Skills vs University Certificate. Which is more important in this modern age?

In the year 2020, one of the most trending hashtags in Nigeria was ‘#SchoolNaScam’.

This hashtag arose out of the controversy between university education and skill acquisition, due to the rapid economic decline in the country and lack of jobs.

The debate is still ongoing and the question is: is school still a must?

Or are my skills enough?

In today’s digital era, especially due to technological advancements in education due to the Covid-19 lockdown, the question can no longer be ignored.

The traditional view was that a university degree is the key to success,

Opening doors to better opportunities and higher earning potential.

However, with the growing emphasis on personal skills and practical experience, this storyline seems to fade into irrelevance.

Success stories abound of people who had little or no formal education and yet went on to achieve monumental personal success with just their skills.

One of the famous examples is Coscharis CEO, Cosmas Maduka who had no university education but yet went on to build a multi-million dollar company. Foreign entrepreneurs like

Bill Gates and Mark Zuckerberg who did not complete their university education, also inspire advocates of personal skill to deride university education as an outdated practice.

The emergence of new career prospects such as coding, website design and management, and social media management, also reinforce the belief that university education is no longer a must-have in this day and age,

This article will explore these two sides of the proverbial coin and evaluate whether the pursuit of higher education is still an absolute necessity.

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THE POWER OF PERSONAL SKILLS.

The worth of one’s own set of abilities has been progressively growing in importance over the past few years.

These skills, which are frequently referred to as soft skills or transferable skills, comprise a wide range of qualities such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, adaptability, and creativity.

Commonly used terms include soft skills or transferable skills. Personal skills, on the other hand, have a timeless aspect that allows them to transcend certain roles and professions.

This is in contrast to technical abilities, which may become obsolete owing to changes in specific industries.

Employers are coming to the realization that an employee’s personal qualities are one of the most important factors in determining their level of success in the job.

A candidate who possesses great communication and collaboration skills,

is able to integrate themselves naturally into teams, be a driver of innovation, and make a good contribution to the culture of an organization.

Because these competencies are not often obtained through formal education but rather from experiences gained in the real world,

possessing them is critical for successfully navigating the complexities of today’s workplaces.

THE CHANGING LANDSCAPE OF LEARNING.

Even if traditional university models still have their place,

They are no longer the only way to gain access to new information and education.

The advent of the digital age has heralded the beginning of a new era in which information can be easily accessed through the use of online classes,

Tutorials, webinars, and virtual workshops.

It is now possible for individuals to obtain information in their fields of interest.

Without having to commit to a multi-year degree program thanks to online learning platforms such as Coursera, edX, and Khan Academy.

In addition, vocational schools and technical colleges provide specialized training that is catered to the need of particular industries.

For instance, those interested in becoming coders can enroll in coding boot camps.

Which are intensive training programs that teach practical programming skills in a short amount of time.

And frequently result in instant job placements.

Individuals are given the opportunity to learn specific skills in a targeted manner in a quick and efficient manner.

These alternatives to traditional higher education, fit with the demands of rapidly changing employment markets.

THE RISING COST OF HIGHER EDUCATION.

The rising expense of earning a degree is one of the most major issues that is contributing to the reevaluation of the necessity of acquiring a university education.

The financial burden that has been generated as a result of,

Increased costs for things like tuition, room, and board, and textbooks have increased the likelihood that graduates will have significant amounts of outstanding student loan debt.

Because of the strain placed on their finances, many people are beginning to wonder whether or not the advantages of obtaining a university degree genuinely justify the expenses.

Investing in one’s own professional growth, on the other hand, may prove to be the more financially prudent choice.

Participating in communication, leadership, and critical thinking skills-enhancing activities such as,

Workshops, seminars, and online courses may frequently be accomplished at a fraction of the expense of earning a university degree.

Individuals are able to position themselves competitively in the job market without collecting an excessive amount of debt if they possess the appropriate combination of personal talents and technical competencies.

USING A MIX OF PERSONAL SKILLS AND GOING TO COLLEGE.

Education at a university gives a learning experience that is both disciplined and comprehensive.

And it helps students develop critical thinking skills, research abilities, and a profound understanding of academic fields.

It also provides opportunities for making new connections.

And also gaining exposure to a variety of viewpoints, and advancing one’s own personal development.

These characteristics can make a substantial contribution to intellectual growth as well as the overall character of an individual.

However, obtaining a university education in conjunction with an emphasis on the development of personal skills.

This might result in a more comprehensive skill set.

That is better able to meet the changing requirements of the labor market.

Graduates who are able to demonstrate both academic accomplishment and practical ability stand a better chance of being noticed by potential employers.