Introduction
The Nigerian slang "school na scam" is a popular phrase used to describe the negative perception of the education system in Nigeria. It is often used by young people who feel that the education system is not delivering the results they expect and that it is a waste of time and resources.
Personally, I disagree with this statement and believe that it is misleading.
Education is the key to unlocking an individual's potential and providing them with the tools to succeed in life. It opens doors to opportunities and helps individuals to develop the skills they need to succeed in the future. Education is not a scam but an investment in oneself, and it is essential for personal growth and development.
The why and why not...
The education system in Nigeria has its challenges, but it is not a scam. The country faces issues such as poor funding, inadequate infrastructure, and a shortage of qualified teachers. These problems have resulted in a decline in the quality of education, and students are often not receiving the support they need to succeed. However, this does not mean that the education system itself is a scam.
Many students in Nigeria do not appreciate the value of education and the opportunities it can provide. They see it as a burden and a waste of time, and this attitude has contributed to the negative perception of the education system. However, this attitude is misplaced and short-sighted, as education is essential for personal and professional growth.
Teachers open the door, but you must enter by yourself.
– Chinese Proverb
Learning is not attained by chance; it must be sought for with ardor and attended to with diligence.
– Abigail Adams
Furthermore, it is important to note that education is not just about getting good grades and securing a job. It is also about developing critical thinking skills, problem-solving abilities, and the ability to work effectively in a team. These skills are essential for success in all areas of life, and they cannot be obtained without a strong education.
Personal Experience
I would like to cite my personal experience to debunk the myth of school being a scam. I grew up as a person that would be classified in our society as a "get inside" child. Without the exposure to education, I can't imagine what would have become of me. The friendships, the lessons, the networking groups that I have now, were mostly birthed in the course of my movement through the educational system. Professionally too, being a legal practitioner that is not practicing, I still randomly get legal related jobs outside the scope of what I currently do. I would have never gotten that fiscal advantage without making sure I moved to the educational system to end up as a legal practitioner.
Like I already said, it is not just the educational value derived from grades and qualifications, the nurturing of thought processes, development of skills and discovery of who you are can all be assured through involvement in the educational system, notwithstanding the challenges. I studied law and moved in the opposite direction to navigate the world of information technology. The mental skills I developed are currently useless to me, illuminating the current path that I have chosen.
Conclusively...
The Nigerian slang "school na scam" is a misleading statement that does not reflect the value of education. Education is essential for personal and professional growth, and it provides individuals with the skills they need to succeed in life. It is not a scam but an investment in oneself, and it is essential for personal growth and development. It is time for individuals to appreciate the value of education and to work together to improve the education system in Nigeria.
Education is one thing no one can take away from you.
—Elin Nordegren
I hereby nominate @aisaac and @ifecollins007 to hop on this contest.