys yield the most rewarding results.
Do not give up!
Damilola Oyekan is a postgraduate student specializing in Public Relations and Advertising
Well done sis… I’m super proud of the woman you have become and are becoming.