Welcome to my whirlwind journey at Lagos Business School (LBS), where the distinction between part-time and full-time MBA programs often blurs into a seamless, challenging experience. While I anticipated a part-time program to coexist harmoniously with my daytime work commitments, the reality I’ve encountered is quite different.
The concept of a part-time program, as I perceived it, entailed dedicating my evenings to education while preserving the bulk of my daytime hours for work. However, LBS threw me a curveball early on. Some individuals initially signed up for the full-time program, only to be informed upon admission that the school had shifted its stance, offering a modular format instead of the traditional full-time MBA. Fortunately, I was already privy to this change before enrolling. What unfolded next was a revelation that left me, a part-time student, somewhat envious of those who had committed to full-time study.
As the LBS student community came into focus, our newly formed groups swiftly established WhatsApp channels for communication and collaboration. It’s here that the disparity in time availability between full-time and part-time students became starkly evident.
Picture this: each morning, as I prepare to embark on my workday, my group members are already engaged in lively discussions about the upcoming course. On occasion, I’ve refrained from checking my WhatsApp messages until midday, only to be greeted by a flood of over a hundred messages, brimming with insights into a particular topic or subject. The working professionals among us often find ourselves playing catch-up, and the pace can be nothing short of mind-boggling. But the plot thickens…
Some facilitators have high expectations, insisting that we acquaint ourselves with course materials prior to attending their classes. To complicate matters further, these facilitators occasionally assign homework during the previous class. This leaves me pondering the wisdom of the old adage, “Repetition is the mother of knowledge.”
I find myself perpetually bewildered as I observe my peers dissecting topics that haven’t yet graced our lecture halls. My question remains: why not wait for the facilitator to impart the wisdom, ensuring a solid understanding before venturing into independent exploration? Instead, the group often tackles uncharted territories, and, regrettably, missteps are frequent. A notable example unfolded during our data analytics class, where probability and statistics loomed on the horizon. When the day of reckoning arrived, the facilitator’s lesson bore little resemblance to the discussions my peers had conducted among themselves. This disarray left me questioning the necessity of our self-imposed predicament.
Adding to the complexity of our studies, I’m tasked with delivering three blog posts each week, in addition to assignments, revision work, and pre-emptive study for forthcoming topics. This rigorous schedule strains my capacity, and I can’t help but wonder what a full-time program might entail. It’s as if I’ve become that young girl from the popular video, mimicking the impassioned pleas of Yoruba mothers when the demands of child-rearing become overwhelming: “Se fe pa mi ni” – do you want to kill me?
One humorous incident that recently transpired within our group encapsulates the collective sentiment. After a particularly draining Data Analytics class, one brave soul posed a question: "Who's still interested in full-time study?" The reactions that ensued were nothing short of comedic, serving as a collective release of pent-up tension.
Yet, in spite of the trials and tribulations, my motivation and determination remain unwavering. As a newcomer to the LBS landscape, I strive to retain my optimism, embracing the journey as a test of resilience and time management.
In parting, I’m reminded of the lyrics from the late Fela Anikulapo’s song, “Suffering and Smiling.” The melody resonates in my mind, offering solace and fortitude as I navigate the intricate labyrinth of LBS, where the line between part-time and full-time learning occasionally blurs, but the quest for knowledge continues undeterred.
I share the same views with you.