This is a very good question and may God bless the Questioner for this observation.

One quick point to note: At the time I went to school, especially secondary school – the Federal Govt. Colleges were very competitive. I went to Queens College in Lagos which is a Federal Govt. College and the main criteria was for you to pass the exam.

You are correct, a lot of the children there were kids of professionals. Yet there were several from less well-to-do homes. (By the way, my father at one stage had to borrow money to fund part of my university fees when I went abroad). Thank God that Jesus, our own Father’s only begotten son, was born in a manger and was raised by a Carpenter. Yet, it was said of Him: “He has done all things well” (Mark 7:37). Some people have godfathers. God the Father is a much better support. As such, your question is that – today with schools more deprived and education quality much lower than the past, how do I equalize my situation if I don’t have a privileged educational background?

Your key allies here are: Prayer and INFORMATION. The internet has to a certain extent – democratized information (if not education). The same person who is in Ajegunle, but is determined to educate himself, has access (albeit with much less money), to that same internet as the spoilt kid in Banana Island. Your hunger to excel and to exceed your peers, should be your motivator. You would be surprised what God can do with that hunger……

1. What practical steps would you advise we locally educated women to excel just like you? Practical Steps:
a. Ask yourself: What do I want to Excel in? What is the area? Be determined that you are not going to allow any perceived disability from prevent you from shining…..
b. Take it to the Lord in prayer – not just as a hobby, but as a passion. Disturb the Lord every day with this prayer; “Lord, turn my liability into my ability. In the area where I feel deprived, fulfill me. I want to excel in ……..”. Let this be your constant prayer after each quiet time of praise.
c. Get online – promise yourself to find one free course from a good brand educational institution every 3 months. Each quarter – checklist what you were able to learn off the internet.
d. Stop spending time/wasting time on social media, FB, blogs that waste your time and drain your energy. Instead, only use social media to further your desire for excellence….
e. Stop wasting your money on aso-ebi, shoe and bag, and other things. Spend money on your “excellence investment” – education, courses, information acquisition.
f. Check back on the website with the WiL Series, when you have done 3 very relevant international (free) courses off the internet – relevant to the area you want to excel.
2. What organization would you advise us to join/network and be a part of?
Are you already working? There are organizations like WIMBIZ, WISCAR, Professional Women’s Roundtable (look them up online).

3. How would you advise us to go about attaining the same level of exposure you have had particularly as we work hard work and have little funds?
See above. Indeed you work hard, but you can make a savings deposit each time, in your desire to excel. Can you save some time out of your day to research your future? Scan your day. What are you doing that is not directed by the Spirit of God (magazines, jisting, etc.). A disciplined person drops all wasting of time out of their agenda and spends more quality time a) with the Lord in prayer, praise and worship and b) with his passion to excel in that area (researching it, praying over it, learning about it).