By Chimezie Umeoka

Perhaps the most consequential activity for any student considering furthering their education is choosing the right course of study. This decision is essential because the higher institution of learning is already a rigorous place, and one does not need to add the extra difficulty of studying something that doesn't suit or align with their aspirations and goals in life.

I believe the basic question any aspirant should first ask themselves is: Must I really study at a tertiary institution? And if, beyond all doubt, the answer to this question is a YES, then the aspirant must be ready to dig into the process of finding the right course and subject themselves to the rigorous years of studying what they have chosen.

This brings us to the question: How to choose the right course of study?

1. Passion

Of course, not everyone has passion. Not everyone is driven by a strong impulse that provides them with the utmost happiness and satisfaction. However, it is obvious that for anyone choosing to study in college, there must be one or more things that they enjoy doing or dream about doing, and this is what they must consider as their passion.

Keep in mind that passion is slightly different from interest. Passion is about love, while interest is about preference. In choosing the right course, one can locate the very thing they love doing and are fascinated by, and if that thing is important enough to them and may bring a contribution to their society, then they may consider studying it or something related to it in a tertiary institution.

Passion is important because whatever we eventually choose to study must be capable of making us happy and fulfilled. For me, when I was choosing my course of study, I had to search deep to make certain of the things I enjoy doing. I also considered whether choosing a discipline related to these passions would do any good for my society and be able to sustain me in the labyrinth of life.

When I finally had my answer, which was a yes, I chose the course, and two years into my university studies, I was not begrudged by regret. 

2. Interest

Interest is less important than passion but also significantly necessary in choosing the right course of study. Interest may come in handy for the aspirant who may not have really figured out what they enjoy doing or believe that what they love doing will do no good for them and their society in the real world.

Interest can be thought of as curiosity or attraction to something. In choosing the right course of study, one can ask themselves: What are my interests? What am I curious about? What subject or areas can I open myself up to learning for a long period? What opportunities are attached to these areas? Am I interested enough to dedicate a long period to studying this?

Throughout my childhood, I always had an interest in law. Law seemed like a broad field encompassing a wide range of things in life. I felt it was equivalent to liberal arts, and as a very curious student, I believed it would serve my curious mind. However, I never really had a passion for it. I could not visualize myself studying fundamental human rights, being locked up in suits, carrying files, and flinging words in court.

But when I was challenged by the hard labour of choosing a course of study, I considered law because I had an interest in it and believed I could subject myself to studying it.

3. Self and Situational Evaluation

Dear aspirant, trust me, you don't want to be caught up in the eternal struggle of studying something harder than you, your situation, your passion, your energy, and your morale. Most Nigerian universities offer a wide range of courses, some closely related and offering the same end product.

Self-evaluation is important because some of us are not capable of studying certain things, even though we have interests in them. Some of us come from poor homes, and studying certain courses may send our parents/guardians into financial bankruptcy. These shortcomings require evaluation.

For instance, if one comes from a poor home but dreams of working in the legal field, or is undermined by any other difficult situation, they can choose to study a related course like criminology, political science, etc.

I finally chose to major in an arts degree because I seriously had a passion for the creative arts. I only had an interest in law, and since I couldn't vest all my hopes on any forthcoming scholarship or stipend, I couldn't subject my parents to funding the financially tasking law degree just because of a simple interest.

Sometimes, reality beckons us to walk out from the silhouette of our vague delusions. 

4. Diversify Your Choices

Life is unpredictable, and it's essential to prepare for various outcomes. Don't limit yourself to one course or university. Explore different options, and consider how they align with your passions, goals, and interests.

5. Trust Your Instincts 

Truth is, no one can know anyone better than themselves. As an aspirant, you must, beyond all tips and recommendations, eventually trust the echo of your soul; and choose what you believe in. Suffer the consequences if things go haywire. It will be easy because it is your sin. It is only advisable to be strategic in making these lifetime choices and to consider the language of necessity.  

Good luck with your aspirations. I hope these tips help.