IS SCHOOL A SCAM?

By Fatiah Adejobi

The phrase "School na scam" is a popular statement among young people and even some older generations. But is school truly a scam? Is education no longer the best legacy or the key to success? What actually changed?

A school is a structured institution for learning that provides formal knowledge, discipline, credentials, and social exposure. It serves as a tool for personal, intellectual, and professional development, the value of which depends largely on how the learner applies what is gained beyond the classroom. The word "scam," on the other hand, refers to a deceptive system or practice that falsely promises guaranteed success or rewards while delivering far less than what is implied, often benefiting from the expectations and efforts of those involved.

School is incomplete on its own; it is not the ultimate solution, but it provides a guide to the solution. School offers important foundations such as basic knowledge, discipline, critical thinking, and exposure to diverse ideas. It provides qualifications that are required for many jobs, both professional and non-professional. However, school alone does not guarantee success or employment, which contrasts with common general beliefs. Most people believe that once they have a degree, their future is guaranteed. While a degree is valuable, schools often focus more on theory than on practical skills.

Skill acquisition is essential for every student, aside from just obtaining a degree. This includes self-development skills, entrepreneurship, and real-life experiences that are not taught in class. In present-day Nigeria, where white-collar jobs are difficult to secure, these skills come in handy to help young graduates navigate life after school. The absence of these skills makes life after school seem difficult and makes one's efforts in school feel wasted or fruitless. This often leads to painful comparisons with those who are less educated. Younger individuals who witness this may lose the zeal to pursue an education, especially those whose only motivation was the perceived success of those who went before them. In today's world, where content creation, online trading, and even internet fraud are sources of income for many, many feel a degree is not a requirement for financial stability. For example, Peller, a popular TikTok influencer, is someone who is less educated but makes significant money through content creation and live streaming. He serves as a role model to many young people and adults alike because society is increasingly focused on the finances involved. Success is now frequently defined by wealth, irrespective of how it is acquired.

Furthermore, school can be very stressful, attending classes daily, meeting assignment deadlines, and facing impromptu tests and exams, only to finish without a profitable job. This experience leads many to believe that school is not worth the stress, as it does not seem to promise the "bright future" that is the ultimate goal.

However, school is never a scam; rather, people often mistake school for something it is not. School is a training ground, and the outside world, life after school is the testing ground where the knowledge acquired is put into action. Education gives you leverage. It helps you think critically, regardless of what you choose to do, whether venturing into business or another field. As an educated person, you have the capability to research, think analytically to move a business forward, and access opportunities that those without a proper education cannot reach.

In conclusion, as a young person, invest in yourself. Acquire skills outside the four walls of the classroom, plan for life after graduation while still in school, and find a hobby or trade that can sustain you with or without a white-collar job. School is not just about acquiring formal education; it is about properly utilizing the lessons taught and applying them to the world outside.