Working Lives – OAPs
The world is filled with mobile phones, tablets, and computers but the radio still has the widest audience coverage, reaching millions without access to the internet. As important as a radio set is, so are the content and the voices – the presenters or On-Air Personalities (OAPs). It’s our first Working Lives episode in the new year and in it, we explore the world of the voices on the radio, whose role it often is, to attract and retain the audience interest as well as distinguish one station from another through their shows. Enjoy!
Toyin
My first time on-air was exciting. I wasn’t tense, didn’t feel any form of anxiety nor was nervous at all. It felt like the moment was for me. And this was something I had always wanted to do, so I just kicked in and let it all flow.”
Where are you from?
I am from Ondo state, but I was born and brought up in Lagos.
Which school did you attend and when did you graduate?
I went to Olokun Primary School, in Ilasamaja, Lagos after which I attended Okota Junior and Senior Secondary School. I am currently studying Pharmacology at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), at 300 level.
Oh! you aren’t studying Mass Communication?
No. I was studying Botany at LASU but wanted something better, so I transferred to UNILAG to study Pharmacology.
Tell me about your family.
My dad is a civil servant, works at the Lagos State University (LASU), while my mom is a businesswoman. She sells fish in large bulk at Ijora. I have two siblings and we all grew up together in Lagos.
Do you still live with your parents?
No, I stopped living with my parents when I was 2 years old.
What?
Hahaha. I have been living with my guardian since then.
So, what gave you the drive to venture into the media industry, for someone that is studying Pharmacology?
I would say depression.
Depression?
Yes. So, I finished secondary school in 2014, and in 2015, I passed my WAEC exams, post-UTME, and was going to study Biochemistry in UNILAG. Unfortunately, I could not get in because of my subject combination – I did mathematics instead of physics because I didn’t like physics. I felt depressed about it because I am someone who suffers a lot from academic failure. I could fail at any other thing and I would be fine with it and move on. But academic failure is something that really weighs me down. During that period, I was really down and became more open and into myself. Then in 2016, the only thing that got me through was the radio, that was my peace of mind and that was how it all started.
How did you start working as an OAP?
Well, I asked someone in school, a former coursemate. The person introduced me to someone who was already working in the radio station at Unilag Radio and that was how I got in.
Also Read: Working Lives: The DJ Who Built His Own Speakers By Himself
As at when you started, what were the things you were told to do?
I started off as a behind-the-scenes kind of person. I was more like the audience, listening to whatever was being said in the studio. I got my own show some months later. It is called ‘Campus Life’ and we get to talk about things that happen on campus and how students can relate to stuff in the outside world.
What did it feel like, being on air for the first time?
My first time on-air was exciting. I wasn’t tensed, didn’t feel any form of anxiety nor was nervous at all. It felt like the moment was for me. And this was something I had always wanted to do, so I just kicked in and let it all flow. The only thing I needed to learn so well was how to operate the equipment in the studio and I had lovely colleagues that were ready to put me through.
How many hours do you work in a day?
I work for just an hour because I am still a student. They had to reduce my work hours so I would still be able to attend classes and all that. Being in medical school, my schedule isn’t really flexible. I only go to the studio when I have a show, which is on Mondays at 5 o’clock.
Tell me what a typical day at work looks like?
Ok. I make sure I get to the studio by 4:30 pm latest because my show starts at 5 pm. Then the team goes over the topic for the day and also makes sure our guests are around. We try to get in touch with them if they are not yet. So, we go on air at exactly 5 o’clock. My show is more like a drive time evening show. By 6 o’clock we wrap up and have another meeting against the topic for the following week and possible guests. By 6:30 pm max, I am out of the studio.
Do you get paid, even with the fact that you are still a student?
No, I do not get paid. And because this is more like me volunteering, I am actually not bothered about whether I get paid or not. It’s a passion and I just want to learn and grow career-wise.
Is there a criterion for students to join Unilag radio or I have to know someone on the inside?
OAP
You have to be a Unilag student. Then an assessment is done to know if you can actually take up the role. It’s really not just about having some connection. Apart from just working on my show, I still have to create content for other shows. So it’s not just about having someone on the inside but one should also be smart and good at the job.
What major things do you spend money on?
I am really not so much of a spender though. I am still a student so I basically spend my money on books.
Also Read: Working Lives: The Chef Who Plans to Teach Microbiology in the University
Wow. You are definitely the scholar…
Hahaha. Please I don’t like failing, so I buy anything that will help my study. Pharmacology is not beans. I think other things that take a chunk of my money are food and transport fare.
Do you have savings? If yes, how much do you save in a month?
Yes, I do. I use the PiggyVest app, and it automatically deducts N200 from my bank account every day.
For how long have you been working as a ‘student’ OAP?
I have been working as an OAP for a year and some months now, and I really love the experience.
Do you have plans to venture into something else apart from being an OAP?
Yes, definitely. I plan on getting a master’s degree in Toxicology.
