After my 2.2, I want to start all over again from O’level!

Dear Jarus.

I came across your write-up online and for me you are God-sent, a blessing to our generation. I am  32 years old and a graduate of engineering (metallurgical and material engineering). I was able to make a 2-2. But my brother, I decided not to look for white collar job because I don’t want to keep lying to myself. Although I made 2-2 through hard work,  I must confess I obtained that through cramming. My problem was poor foundation(o level).

Now I want to fully go into private business (livestock farming and exportation of agro commodities). I have 2 plots of land and 5 million for this business.But I still don’t feel satisfied without good and sound education. My plan is to go back and start from O’ level while I am doing my business.

My plan goes thus:

O’level (2 years)

1st degree in finance (4 years)

While pursuing my first degree, I  plan to write ICAN too

Then, CFA (3 years)

Then, MBA in Finance (2 years)

Finally, PhD in Finance (4 years) – this one may not be in Nigeria.

Please, I want  you and wonderful team to advice me. Is it going to be waste of time and resources? Is it going to add value to my life as a business man? Is it going to help me to become a financial expert and an investment expert? And maybe going into part-time lecturing in the future.

My brother I need urgent advise and please don’t publish my details.

Thank you and God bless.

N.L.C

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Dear Brother,

Your story is as interesting as it is quite strange. I present below what my team have to say first:

OBAFEMI BAMIDELE, Msc (Edinburgh),  ACA, ACCA, ACS, CFA

Well, to be frank, if you want to do business, you should focus on that and move on. According to my Dad, of blessed memory, what you need to do business is O’levels. I don’t think this has changed.

Instead of going back through the stress from which I doubt if you will be better off, you should devote more time into gaining knowledge, skills and expertise in your chosen business and in business generally.

You should devote your time to business relevant articles, books, magazines etc instead of the needless plan you want to embark on.

Another route is you could get enrolled for MBA after you are well established in business. You might have to do a PGD first depending on School. I think this will satisfy your academic yearnings and give you a sense of accomplishment.

I will challenge you to make good your “deficit” by excelling in business.

OLANIYI OGUNBAYO, ACA, ACCA, ACS, CFA

I don’t see the need of having to start your education all over again. You already have a first degree – that is the baseline. I will advise you focus on your business. If you want to know more about business/finance, I will advise you go for an Executive MBA, say in UNILAG or Lagos Business School. You can combine it with your agro business. A full-time educational programme may hurt your business. If you succeed with your business, I think you will earn the respect of the society, whether you choose to pursue further education or not.

IDRIS BELLO Msc (Oxford), Msc (Houston), MBA (Rice)

Interesting one. I appreciate the can-do-spirit. If you feel you can get through it all, it’s not a waste. The question is – Are you doing this just for self-esteem purposes or to actually make a career out of it, or for the knowledge?

Also, are you thinking of full time/part-time schooling, or online options (Khan Academy, Coursera, edX, etc)?

THE JARUS VERDICT

My brother, my team have said it all – you don’t need to go through the needless rigour of starting all over again. If you must do it, part-time or online courses remain the only option you can consider. What do you want to learn in O’level that you don’t know now?  Starting all-over again for full-time schooling, having finished university with 2.2, and at 32 years of age for that matter, is ill-conceived, in my opinion.

You even have the luxury of having capital to start with when people are crying for funds. You have 2 plots of land and five million Naira. My brother, go start the business asap. Aliko dangote enrolled for Al-Azzhar University after he had started making money. He never left his business and said he wanted to go get MBA and other finance qualifications so as to be able to run his business. Of course, he ran courses. Today, Aliko is perhaps as investment literate as a CFA holder.  Do extensive reading, that will make up for your academic deficit (2.2 is not a deficit anyway, especially since you are not looking for white-collar job). You can also enroll for one MBA to gain more knowledge. The knowledge you gain from running your business will also add value. Going back to school to start afresh is a no-no.

All the best.

Jarus

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FEEDBACK FROM N.L.C

Dear Jarus,

Good morning. I am very happy for what you and your friends
advised me to do. But please, I do not intend to go into schooling
full-time. My intention is to be doing my business and devote like 4 to
5 hours daily on my education (online study or part-time program). Do
you still see it as a waste of time and resources? Is it going to hurt
my business in the long run? Should I just abandon the idea and face my
business? Please,  can you also share this to your friends.

Thank you and God bless you.

NIYI

In life, learning is an ongoing activity; it never ends. You can do a lot of self-study to improve yourself in the areas you consider very important. It needs not be a formal education. Whether you can combine education and business successfully or not depends on your capacity. From experience, if you have a business that is really thriving, it will be difficult for you to create time for studies. My personal advice is that the business should be your priority.

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