The Purpose of Education(3): Seven Reasons Why You Should Take School Seriously in Nigeria

 

Some Nigerian youths ask, “After all, some people succeeded without school. Why bother?”

Here are 7 reasons you must take secondary school seriously:

1. Because of what school is: school is a structured system where your mind, skills, and character are developed. It is the platform for preparing you for WAEC, JAMB, university, or vocational training.

2. It Opens Doors: with good results, you can access scholarships, admissions, and opportunities. Even if you become an entrepreneur, you need education to manage money, people, and ideas. Nigerian students with talent in sports often get scholarships abroad—but only because education supports the talent.

3. It Trains Your Character: school routines—waking early, preparing for exams, meeting deadlines—build patience and responsibility. These are qualities for lifelong success.

4. It Develops Your Mind: an educated mind asks the right questions and avoids being deceived. In Nigeria, many fall for fake news or scams. Education gives you critical thinking to avoid manipulation.

5. It Prepares You for the Future: the leaders, inventors, doctors, and teachers of tomorrow are sitting in classrooms today. What you build now determines your tomorrow.

6. It’s More Than Certificates: certificates may open doors, but wisdom and skills keep you there. In Nigeria, many have certificates but no jobs; those who thrive are the ones who use education creatively.

7. It Equips You for Life Beyond Academics: even footballers, musicians, and comedians who “blew” still needed education. Without it, many stars lost everything because they couldn’t manage money or contracts. With education, success lasts longer.