A NAIRALANDER'S PERSPECTIVE ON THE PHRASE, "SCHOOL NA SCAM"

If you're a student in Nigeria, then you must have heard the controversial mantra " School Na Scam" parading itself in arguably every tertiary and secondary institution across the country.

The ardent bearers of this slang believe and profess, in a metaphorical way, that tertiary institutions are equivalent to scam, that these tertiary institutions only extort from us and only offer in return what will prove to be of no relevance at the end. Although it is not that they propose education has a scam but rather school is scam.

But how true can this be? Has school become a genuine metaphor for scam? While I feel inclined to give a quick, direct response to these two questions, especially the second, it is better to first dig deep and explore the reason for the assertion.

UNDEREXPECTATION/UNEMPLOYMENT
I want to address the issues responsible for this ideological shift among our youths. While not endorsing the idea that school/education is a total scam, let us examine the issues that have necessitated such a mindset. First, our society has over the years degenerated in terms of morals and values, celebrating those who make money by all means.

The educated ones are ignored while illiterates and semi-literates parade the corridors of our social fabric and politics, legislating and enforcing a fetid moral code for the populace. Many of them have taken to menial duties to survive.
All the lectures, assignments, projects, fieldwork, and thesis they wrote amount to nothing since they eventually revert to menial jobs, suffocating the space for those who never went to school.

We have a lot of youths who try as much as possible to go to school but the irony is that after school they have nothing to show for their tireless effort in school.
While Growing up, i use to hear stories of how immediately one left the university, the government had a well-paying job and a vehicle waiting for him or her. Well, that was decades ago, right now the state of the Nigerian educational system is so decayed, recovery would be a miracle.

In those days, education paid off. I heard that school certificate holders got jobs automatically while university graduates were demigods. Now Graduates are disappointed and feel undervalued. However, the winner of Big Brother Nigeria, a reality TV show of about 2 months gets much more money than all the best graduating students of a Nigerian University combined who spent (5+xyears) studying in the university.

Welcome to Nigeria where your destiny is changed. Someone study chemical engineering and end up being a teacher. Someone reads economics and now a bus driver.
When you go to school your lecturers will sugarcoat you with all sort of promises to make you believe school is the solution to all problem that education is the key to success.
They will even assure you will get a job. It is after one graduates that they face reality of life .

I have seen where graduates struggle to get internship which is just for a yet i wonder how it will be when they look for job.

It can be argued that schools give individuals the option of security i.e. getting a white collar job (a 9 – 5), but there are millions of people in this country with good degree without a job( About 80% of graduates are without jobs). I dare say then, that, schooling makes you employable and not employed.

All the individuals whose opinion i sought attested to the fact that the present formal institution (school) doesn’t prepare individuals for the reality of life.
Nevertheless, Job employment today is as a result of Nepotism rather than meritocracy due to our nation's state of kakistocracy.

UNDER FUNDING
Ever since Nigeria discovered oil, the majority of the government’s focus has been turned towards the discovery, refining and production of crude oil, leading to huge neglect or underwhelming of other important government parastatals.

The lack of funding has led to the hiring of undercooked teachers who are willing to take the peanuts government can pay, thus leading to the universities producing undercooked students year after year; the result, a vicious circle of incompetence and rot.

STRIKE
It not uncommon for one to spend five, six years in school for a four-year degree programme due to the incessant internal and external strike actions. The persistence of strikes persuaded many Nigerian students to seek formal education abroad, not only in America and Europe but also in neighbouring countries in Africa. Anywhere but Nigeria, at least you were guaranteed an uninterrupted schedule.


When two elephants fight, the ground suffers. Whenever ASUU goes on strike it the students that suffers. ASUU claims they are going on strike for the benefits of students. However, we are the ones being affected by strike not the federal Government Even in the midst of COVID-19 ASUU is planning on further keeping the students at home even after they have languished at home for six months (almost an academic session)

AN ANTIQUATED CURRICULUM
Our curriculums are not evolving with the requirements of the labour market in the 21st century. Students are not directly trained for the labour market.

Lecturers and tutors in many institutions still use old handouts and lecture materials, once a student try to update, he will be failed.

I heard a story of a first-class Nigerian student who travelled abroad to further his education but was told to restart again because his education was not up to par.

There is also a story of a Nigerian who went to seek a job abroad, but the job was given to someone else even though he was better qualified for the job. His employers advised him to take a lesser role in the company while he brushed up his education. His experience supported a hunch that employers were wary of employing Nigerians because they felt Nigerian graduates lacked proper education.


POOR TEACHING METHODS
Students should be taught not only theory but also practical. I mean, it is only in Nigeria you would find an engineering graduate who has never had to take apart a machine talk more of building one, a Mass Communication/broadcast student who has never stepped into a studio or a printing press. Theories are good and fine, but it becomes a total waste if you cannot put them into practice in everyday life.

A lot students have been in school for a few years and they have nothing to show for it. They cannot remember what they were taught in their year 1 neither do they have the professional skills to back up their course of study.

The Nigerian curriculum needs a massive facelift, such that PhD holders can rub shoulders with their counterparts the world over. We need a more pragmatic approach in school instead of the rote method of teaching.

A typical student after spending 4-5 years in school and finally graduates, will still be train by the industry before being employed full time. The school doesn’t give the necessary skills we need after school (in the industry).

It is no wonder students forget what they learned in school. As a Science student, you are not being taught practicals and you are expected to be academically complete.

I have seen where a lot of our lecturers are not serious. Some of them don't lecture on time until a month to exam them they start rushing students, when students fail they are seen as unserious.

80% of what we learn in school is not what we apply outside and 80%of what we apply outside school is not taught in school.

We are not pragmatic in our teaching at all. Our school system exalt cramming. No wonder students don't remember what they learned the last semester.


LACK OF GRADUATE EMPOWERMENT
Our graduates are not empowered to succeed independently or through government assistance. Therefore it seems like a scam when youths go through the rigour to acquire education, pay all the fees, and finally return to square one.

It is more painful because our society does not celebrate educational achievements.

While the winner of a beauty pageant is rewarded with millions of naira, a trip around the world, and a brand new car, a first-class graduate is rewarded with a paltry N50,000. In some cases, nothing is given except a hand-shake from the Vice-Chancellor. Some lawmakers, governors, and high-ranking public officers who occupy leadership positions are either half-educated or bought their degrees from obscure European universities.

I have seen university graduates ride keke tricycles, okada, and uber. In Nigeria, survival has become a challenging reality for young graduates in the face of government’s insensitivity.


Our society does not care or respect education, they care and respect money no matter how it is acquired. We venerate positions, titles, and inchoate accolades as long as money is attached to them.

If nothing is done generation unborn will continue to see school as scam.

NO GUARANTEE
The way school celebrates first class students one will think they will always be the best in life. But after school, reality sets it.

Is the formal institution a prerequisite for success given the great number of witnesses like Mr. Maduka Cosmos?

Mr. Maduka Cosmos dropped out of school to become an apprentice where he learnt fundamental business skills and later became the founder of Coscharis Group; the sole distributor for BMW and Ford cars in Nigeria and most of West Africa. Also, Mr. Vincent Obianodo, a renowned vulcanizer in the Northern part of Nigeria, founded The Young Shall Grow Motors)

Zuckerberg and Gates are school dropouts, yet one invented the world’s most popular social media app and the other is the founder of Microsoft.

Nevertheless, we have PhD holders who do not have a working thesis, who only garner degrees, and make fancy, generic speeches pieced together from articles found on Google, in front of a lacklustre crowd gathered in some fancy air-conditioned hall.

Did Bill Gates have any certificate to become the richest man in the world? No. He dropped out of school.

Did Richard Branson have Masters to become the richest man in the Uk? No. He did not even finish High School.

Thomas Edison spent just about 3 months in school but he became the world’s most famous inventor.

Wright Brothers didn’t finish High School but they invented the Airplane.

Although dangote has a BSC but his schooling was not his secret to being the most richest black man but rather from his family's legacy.

It is results like this that makes students /graduate feel intimidated, especially if their friends who didn’t attend any higher institution are already buying the latest cars in town. While they see their selves in school wasting their time and not getting anything from school.

Some are beginning to see that schools are not the only medium of learning available in this part of the world especially with the emerging trends, such as home tutoring, professional trainings, internships, learning on YouTube, e-learning and reading books.

POSSIBLE SOLUTION

So is school a scam? Not really . However, there are alot of shortcomings that need to be addressed to create a paradigm shift in students/graduates thinking.

What then is the solution to this menace? Should school be scrapped or reformed? As one of my engagements opined, if a system isn’t working, the solution is not in the development of another system but the restructuring of the former system because chances are the reason behind the failure of the first system hasn’t been discovered yet.

Changing the current state of education would require an entirely different strategy. One that is definitely beyond the government especially if we hope to see any tangible change shortly.

I believe the first step in improving education in the country should begin with a revamp of the school curriculum in every phase of education. By this, I mean primary through the university levels

However, not everyone desires a university degree or even wants to be employed, some would rather be in business. They prefer learning and developing a skill and then starting a company around it. Hence, they should rather be encouraged to go to a skill acquisition centre.

In this generation, individuals should be given the free will to choose to either get a degree or learn and develop skills. What’s the use of a university degree if you’re unemployed? The country needs to produce individuals who will provide jobs both in the formal and informal sector. Schools are not the primary or should not be the sole medium of Education. Let’s encourage diversity.

Let us not live in self-denial, if our society does not change its materialistic mindset, contemporary youths and generations yet unborn will continue to see education as a scam.

This life no just balance...

Salient points you have there. I can relate.

Personally, I'm having my own share in the rot of our educational system. I'm a 300L student, studying Agricultural Economics and Extension. But, like my other mates in agro-related disciplines here in my faculty, I have never step a foot on the farms for practicals. Even if it's to practice few of the theories learnt so far. A 5-year professional course for that matter. Imagine. No, just imagine.

Seriously, our academic curriculum needs total reform. I googled "Agricultural economics syllabus" with the names of some reputable school around the world and I was awed. All the courses were strictly related to the discipline. So far, I can categorically tell you only 15% of everything I've learnt is connected to my course of study. Everything else is "borrowed" subtly put.

Also, results was pasted recently, and to my shock, I passed all my courses expect for one that surfaced as "DROP". Noting that I've never had a CO, hence, had no reservation whatsoever to dropping that course. I have paid my fees and all my courses are duly registered, as evident in both online and manual course registration forms. Tests and exam? I wrote my best while maintaining good conducts all through. Never had a faceoff with any lecturer, yet the course was dropped. Up till now, the lecturer in charge is yet to give a good reason as to that "error". Asking if I attended his class, wrote his test and exam. Like Baba, check your attendance lists now. Now I've got to rewrite that course... Just like that.

Laboratory? You are bound to share apparatus with 19 other students. Or even 29 in some cases like Physics Practicals. Even with zero participation, just make sure your matric no is on the attendance list, then copy the assignments later. You are sure to have an A or B and you say school is not scam.

Library? The most recent books there are dated "2009". They are usually 2005 downwards. I've resolved not to visit the book store any longer.

Most times, when I go online to read and watch latest news regarding my course of study, I found out that some of the things taught are obsolete.

And so on... Little wonder why most of us are in school just for the pali. We are no longer interested in the knowledge for self-reliance and service to nation. Because the knowledge impacted by these lecturers are usually outdated, I once saw an handout (inked not typed) dated "2009" last semester. And you dare not give them a "new approach" outside the scope of handouts. Why bother, after all, certificates doesn't guarantee good, discipline-related jobs.

Mehn me I can't can anymore. That's why even with the overwhelming academic hustle and bustle, I still spare some time to learn photography (photo editing, cinematography, graphics design and animation). Local man can not come and carry last.

Gather here if you did not read the long epistle.

SUPERPACK:
Gather here if you did not read the long epistle.

It won't take you more than 3 minutes.

SUPERPACK:
Gather here if you did not read the long epistle.

It might be interesting and inspiring but it doesn't appeal to an audience due to the length.

The OP should learn to not write everything on his mind.

Epositive:


It won't take you more than 3 minutes.

For some people it'll take 10 minutes or more.

Not everyone is a fast reader.

Well it depends on the school attended and what you make out of it. I didn't go to the uni but went for professional courses which is school to me. Not only do I pass as a graduate but also feed from the trainings gotten from the school attended. Everybody don't have to be doctor, lawyer, pilot and all...
Whether uni ooo, technical school ooo, mechanical school ooo, designer school ooo, media school ooo, graphic school ooo, stylist school ooo, catering school ooo, vulcanizing school ooo, capentery school ooo, theology school ooo and all other school of learning, school is school and not scam. Just make the best out of whatever school you choose to attend BUT make sure you attend the basics and that is the Elementary and High school. Then decide what other knowledge to pursue. Nothing surpasses knowledge.
Good Morning Nairalanders

Of all the properties which belong to honorable men, not one is so highly prized as that of character. — Henry Clay
Jegede is a man of tested and trusted character.

A vote for PDP is a vote for the desired future..
Vote PDP, Vote Eyitayo/ Gboluga....

OndoDecides2020...

school no be scam no let anybody deceive you
all those people that used to shout school na scam check their GP and you will be shocked that they are one of the best student of their department


The best investment you can ever make is in real
estate properties....be a landlord today at Amen
Estate Properties Ibeju Lekki...check my signature
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I see

Ajibade123:
school no be scam no let anybody deceive you
all those people that used to shout school na scam check their GP and you will be shocked that they are one of the best student of their department

He never said school is scam. Moreover it is just a Perspective
On a serious Note. The nature of Nigerian Schools is worth shedding tears

Karleb:


It might be interesting and inspiring but it doesn't appeal to an audience due to the length.

The OP should learn to not write everything on his mind.

Excuse upon excuse.
When you are interested in something, you won't even look at the time because you will enjoy it all through.
If you want to know what the OP said i bet you, within 5-10mins you are through.
And some of you call yourselves students, readers,leaders and other names.

samuelpeters:

Excuse upon excuse.
When you are interested in something, you won't even look at the time because you will enjoy it all through.
If you want to know what the OP said i bet you, within 5-10mins you are through.
And some of you call yourselves students, readers,leaders and other names.

....and you just had to spoil everything with the last paragraph?

When did I call myself any of those names?

Oga what's the problem?

Must I read every lengthy article and news that comes my way?

Karleb:


....and you just had to spoil everything with the last paragraph?

When did I call myself any of those names?

Oga what's the problem?

Must I read every lengthy article and news that comes my way?

Hehehehe
You are not obliged to read every article that comes your way.
But some articles are important because it opens up our minds to somethings we are ignorant of before.
Anyways i don't have any problem oh

Articulate write up.

Anyways, the fundamentals of the Nigerian system has to be reviewed education and economic wise.

What’s the point striving in a system designed to keep the masses in perpetual poverty?

1,000% inflation rate on foodstuffs every two decades coupled with persistent devaluation of the naira? That’ll turn your fantastic looking pension balance today into peanuts in two decades! Very unfair to see you work twice as hard as your mates in civilised climes, only to end up way poorer than them in old age, no thanks to the wolves and vultures mismanaging the economy of Nigeria.

https://www.nairaland.com/6070613/food-inflation-nigeria#93102088

And as I’ll always say, you only need to see 4 different faces serve two terms each as President, then 32 years of your life is gone.

I didn't read it


But I agree with u...


U are right?

Vyzz:
I didn't read it

But I agree with u...

U are right?

Same here

WHY YOU WANNA SPOIL BUSINESS FOR SCHOOLS AND UNIVERSITIES

KNOWLEDGE IS WEALTH..

ALTHOUGH WE ARE BEEN RULED BY AN APC SCHOOL CERTIFICATE HOLDER (BUHARI),WHO DOESN'T EVEN KNOW THE FULL MEANING OF BODMAS IN MATHEMATICS TALKLESS OF RULLING NIGERIA.

OP...PLS BE CAREFUL

The actions and inaction and total negligence of our education,health and other sectors by our government and leaders has made schooling in Nigeria a total waste of one's time,life,money,energy and future. Also the world in general only regards people with money not minding their level of education or source of such money....its a crazy world you've just got to keep digging till you breath your last

In my opinion, school no be scam

We just need to upgrade our education to be goal-oriented and result-driven

Many lecturers need to change their mindsets about education

I remember one of them telling us to make a first class or 2'1 so as to get a good job.

No lecturer, in my time, ever talked about establishing your business.

If we all graduate with the mindset of looking for jobs, who will create them?

Las Las, we passed through the University of Hard Knocks and realized that the kinda job we wanted was reserved for a few.

Today, I am absolutely delighted to have created a good job for myself

Once again, school no be scam

Because school have been monetized, fail to undergo evolution like other industry, but retaining its ability to syphon money from students by all means possible, while offering the outdated courses, that cost more than is obtainable elsewhere (eg online courses on youtube etc).

Personally, I've learnt more in the real-world than I ever learnt in a classroom, even if the classroom cost me more. Google was not dumb when it released that it doesn't need graduates anymore, and can directly employ workers that take courses on their new google classroom platform.

School (not education) na scam truly.

Okay

Rip mama

To some degree

it's alright

If this isn't the truth, then nothing is.

I'm sick and tired of the Nigerian system of education. Sometimes one may want to blame it on the fact that education is cheap in Nigeria. But the truth is do you expect me to pay #500,000 per session for a certificate that can't guarantee that I'll be gainfully employed?


This ASUU is even the worst set of hypocrites. They claim they're fighting for the good of the students, yet when their allowances are paid, they will immediately call off the strike.

If you're fighting for the students, then keep striking irrespective of whether your personal conditions have been met.

Many will advice you to go into entrepreneurships. But I assure you, the condition in Nigeria will frustrate your life.

In conclusion, NIGERIA IS IN TOTAL MESS! NOTHING IS WORKING