For most young secondary school-leavers and their parents,
getting a first class in the university is the best achievement ever. In most
homes, this is not even negotiable as it is a trend in the family, right from
the father to the youngest. The family of Nigeria’s former finance minister and
coordinator of the economy, Mrs Okonjo Iweala come to mind. She went to
Harvard and gradated with the best grades and everyone in the house (her four children) followed suit.
I also have a friend whose both parents are outstanding chartered accountants;
he is also chattered at 20. Definitely, there are all cool stories and sounds
so nice in your ears, well even to me too. However, for me there are just some
clarifications to be pointed out, a few questions to be asked and a submission
to be crafted.
First of all, education is a means to an end. Like I always
say, no matter how awesome technology, inventions, etc may be, it remains insignificant
if it fails to solve problems. The same thing could be said for education whether
formal or informal. Knowledge in itself is not power, the application of it is.
If this is taken, then the question is what really matters or perhaps what then
is the end? if education is a means. This differs with context. However, in the
situation being considered in this write-up, the end actually is competing in
the labour market for a source of livelihood, fulfilment, impacting lives etc.
What you want to achieve with your education is left to you, however what is
common is the struggle we all need to fight in order to be reckoned with or to at
least have our own share of what the economy has to offer. Definitely for any
battle, struggle or problem to be solved, there are skills required. The skills
required for success in the labour market as we call it, have remained what distinguishes
a first class in the labour market from the other with a first class in school.
It has been said times without number that, networking, communication, personal
branding and the likes should be at the disposal of anyone who is competing or
operating in the market. Apparently, these skills are also some form of education
if you look at it from that point. What this means is that, there will also be
different level of competencies (grades) like we have in the academic system
for courses taken.
Simply put, success (certificates) here will also be dished
out along these grades.
Having known this, wouldn’t you rather prepare for this
market by taking up leadership positions in schools, attending events that
boost your network and engaging in volunteering activities?
How best have you mastered these skills required to triumph
in the labour market? We can help you achieve this even while in school.
