It is becoming more obvious every day that many students in secondary schools are no longer taking their education seriously. As a teacher, it is disheartening to see how many students are not even interested in coming to school, let alone learning. Today, while at school, I noticed how only a few of the SS3 students showed up to write their final exams, and even those who came behaved like they had already arrived at the peak of life. They were noisy, unruly, and had little or no regard for discipline. It made me wonder: is secondary school really the end of education for them?
In the past, students valued education. They saw it as the key to success. Parents, teachers, and even society placed a high value on education. Students had role models who inspired them to read, dream, and aim higher. But now, the story has changed. Many students today don’t see the importance of schooling anymore. To them, getting to SS3 is enough. A large number of them are not planning to further their education. Instead, they are thinking of going into one handiwork or the other, be it tailoring, barbing, hairdressing, or mechanics.
One of the major reasons for this change is the influence of the internet and social media. Many students are glued to their phones, watching videos on TikTok, Instagram, or YouTube. They see people who become famous or rich without going to school, and they begin to think education is a waste of time. They want to become influencers, skit makers, or celebrities overnight. Unfortunately, they don’t realize that what they see online is only part of the story, not the full picture.
Another factor is the condition of the educational system itself. In many public schools, learning environments are poor. Classes are overcrowded, facilities are lacking, and even teachers are not well motivated. How do we expect students to be serious when the system doesn’t support their growth? Some of them also come from homes where education is not emphasized, and so they carry the same mindset to school.
However, it is important to know that not all students have given up. Some still value education and are doing their best to succeed. These students attend classes, do assignments, and prepare for exams. They understand that education opens doors to better opportunities and a brighter future. They may be few, but they are the hope we still hold onto.
In all, we need a serious reawakening. Parents, teachers, and community leaders must come together to remind students of the value of education. The government must also do its part by improving school facilities and making education more attractive and relevant to today’s world. If we fail to do so, we may continue to raise a generation of youths who are not prepared for the future.