Journey to the Lagos Business School MBA

In retrospect, I never really thought I will be starting my MBA this year. I believe if I had, I would have done multiple applications and made my selection.  The fact that I decided on Lagos Business School and I did not really pursue any other application did make it a unique experience for me.

It all started on a weekend when I got a call from a colleague and we got talking on further education, professional exams and all of a sudden, I mentioned that I would not be travelling abroad and I am only interested in Lagos Business School. I uttered it without a doubt and here we are.

Over the next 3 months, I nearly lost my mind going through the application process. Like most top MBA application, we were required to take either the GMAT, GRE or NMAT exams; all with minimum score requirements.  I opted for the NMAT for cost reasons and that turned out to be a decision I nearly regretted.

My first attempt at the NMAT exam was on a Sunday in the parking lot of a hospital. My wife was in the delivery room about to conceive our first born who was born 2 days later while I was in the car about to take my exams with an Indian examiner. I proceeded to the reception as I was not allowed to take the exam in the car. I begged the staff at the reception to use a secluded space in the hospital which I was denied ability to take it there as well. Finally, I begged to use one of the Doctor’s office which the examiner accepted. Upon presenting a copy of my means of Identification, the original copy was requested which was at home; a 45 minutes’ drive away.

20 minutes later, I found myself home about to begin the exam in a more conducive environment. Upon commencing the exam, I was informed Pens are not allowed. I requested for permission and I was headed out again to purchase a pencil. Finally, I wrote the exam but did not meet the minimum score required. On the date of the 2nd attempt, I was more prepared this time around except that the light went off, rain falling heavily and had to rush out to put on the Generator. 10 minutes into the exams, I realised the windows were locked with no means for proper ventilation. I had failed to meet the minimum score again and had cold afterwards leading to a week of illness.

On the last attempt, I chose a day before the deadline for the submission of the MBA applications and had no choice than to take it on a week day; in the night. Finally, about 2 hours later, I passed and my LBS dream was still possible.

A week to my last NMAT attempt, I came across Nexford MBA Ads on LinkedIn and 1 hour later, I had completed my application and was on call with an admissions manager discussing my options. This ended with Nexford, putting several calls, emails and text messages to me over the next 1 month like I was an obligor of Palmpay (A fintech lender). I had passed the NMAT and chosen LBS.

So many competing financial needs towards September ending, work demands intensified and LBS was knocking. I nearly slipped as I could not attend most of the brush up class and spent the first week undecided whether to continue or not.

Finally, I committed financially and the journey began.