Once time passes, it cannot be reclaimed or relived. This makes it essential to make the most of the present moment and look towards the future with purpose and intention. Time and energy are the two most precious and irretrievable resources in life. When squandered or misused, they can never be regained. Every moment and every ounce of energy represent opportunities that, if missed, are lost forever.
Time is a vital and universal aspect of human existence, yet its significance and interpretation vary greatly across cultures, individuals, and geographic locations. The effective management of time is crucial, as it enables us to prioritize and accomplish meaningful tasks. Time is a finite and irreversible resource; it marches on relentlessly, and we must adapt to its pace.
Once time passes, it cannot be reclaimed or relived. This makes it essential to make the most of the present moment and look towards the future with purpose and intention. Time and energy are the two most precious and irretrievable resources in life. When squandered or misused, they can never be regained. Every moment and every ounce of energy represent opportunities that, if missed, are lost forever.
Effective utilization of time and energy is crucial, as they are the foundation upon which we build our lives, achieve our goals, and create lasting memories. Wasting them means forfeiting valuable chances for growth, success, and happiness, making it essential to prioritize and make the most of these fleeting resources.
In Nigeria, there is a prevalent mindset known as African Time, which often leads to a lack of punctuality. This cultural phenomenon assumes that scheduled events will inevitably be delayed, fostering a habit of tardiness in various aspects of life, including academic programs, weddings, and social events. As a result, people often arrive late, expecting the event to start later than scheduled.
While this mindset may have some social advantages, such as allowing for more relaxed interactions, its negative consequences far outweigh the benefits. The prevalence of African Time and lack of punctuality have resulted in numerous individuals missing out on significant opportunities, including job openings, exams, lectures, and scholarships, solely due to tardiness.
I have personally witnessed students arriving late to exams, anticipating delays, only to face penalties from exam supervisors. Similarly, job seekers have lost opportunities by showing up late to interviews, as punctuality is a crucial aspect of professional life. No employer wants to hire someone who cannot prioritize timeliness, as it directly impacts their ability to effectively perform duties.
I firmly believe that punctuality is a key to success, particularly in the educational sector and workplaces. Moreover, punctuality holds significant importance in religious contexts, such as Islam, where observing daily prayers on time is vital, and any failure to do so may result in consequences in the hereafter.
How do you feel when you arrive late to events, despite knowing the scheduled time? Do you feel at ease or uncomfortable? Many individuals experience discomfort and anxiety when running behind schedule, leading to rushed decisions, such as speeding, which can result in accidents.
I have immense respect for punctual lecturers in my department who adhere strictly to their schedules. If you arrive late to their classes, they won’t tolerate excuses and will ask you to leave. They believe that as a student seeking knowledge, punctuality reflects your commitment and eagerness to learn. By being on time, you demonstrate your seriousness and responsibility, which are essential qualities for academic success.
My goal in writing this article is to inspire Africans to rethink their approach to time and abandon the unproductive culture of African Time. Instead, I urge them to embrace punctuality in all aspects of life, as it is a crucial element of success. Personally, I hold punctuality in high esteem, as I detest being kept waiting and equally dislike keeping others waiting for an extended period. Serious lateness leads to discomfort, frustration, and anger. Time is a precious resource, and we must utilize it wisely by prioritizing punctuality. By doing so, we can bid farewell to the culture of African Time and welcome success in all areas of life. Trust me, the benefits will be transformative.
Nusaiba Muhammad Hassan.
Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria.
[email protected]