This topic brings to mind the volume of graduates that parade the streets of Nigeria on a daily basis, looking for a job. Some have even resorted to doing menu jobs with their certificate or degrees not playing any vital roles in their lives.
Let me buttress that we have a lot to do when it comes to the curriculum of our education system, beginning from primary, post-primary and tertiary education. Let's begin this discussion following a more carefully researched model.
First, let me say that our curriculum is too cumbersome. There are so many unnecessary subjects and topics that are included in the national curriculum. This has made the students to have divided attention in their study of course of choice. Many a time, the curriculum is designed to favour the persons who would produce the material, like textbooks and whatnot that would be used in the classroom.
I remember how we took a course, a general course that has no input in our GPA at the University. Whereas, the lecturer was so tough that you are mandated to buy a caricature handout by force which determines whether you would pass the course or not. Most people still had a carryover in that course or even scored low marks.
Why A University Degree Is Relevant
In spite of all the above, getting a university means a lot to people. It is relevant in our generation.
The first thing about a university degree is that you have a specialized knowledge of what you have studied. The knowledge acquired from a university, which is what is measured before a degree certificate can be awarded, is essential for obtaining employment in a specific industry or profession. University education no doubt provides students with in-depth knowledge and skills which prepared them for the future.
To be gainfully employed, you may need a university degree. It is true that in our time, there is high rate unemployment but there are few well.paying jobs and having a university degree is an advantage in being employed. In some areas, persons with particular skills are employed in high paying jobs but that doesn't mean you would compare a university degree holder to people who do not have a degree but have a well paying job because of the skill they have acquired.
A university degree also helps you to connect or network with people of like minds. Having a degree or attending a degree awarding institution helps you to meet professionals, alumni and peers in the field of study. These connections can lead to job opportunities and even contracts that would break you forth.
On the average, individuals with a university degree have a better chance of earning higher. Over time, employees who are absorbed with their certificate tend to get a better paying job.
Recently, there was an argument making the rounds all over social media. The conversion of Higher National Diploma (HND) to University degree has turned into a sour tale for HND holders. The argument is that if it is not a university degree, it can never be a university degree.
One of the major relevance of university degrees is that it helps students to develop problem solving, communication and research skills. These are valuable in both professional and personal life.
If I am asked to speak to a group of people on this topic, I would simply tell them that as much as they want to pursue a university degree, they should also acquire a skill. The University degree would serve as a guide to channel their skill toward maximizing their earnings.