Many young Nigerians are asking the same question: What’s the point of spending four (or more) years studying a course that has nothing to do with what they’re doing now or even hope to do?
The truth is, Nigeria is not a country where you survive, let alone succeed, by relying on a single qualification or a narrow skill set. And that’s where the frustration begins.
? Theory vs. Reality: A Growing Gap
The Nigerian education system teaches theory with a heavy dose of repetition. The curriculum is outdated, rigid, and almost allergic to innovation. Students cram to pass, graduate with decent GPAs, but then step into the real world and realize they are not even remotely prepared.
Most graduates leave school without basic digital skills, little to no entrepreneurial exposure, and a weak understanding of the industries they’re supposed to function in. No internships. No mentorships. Just certificates and vibes.
?️ In Nigeria, Survival Requires Skills
In this country, having a degree is just one bullet in a long fight for survival and often not the strongest one. What really keeps many young people afloat is their ability to learn and juggle multiple skills at once.
Today, it’s almost a given that you need to be doing at least five things just to stay relevant:
Graphic design on the side.
Learning code at night.
Selling thrift on IG.
Freelance writing or social media management.
Still managing NYSC or a PPA you didn’t choose.
That’s the reality. And it’s exhausting. Young people are becoming digital marketers, tech bros, fashion designers, bakers, and content creators regardless of what they studied, because that’s what Nigeria demands. The degree becomes a formality, while survival depends on how many useful things you can do and monetize.
? Career Switching Is the Norm, Not the Exception
The irony? Most Nigerian youths have already accepted this lifestyle. Ask around, and you'll hear things like
“I studied microbiology, but now I do UI/UX.”
“I have a law degree, but I manage social media for brands.”
“I read English, but I run a skincare business and dabble in photography.”
People are not chasing careers based on passion or academic training anymore. They’re chasing options that pay the bills, allow some flexibility, or at least feel a little rewarding.
So then, what was the point of studying that specific course in the first place?
This is where the system begins to feel like a scam. Many courses are taught with zero linkage to real-world practice. There’s barely any career guidance or exposure to evolving industries. Faculties remain untouched by digital trends. And students aren’t taught how to pivot, adapt, or monetize their skills.
You enter university thinking your course is your future. You graduate and realize it's just a label, and the real education starts after school.
This leads to massive career confusion, low self-esteem, and a fear of failure, especially when you see others already making money through routes that had nothing to do with school.
? So what needs to change?
We need a reimagined education system that does more than test memory. We need:
Curriculums are updated to reflect 21st-century realities.
Mandatory digital and entrepreneurship training.
Practical learning through internships and industry immersion.
Emphasis on adaptability, communication, and self-leadership.
Systems that reward creativity, innovation, and exploration, not just cramming.
And more than anything, we need to stop pretending that books alone can save us in a system that demands resilience, reinvention, and relentless creativity.
