"Choose a topic you’d be happy to work on" — Fresh OAU English Graduate narrates her final year project experience

 

 Can you briefly introduce yourself and provide an overview of your final year project at Obafemi Awolowo University?

I am Ololade Agoro, a fresh graduate of the Department of English, Obafemi Awolowo University.

My final year project in summary studies the features characteristic of individual and societal Nigerian behaviour in its title text, in contrast with the actual Nigerian society and its citizens. It studies sociability as a feature of Nigerian behaviour, and stereotypes concerning Nigerian behaviour. However, in my research work, I chose to replace ‘Nigerian behaviour’ with the word, ‘Nigerianness’.

What was the topic or subject of your final year project?

My project topic was:

 Reconstructing Nigerianness in Damilola Blackburn’s Yinka, Where is Your Huzband?

Can you provide a brief summary of the main objectives and goals of your project?

The research work was mainly conducted to determine how similar or dissimilar the Nigeria and Nigerians in the title text represented by the author, is in contrast to the actual Nigeria. It’s two different worlds (one in a work of fiction, the other, a reality), but how do they correlate?

How did you go about selecting your research topic? Did it have to do specifically with something you enjoyed?

Yes, my research topic basically jumped out at me. I had read the book several months before we were asked to write our proposals, but I was already mesmerized by how a diasporic author was to a large extent, able to create characters with  Nigerian behaviour and flair for drama without making it obvious that she doesn’t even live in Nigeria. 

That was the motivation.

What was your approach to conducting literature reviews and gathering relevant sources?

I knew the topic was a peculiar one because of the term “Nigerianness”, so I admit that the academic writings I used were very few.

Due to the newness of the topic and the almost absence of existing literature, my literature review was done in an unconventional manner. I used reviews from the book (on websites, blogs, YouTube) to write my literature review. It was a whole new experience for me, especially when it came to the citations part!

Were there any specific challenges you encountered during the initial research phase?

Yes, “Nigerianness” was hard to find. I was frustrated with the way essays on this particular topic were nowhere to be found. It was scary at some point.

How did you plan and organize your project timeline and tasks?

Oh well, I made a work plan for it and set two-week deadlines per chapter. It helped that I started writing early too.

I have these sticky notes that I used to organise each phase based on the chapter I was writing. 

I’d consult my supervisor on what each chapter could contain, he’d give me suggestions and encourage me to arrange it how I like, then I’ll write out the outlines and the kind of research I’d do for each outline.

My wall and notepad was like something out of a detective movie really.

What research methods or approaches did you use in your project?

I used Qualitative research. Gathered scholarly writings, used reader reviews for my literature review because I wanted multiple perspectives on the Nigerianness in the book. It turned out to be pretty interesting.

No questionnaires, basically.

How did you ensure the validity and reliability of your research findings?

Well, I did what they would always advise you to do. Use academic writings because they hold more credibility, and cite each one properly in your work.

 Did you collaborate with other students or faculty members during your project?

No, none at all. Just me and my assigned supervisor.

Then I had friends around to proofread and give advise.

How did you seek and receive support from your academic advisors or mentors?

Well, by sending texts and requesting appointments whenever I felt the need to. I also made myself accountable by admitting to my supervisor whenever I felt like I was going off track. I’d bring the half finished work to him to take a look at, he’d kindly point me in the right direction, and I’ll start over again. He was very patient with me.

What key strategies or tips would you offer to students undertaking their final year projects?

First thing I’ll say is; choose a topic that matches your interest. Choose a topic you’d be happy to work on. A direct and clear topic would be best to avoid any entanglement in the long run. 

Some topics look simple at the initial phase, but breaking it down into bits is where the work is because it’s just so broadddd. If your topic turns out to be something like this, then choose two or three areas you’d prefer to your research to be focused on, and in clear terms, include it in your research proposal, and “Aim and Objectives” section. Make it clear that those are the areas of your topic your research would be touching. It’s best to discuss with, and seek advise from your supervisor also.

Second thing; Tread carefully and don’t be ashamed to admit if you need help. The people around you can help your thought process and mental health. 

Thirdly, don’t stress it. Take each chapter, each subheading at a time. Most people looked at the enormity of their work and got too frightened to start. If you don’t know how to start, just start writing. It’ll begin to make sense and take shape  after a while.

How did you manage stress and workload during the project?

I did this by starting my project early because I knew that my second semester would busier. While my mates went for first semester break, I stayed back in school and began to consult my supervisor (he was generous enough to allow it)

I also mapped out time carefully. Time to read, time to work on project, time to play, attend extracurricular activities, and rest. Between classes, I’d open the list of stuff I need to research on and start browsing. I saved pages offline a lot too. Then I’d get home and read them. I’m quite good at multitasking, so it wasn’t so hard to do everything all at once. Although, I did get mentally overwhelmed once…

How did you prepare for your project presentation and defense?

Luckily for literature students, we do not have to do defense.

Imagine my joyyy when I heard

Looking back, what do you consider the most valuable lessons or experiences gained from your final year project?

As the popular saying goes; “where there’s a will, there’s a way”.

If you could give advice to your past self before starting the project, what would it be?

I’d tell myself that just because it’s called a final year project doesn’t mean it’s an unclimbable mountain. People had whispered things that made me a little anxious before the time to write it even came.

How has your final year project influenced your career aspirations or academic interests?

Ohhh, I’ve been thinking about exploring and studying African (especially Nigerian) literature written by diasporic writers more.

It’s quite interesting.

Olufayo Omolayo