Life After School…. is a BsgistNews Features series that highlights how Nigerian graduates live, work, travel, care for their families, and navigate everything in between after school. At BSN, we’re committed to documenting diverse life experiences and ensuring everyone is well-represented. For the month of May, this series will spotlight all-male stories, celebrating the unique journeys of Nigerian men post-graduation.
In today’s Life After School feature, we spotlight Olanrewaju Okanlawon, a historian-economist whose inspiring journey reflects a remarkable blend of uniqueness and intelligence. After graduation—what came next? Enjoy the conversation!
Hey Olarewaju, How are you feeling today?
I feel great!
That’s lovely, Can you briefly introduce yourself and what you studied in school?
My name is Olanrewaju Okanlawon, I hold a degree in History. I currently work in a Financial Institution.
Nice. Tell us about your background (childhood, education, anything that shaped who you are?
I was born into a family where curiosity and services are taught. My childhood was filled with conversations, and moments I cherish- stories where I was listening to stories from elders(grandpa,), watching NTA news or creating little worlds of my own through newspapers bought by my father. I didn’t realize it then, but those moments planted the seeds of who I am becoming. I am deeply interested in understanding people, history, and the systems that shape our lives and how we can solve our common problems in the world.
Education for me was about discovery. History that I studied in the university wasn’t my first choice, but I took it without doubting my heart. It taught me how to connect the dots across time, cultures, and decisions. That background shaped the way I think, research, and communicate.
Of recent, I made a pivot from being a historian to the financial industry. It wasn’t a deviation for me, it came as a natural evolution as I was able to settle well. Understanding people, narratives, and structures is just as vital in finance and customer engagement as it is in history.
Every step I took- whether in classrooms, society has helped me grow into someone who values learning, and impact.
I’m still that curious kid, just with more tools and bigger dreams.🪂
Interestingly. What were your initial plans or dreams after graduation?
Honestly, I just knew I had to seek more knowledge and find my bearing as soon as possible.
I started by seeking Postgraduate admission into US Universities, I got about 3 admission offer without funding. I lost the Japa dream with remarks of visa denial from the more qualified people I know.
I had to re-strategize and went into pursing any sort of certificates I could during my service year. I got about 5 dozens of certificates- from digital skills, soft skills,entrepreneurship etc.
I positioned myself ahead of the time I got my current job.
I guess the reality of Nigeria’s situation was beginning to set in at that point. How did your life shift or change immediately after leaving school?
Strategic thinking!. Immediately, I knew it was stepping into a different world. I had to confront the challenges ahead- youth unemployment, limited opportunities to thrive, the pressure to become “successful” in a country where almost all the odds are stacked against you to thrive.
I already knew a degree doesn’t automatically put you in a good job. I had my 3Es(Education, Exposure, Experience) which assisted me for what was to come after University.
With youth unemployment and limited opportunities to thrive….it seems you experienced what many Nigerian graduates go through. What specific challenges did you encounter while transitioning from student life to the realities of the outside world?
The first challenge was back to receiving allowances, and it felt like a personal downgrade for me. I didn’t want to become relegated to my father’s 3 seater, watching TV with no direction.
Then came the GNLD saga- they almost had me for an entire week😄. They made it sound like an entrepreneurial dream but thankfully, common sense kicked in just in time. Apart from those, I didn’t face overwhelming challenges.
Interesting to say! Did your career path align with your academic background?
Not at all. Historian-turned economist. The passion I had alone for history won’t put food on my table and also it’s the 21st century, job demands don’t necessarily have an interest in what you studied, they care more about what you can offer. So I seized the opportunity that came and I adapted fast.
It’s been more about evolving than following a straight line. Who knows if I’d move to another industry in the future.
Transitioning at its peak! What was your very first job or opportunity after school, and how did it come about?
My current job is my first opportunity. I had applied for the job days before my NYSC Passing Out Parade. I began the application process a few days later with 2 assessments and 2 interviews.
I had a 6 week training school to access my qualifications. I passed, and came the job offer letter.
Wow, that’s interesting; clearly, your intelligence and research efforts paid off. How have your goals and aspirations evolved since you graduated?
At first, it was about just getting a job and earn a living to show that the 4 years wasn’t a waste.
I had to look for a meaningful career which my current role has provided- a place that aligns with my value, and allow growth.
I hope to help others navigate the same path I crossed.
Absolutely interesting; it’s inspiring, and we’d love to see you help others navigate similar paths through your experience. Can you share what role networking or mentorship played in your journey after school?
My mentee or my own mentors?
Mentors
You know we live a a country where what you know alone isn’t sufficient, who you know also matters. As I said earlier, exposure and experience were not watchwords. You have to get out there and be known.
A good example is my current job, It really would have slipped off if I hadn’t connected with the HR personnel on LinkedIn that helped me during the early stages of recruitment.
As for mentorship, your direction in life has to be guided by a purpose, and who can helped me better than someone that has walked through that path? Mentors are there to make the journey less confusing.
That’s absolutely worth telling. If you could go back, is there anything you would do differently during your school years?
Honestly, it’s the night parties and the vibes that it comes with. Not had that chance lately.🎉
Asides that, I believe the writer of my stories wrote a perfect tale.
You must have been a regular at the night parties back in school—Odogwu, as they say! What advice would you offer to students today as they prepare for life after school?
Earn a good grade and build skills. Learn how to find important information that can put you out there. Learn how to speak confidently and convincingly. Whether you want to be an entrepreneur or an employee, you need to know how to sell your ideas.
Don’t underestimate the power of connections-Build relationships and meet new people, opportunity might come from a casual conversation. Don’t self isolate yourself. I made reference to Wigwe’s Tribute last year, look at the speeches made by top technocrats, CEOs about his life and impacts he made.
Most importantly, don’t panic if things don’t go as planned after graduation. It’s okay to start small. Just don’t stay in one place, keep striving, keep learning and keep building.
We must say, your post-school journey has been both compelling and truly worth sharing. Thank you for being a part of Life After School, Olanrewaju.
Thank you, BsgistNews.
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Many thanks to Olanrewaju Okanlawon for having this conversation with us and answering all our questions – and swiftly too, we must add.
Do you love this content, have any feedback for us or want to be a BsgistNews Features contributor? We’d love to read from you. Shoot us an email: info@bsgistnews.com. Join us on Sunday for the next episode!
Truly inspiring