While trying to source materials for a research in University of Ibadan’s Theatre Art Departmental library, I overheard a group of student’s conversation. The students ranging between age 16-20 were discussing their life as students and their fate after school. Then, like a vocanic reaction, one of them exploded with an assertion that had plunged me into the critical evaluation of the above topic. She declared, “Education is a scam!” I had half expected her colleagues to oppose her view, but alas, majority instantly swung to her established position.
That incident could only reflect the general attitude of 21st century students toward education. Despite the fact that it is a global phenomenon, the Nigerian situation in relation to the assertion is worth examining.
The supporters of the assertion that education is a scam, in their gist, had narrated various experiences drawn from Nigerian socio economic reality to back up their point. Nigeria is such a country where a university graduate may not necessarily earn higher than a secondary school drop out. A technician once shared his experience with me. He is a graduate of Computer Engineering who was forced into the business of mobile phone repair due to unemployment. He complained that his years of suffering in the higher institution was a waste of time. He compared himself with his “dump” younger brother who had to be send to go and learn the art of buying and selling phone accessories in Computer Village, Ikeja, Lagos, due to his inability to cope with academics. The boy, who was drafted into the business after his primary school education , can now afford to import container loads of goods from China, while he has boys working under him. He ( the graduate ) is only a technician barely making a living.
Having considered the above narrated experience, I was almost tempted into placing my judgment in favor of the innocent assertion. But I wanted to be sure that my judgment was not hasty. First, what’s the purpose of education? Is it for the purpose of passing through an academic experience to gain social relevance and / or employment? Having a degree for the purpose of social relevance is concrete in the Nigerian society since it’s a basic requirement to benefit from some state and national programmes. Bank of industry, for example, currently offers entrepreneurship training with start up loan exclusively for university graduates. A university degree also enhances one’s chances in partisan politics . I have also personally observed that graduates are given special consideration in the religious community.
For employment, although we do not belong to the lucky generation of 50s and 60s when jobs hunt graduates, a university degree is the minimum requirement for a gainful employment should in case a rare opportunity shows up. Having a degree could therefore be considered more of treasure hunt than a scam.
Aside social and economic objectives, what about embracing education for its intrinsic value? Education possesses the intrinsic ability to either enrich individuals with knowledge or skill. Unlike polytechnics and vocational schools, universities do not impact practical skills. Nevertheless, individuals could decide what to do with knowledge acquired based on personal area of interest. That is why we have various professional institutes around.
Beyond going for professional trainings, another thing a university graduate may explore is creativity.The process of studying varieties of courses while in the university tends to broaden one’s view of life. Also, The art of gathering credible and useful information to solve practical problems are one of the benefits of going through the system. It’s therefore expected that a graduate tailor, for example, pursue his/her business with better sense of judgment than a non-graduate. I know of a graduate plumber who is able to build a strong clientele base by simply sending out three – page proposals to residents of Lekki Phase 1, Lagos. This is not a skill acquired as a plumbing apprentice, but during his university days.
In conclusion, university education should be regarded as a life time opportunity to develop oneself in all ramification. It’s a substructure upon which promising future may be built. Nevertheless, hard work, passion and vision is required
ETH AINA'S CREATIVE ISLAND. 