You’ve probably heard the phrase “education is a scam” thrown around, especially by university students or graduates who, after spending years, money, and energy in school, find themselves unable to apply what they were taught due to harsh realities like unemployment, outdated systems, or lack of opportunities.
It’s an emotional statement, one that often comes from a place of frustration, not ignorance.
But before we decide whether education is truly a scam or not, let’s take a step back and ask a more fundamental question:
What Exactly is Education?
At its core, education is more than books and classrooms. It’s the process of acquiring knowledge, developing skills, and cultivating values that shape how we navigate the world. Ideally, education equips individuals to thrive, contribute meaningfully to society, and chase personal growth and fulfillment.
Traditionally, it’s been seen as the surest path to success, a tool for liberation, social mobility, and nation-building.
But what happens when the system designed to empower becomes a source of frustration?
However, the reality for many, especially in countries like Nigeria, is that the system often falls short.
In Nigeria today, the education system faces multiple crises: outdated curriculums, poor infrastructure, a growing disconnect between academic qualifications and employment opportunities, and a society where paper degrees no longer guarantee progress. Hence the reason for the sentence “It’s no longer by your certificate but by your sabi-ficate.”
Many young people are beginning to question the value of education.
So, we decided to ask the bold and uncomfortable question:
Given the current state of the education system, is education a scam?
Here’s what a few Nigerians had to say:
1. Education is not a scam but the system needs serious reform
Many people agree that education in itself is valuable, but the way it’s structured in Nigeria makes it feel disappointing or even pointless.
“It’s not completely a scam, but many courses are unnecessary.”
“No, it’s not a scam. But when someone graduates in Nigeria and doesn’t find a job, that’s when people start calling it a scam because the education just feels useless.”
“Education within the four walls of a class is not a scam. All we need as a country is to change our curriculum to fit into today’s world.”
“I don’t think education is a scam at all. We will always need it if we want to progress in life. At best, we need to make sure our curriculum is always updated.”
2. Education is deeply valuable and more than just a school degree
Others emphasized that education, especially formal education, goes far beyond job qualifications. It influences communication, personal development, and the way people show up in the world.
“Education isn’t a scam. It’s one of the most powerful tools for personal and societal growth.”
“Education is not a scam. Even if you learn a skill outside school, if you’re educated, the way you’ll run and brand it will be way better than someone who didn’t go to school.”
“Education isn’t a scam! I just have to say that you can’t compare someone who is educated with someone that isn’t. It’s just obvious.”
“Education is not a scam. You learn how to read and write, how to tolerate people, etiquette, morals, and the like. Imagine having all the money in the world and not knowing how to construct a simple sentence.”
3. Education opens the mind but doesn’t always open doors
Some pointed out that while education lays a strong foundation, it doesn’t equip people with practical, real-world survival skills, especially in a fast-evolving world.
“Education can never and will never be a scam. School sets the pace to prepare us for what life has to offer. It gives us intellectual skills, but not the monetary skills that will help us thrive in this 21st century though.”
So, is education a scam?
The answer isn’t black and white. What’s clear from these responses is that Nigerians still value education, but they’re demanding a version that works. One that evolves with the times, bridges the gap between theory and practice, and truly prepares students for life beyond the classroom.
Now Over to You…
It’s clear that education still holds weight in the hearts and minds of many, but it also raises hard questions about relevance, reform, and responsibility.
So we’re asking you too:
Do you think education, as it currently exists, especially in Nigeria, is living up to its promise? Or do you believe it’s time we rethink the system entirely?
We’d love to hear your thoughts. Drop a comment, share your experience, or continue the conversation with someone around you. Because this isn’t just a system issue, it’s a society issue. And your voice matters.
