25/10/2024
I have a problem with people who talk down on academic certificate just to exalt skills.
First, if you're a Nigerian and living in Nigeria, you need to understand that there are some doors that will never open for you, if all you have is a skill. Don't allow the few inexperienced folks that sell masterclasses to deceive you with their screenshots. Some of them won't share their struggle, and they won't tell you the limitation they have for acquiring only skills.
"Eh, the owner of Facebook was a school dropout. Today he's one of the richest man on earth"
That kind of statement is from an uninformed mind. Only a reprobate will be quick to use that to deceive.
Yes, he dropped out (at some point). But it's your responsibility to find out if he went back to complete his education or not. More importantly, HE IS NOT A NIGERIAN. He can afford to succeed in any endeavour without a University degree. What works for an American may not work for you in Nnewi.
When I speak this way some people feel it's because I don't have skills. Well... I'll proudly say I am one of the few Nigerians that has numerous skills that are relevant in my industry. If you count 10 major digital skills, I will beat my chest and say I have five. So I'm not speaking from a place of deficit; I'm actually speaking from a place of sufficiency.
I've benefited a lot from skills. But there were doors in the past that could not open for me until I placed an academic certificate in front. What skills could not do, my degree did. Some of my top VIP clients began to treat me better when they realized I have a University degree. It may not be a honorable thing to do, but that's just how it is in the Nigerian Culture.
If you're a Nigerian undergraduate, do whatever you can within your power to graduate and get your academic certificate. DON'T DROP OUT. I know your academic system has been messed up to a point, but that should not deter you from finishing.
It's better to have a thing and not need it, than to need it and not have it.
To an average young Nigerian, who seeks to travel out or have anything to do outside Nigeria in an European country, skills cannot be the ONLY tool you will use in your application. Those in the system call it "Point-Based System" (PBS). That means there are certain things that will score you higher points. And one of those things is your University Degree. They won't ask for how many master classes you've attended. It's that certificate you think doesn't amount to much.
Don't build your life on a few people succeeding with ONLY skills. Get other options.
Life is easy when you have options.
