Don’t Despair when your Application is Rejected — Babatunde O. Akintunde
Babatunde O. Akintunde, a Chevening Scholar, University of Sussex, United Kingdom has advised the youths; especially from humble backgrounds who are keen in applying for opportunities not to be despaired when they get rejection mails but, they should be optimistic and persist in applying.
He spoke via a livestream on May 7, 2021, at a Capacity Building Programme organized by Catholic Youth Organization of Nigeria (CYON), Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Cathedral, Asogo, Oyo. The theme of the event was: “Positioning Yourself for International Opportunities”.
In his welcome address, Abayomi J. Odewale, the Facilitator and the CYON Acting President admonished the youths to leverage on the internet in accessing opportunities that will tremendously advance their education and career. And above all, the key is executing information at their disposal.
It had in attendance, Very. Rev. Fr. John Oyekunle (the Cathedral Administrator), Rev. Sr. Eunice Ikufisile, OSF (Pastoral Sister) and Rev. Sr. Elizabeth Agwu (the Diocesan youth coordinator). Also in attendance, the immediate past CYON President, Alade Alex.
“He who doesn’t know where and how his mates are succeeding will find it very hard to succeed as well and that’s why a programme like this is very important for us”, Fr. Oyekunle said in his opening remarks.
The moderator, Oyelakin Festus bemoaned the rejection outcomes and disappointments having expended energy on the tedious application process of most international opportunities.
Akintunde cited an instance of two friends; one tried 16 times and got a fully funded Master’s scholarship in Canada coincidentally, the other friend also tried 16 times before securing a fully funded Master's scholarship in Barcelona. He also encouraged young people to flaunt their strength, access opportunities by following credible platforms and have a mentor.
The Pastoral Sister, Rev. Sr. Eunice Ikufisile advised youths to express themselves in a simple manner. She said the application could be frustrating, young people just have to be persistent and truthful. Besides, local opportunities could also be explored, international opportunities are not a do or die.
In spotting fake opportunities, Akintunde advised the youths to be wary of any form of payment and pay proper attention to the language.
Oladapo Paschaline, an elated attendee appreciated the Church and thanked the facilitator and guest speaker for initiating such an educative and career transformational programme.
The event was conceived in enlightening youths within Oyo and environs in order to have an edge while applying for scholarships and jobs in the highly competitive labour market — locally and globally.
The event came to an end after a closing prayer by Babajide Ajolayo.