Skill vs Education

Something interesting happened this week. I visited someone and we all got talking. Their daughter is just 16 years old and wants to go to the university. That's a a typical age (15 -17 years) for most Nigerian students to be done with secondary schools and progress to the University. Then I asked, " what if she takes a year out to learn any skill of her choice?"

 I suggested hair stylist and added that she could add make up, manicure and pedicure to her port folio to make her some sort of all rounded skilled lady. I also suggested that she could go on to learn how to make wigs if she's feeling very excited about it. Well, she could go on to learn any entrepreneurial skill (especially in this Buhari regime...lolz ).

Well, the parents disagreed insisting she goes to school when others are going...Hmmm. Staying away from school for some time might reduce her motivation to study and mental alertness they said. Which is fair enough.

I went ahead to cite different examples of how she could easily pay off her bills from the skill she has acquired while in school and she could go on to transform her skill set into a full blown business. Again, they disagreed. Someone even said, " when you give birth to your children, train them that way so they can get a skill" ...in a sarcastic manner of course and we all laughed. But that's very typical of some people.

By default ( due to the educational system here) , when Nigerian students are done with secondary school ( taking myself as an example and plenty of my friends and people I've met) , they don't have any entrepreneurial skill. Aside from the regular maths, english and the likes, most usually do not have any skill.

There are loads of skills to choose from ; photography, graphic designs, bead making, tailoring, electronics repair, plumbing, carpentry and baking . The list is endless! Acquiring a skill helps create opportunities for one . As a student for example, you can easily get customers from your department  and faculty members. You can easily monetise from the skill and advance your skill set as you progress. You can also transform it to a business ( very important) and can easily create another stream of income for yourself aside from your education.

Taking a year out can be a great way to bridge the gap and acquire a skill. Some might argue that you can acquire a skill while in school. That's a great idea. However, school work can be overwhelming and combining the learning of a skill with school might not go down well. But if you can, why not? Please give it a shot! Yes, learning a skill doesn't mean you won't go to school ( just for clarity)    *smiles*

Alternatively, the summer holidays are a great time to acquire a skill. Each summer  holiday is about 8 weeks long. Parents and children can maximise it to get the best. Combining summer school and skill acquisition isn't a bad idea after all * smiles *

Well, it's just me thinking. What do you think guys (as parents and future parents) ? Skill acquisition and education can go hand in hand as against the regular education that most of us had.

Have a great weekend.

Gpland
xoxo