The Importance of Choosing Relevant Education in a Fast-Changing World
Your time on Earth is limited, so it’s crucial to make the most of it. One of the worst mistakes you can make is investing that limited time in something that won't benefit your future. If you're going to spend four years studying at a university, make sure it's something worthy—something that will lead to a job, professional growth, or meaningful opportunities. Education is an investment in yourself, but only if it’s relevant to the world we live in today.
Why Relevancy Matters in Education
The world is rapidly evolving. New industries and technologies are reshaping the global economy, and traditional education is struggling to keep up. Many university courses have become outdated, no longer equipping students with the skills they need to thrive in the job market. Unfortunately, universities often continue to offer these courses simply because they attract substantial school fees. As a result, we see an increasing number of graduates entering the workforce with degrees that don’t align with the demands of today’s industries.
A prime example is the job market in Nigeria. Industrialist Aliko Dangote recently revealed that he needed to hire 11,000 technicians but could only find fewer than 1,000 qualified candidates in the country. He had to look to India to fill the gaps. Meanwhile, Nigeria has hundreds of thousands of unemployed graduates—many of whom studied courses that are no longer relevant to the needs of the modern workforce.
Invest in Education That Makes You Valuable
Instead of following the traditional path of studying a course just to have a degree, focus on areas that will make you employable and valuable in today’s fast-paced economy. For example, consider fields like:
Nursing: Always in demand, with opportunities for growth.
Cloud Computing: A booming field with high-paying jobs and global demand.
Web Design and Development: Essential skills in the digital economy.
Oil Rig Technicians: A crucial role in the energy industry, offering specialized, high-paying work.
Blockchain: A rapidly growing technology that’s disrupting industries from finance to supply chain management.
Coding and Software Development: A skillset that powers the tech industry and offers immense job opportunities.
These are the kinds of skills that can not only secure you a job but also make you a professional in your field.
Focus on STEM and Other High-Impact Fields
As much as possible, aim for Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM), and IT-related courses at university. These fields are at the heart of the digital and technological revolutions shaping our world. They offer great opportunities for making a living while also positioning you to have a broader impact.
However, if STEM isn’t your path, there are other valuable fields to consider, such as Law, Business, Economics, Journalism, Communications, and Advanced Teaching Courses. These areas of study offer strong career prospects and allow you to contribute meaningfully to society.
Don’t Pursue Degrees That Have Lost Their Relevance
Many traditional university courses were designed for a different era. In today's rapidly changing world, some degrees no longer hold the same value they once did. Pursuing these degrees might leave you with a sense of accomplishment, but without the practical skills needed to secure a job, you might find yourself struggling to stay relevant. It’s essential to assess whether your chosen field aligns with the job market and the needs of your environment.
The Bottom Line: Choose Education That Empowers You
Ultimately, the goal of education should be to empower you to make a living and create an impact. Your time is too valuable to spend on an irrelevant course that won’t help you in the long run. So, as much as it depends on you, choose wisely. Education should be a tool that propels you forward—not something that leaves you stuck in a cycle of irrelevance. With the right choices, you can ensure that your education helps you achieve your goals and make a lasting impact in the world.
@Olalekan James Fabunmi
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