Imisioluwa Bamidele

A Yoruba saying “o di ale ki alaaru to mo pe eru loun gbe” approximates that ” it is until nightfall before the burden bearer knows the effects of the load he carried in the day.” This witty saying alludes to the life of every student on campus when the dreaded ten-lettered word, EXAMINATION approaches.

Before the arrival of every examination, many students never deem it fit to even go through what they have been taught or even engage in any serious reading activity, but once examination begins to approach, everyone begins to sit tight.

In the foregoing, the NASELS Press has interviewed some students of the Department of English who expressed their concerns and shared their experiences as examination draws near.

For Suzzy(pseudonym), a penultimate student of the Department of English, she revealed that she is not entirely optimistic about the forthcoming examination. In her words, “I am just taking it as it comes. Let us say 60/ 70% optimistic about it.” Also, she revealed that “Yes, I have serious fears about it and I think this is normal for me because I get anxious whenever exams approach and also because I am in 300l and the courses are bulky.” She added “The free time I get. I try to rest and it makes me feel like I’m unserious”.

On her reading pace, she stated: “my reading pace is moderate. I read when I have to read. Whenever I am on my phone, instead of scrolling on IG or tiktok, I go online to read on analysis of literary texts. Also, in my recess, I try to just skim through my notes.”

Olamide, who is also a penultimate student of the Department of English also shared that he expressed a positive mindset towards the forthcoming examination whilst admitting his inadequate readiness for the examination. Expounding on his inadequate preparation, he revealed “Yes, there are some courses I have not read well, GES 105 and some English courses like that. There is this phobia that I do not want to carry any course over and there is the fear of not doing well, so I really wish to get over that.”

He further added that “I have not really been active with reading so I ensure I read everyday making sure to cover some pages. So my pace is quite okay for now. I think I am okay with the pace I am moving concerning the forthcoming exam.”

In the case of Okunola Demilade, a 300 level student of the Department of English, he attributed his lack of preparedness to the extracurricular activities that gulp his time. Admitting his worries concerning the forthcoming examination, he confessed, “My fear is that I have not gone far. I have a lot to cover, especially the literary texts. If you have not read, you cannot put down anything comprehensive for your lecturer. My fear is that I have a lot to cover before the exam. He also commented on his reading pace “I have not been reading so well since 200 level. I used to have a structure I used for reading in 200 level but in 300 level, I have not been able to do it due to other activities. Regardless, I make sure I read up to 4-5 times a week, minimum is 2 hours.”

Emphasizing the need of having good academic support systems, Demilade commented that having a good circle is actually a very good thing in this academic stuff.” He added “Having people who explain some points to you when you think you are lagging behind is majorly what has been helping me.”

 A fresher, Abigail revealed that her preparation for the examination is 40%. In her words “I actually have not tried putting a lot of things in order. In the first few weeks, I was busy trying to find my ground.” She added “my reading pace has really increased after realising there is a need to cover all that I need to. I cover grounds by attending tutorials, going for TDBs, and reading as much as I can. TDB has been consistent and it has really helped too because if I look at it, some things I have not been able to know, while reading again, there is understanding of it.”