Nigeria’s system of education almost ruined my chances of having a beautiful career- Dara Famogun

Oluwadara Audrey Famogun is a 24 years old Nigerian from Ondo city, Ondo state presently residing in Canada who just graduated from Mount Royal University Calgary Canada as a Nurse has spoken with Ataaoja on how the Nigeria education system was acting as a clog in the wheel of her progress.

ATAAOJA
Can we meet you?

DARA
My name is Oluwadara Audrey Famogun. I'm 24 years old from ondo state, ondo town, Nigeria. I'm a pharmacy technician and also a Nurse.

ATAAOJA
You are currently in Northern America, Canada to be precise. How is it over there compare to what it is back in Nigeria your country of birth.

DARA
Canada is a diverse country with lot of opportunities open to everyone. Canada has a low crime rate. I came to realize that Canadians are polite, courteous and easy to talk to unlike some Nigerians. Canada has one of the top educational system in the world. And amazingly, government pays for healthcare and medicine. In other words, no hospital bills for residents. I can go on and on.

ATAAOJA
You just recently graduated as a Nurse, what is the feeling like?

DARA
I feel fly. But also thankful.

ATAAOJA
How can you compare the process of acquiring the degree to that of Nigeria where you were once an undergraduate?

DARA
First, I would say it is fast since there are no unnecessary strikes. Secondly, There are opportunities for grants to support residential students financially and more so, there are many scholarship programs which gives a financial boost to brilliant students ( I got one for two courses)
The university also provide some orientations, support programs, academic advising, prayer rooms, and safe walk programs to the students which really helped. Nursing is a tough program talking about expenses and work load. I might not be successful if I hadn't had the great opportunity.

Canada is a diverse country with lot of opportunities open to everyone. Canada has a low crime rate. I came to realize that Canadians are polite, courteous and easy to talk to unlike some Nigerians.

ATAAOJA
Are you saying you might not have become a nurse if u had schooled in Nigeria?

DARA
(Giggles) You have quote my words? Well, it is not because I'm not brilliant but because I get easily discouraged and the university I attended in particular built my courage to become who I am today. I never had the chance to talk to a lecturer in Nigeria about my academic problems because of fear and the fact that most of them are not ready to listen but here, I talk to them as buddies which added a big credit to my success today.

ATAAOJA
Why the choice of Nursing out of other numerous courses you could have studied?

DARA
I have always wanted to be a pharmacist and I started with it. But then I was told by lot of experienced people that nursing is more lucrative in Canada. That is why I started, but now I have developed so much passion for it and I can't wait to explore.

ATAAOJA
What’s your advice for other people who have the same aspiration to study nursing like you did?

DARA
If your heart desires it, don't stop pushing. You will surely make mistakes but that is what nursing is about. The ability to make mistakes and learn from them. Remember, a day will never go by as a nurse that you won't touch someone's life or theirs touching yours. So, make good impacts.
Happy Nurses Week.

ATAAOJA
It was a nice conversation Miss Dara. The team wish you a blissful nursing career.

​DARA
Thank you.