Oluda Oreofe Mercy
Looking around me in the society observing the rate of unemployment among graduates, the favouritism and nepotism especially in business organizations and firms I can’t help but wonder is university degree truly worth the investment?
Surely, university education supplies enormously useful experiences, skills, knowledge and testament to a lifetime of learning the outcome is not assured.
The prevalence of favoritism, nepotism, and high unemployment rates has led many students and parents to question the value of pursuing a traditional university degree. Even some graduates I admire have advised me not to rely solely on my degree, as it’s increasingly becoming less valuable. This makes me wonder if it’s still worth investing my time, effort, and resources into obtaining a degree. Is it a worthwhile pursuit, or a waste of time?
Also the emphasis on earning a degree, combined with the mass production of graduates in the same fields especially in Nigeria most parents even choose or impose courses to study for their children has led to a surplus of qualified candidates. This makes it increasingly challenging for individuals to differentiate themselves and secure job opportunities, as their credentials are no longer a distinctive asset.
So what make a degree worth pursuing?
In my opinion, it’s time to reanalyze the value motion of higher education and focus on end results not just inputs. Universities must place importance on occupational capability, skills development, and lifelong learning to ensure graduate are future prepared. In which UNIOSUN incorporates well with the addition of practical lessons, organizing entrepreneurship training for the students, and also sending students for practical industrial training.
I believe pursuing a university degree is a valuable investment, offering a wide range of benefits beyond academics. It provides a unique opportunity to socialize, explore, and gain invaluable experiences that improves personal growth and development. University life exposes you to diverse perspectives, broadens your horizons, and helps you develop essential skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication. These skills not only prepare you for the real world but also equip you to become a respected and educated individual. By allowing students to choose their desired field of study, parents and guardians can empower them to excel and become future leaders, potentially even creating job opportunities for others. A university degree is a valuable asset that can open doors to new possibilities, expand one’s mindset, and navigate life’s challenges with confidence. With a university degree and the knowledge that comes with it you’re always one step ahead.
In today’s fast paced world, i hold the view that a university degree is not just a piece of paper as a number of people now argue it is due to one factor or the other but a university degree is in fact serves a license to endless opportunities and a life time of learning and betterment for individuals and the society at large. A study by the OECD(Organization For Economic Co-operation and Development) found that university education is essential for economic growth and development, as it provides the skills and knowledge needed to drive innovation and productivity(2020 data)
As a matter of fact, personally I conclude that obtaining a university degree is essential for youths as it sharpens their minds, skills, prepare them for their future and how to be respectable and responsible persons in the society. Despite the obstacles faced by graduates I believe university degree is worth the investment.