By Micah Blessing (U19MM1140)
Yes, you read that right.
How long will it take before we realize that the skills we keep running after are already embedded within the university education we’re receiving?
For years, the popular advice has echoed across campuses and social media, “Forget education, go and learn a skill.” While that advice isn’t entirely wrong, many Nigerians often overlook or undervalue what the university education system offers to anyone who truly engages with it.
Let’s break it down.
University education is more than lectures and exams. It’s a powerful skill development system, one that helps you build valuable capabilities like:
1. Critical thinking
2. Interpersonal communication
3. Time management
4. Problem solving
5. Constructive creativity
6. Public speaking and presentation skills
These aren’t just soft skills, they are the building blocks of entrepreneurship, innovation, and leadership. When students intentionally develop these areas, they can achieve success without needing to chase external skill acquisition programs.
Need proof?
Take the story of Faith Shemfe, a Master’s student in Industrial Design at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. She's the founder of Omolade Nuptials, a fast rising bridal accessories brand.
Faith studied Fine and Applied Arts as an undergraduate. But her success today isn’t just about fashion or design, it’s about how her academic journey trained her eyes and mind to see possibilities. In her words,
“Trust me, what I learned in the university isn’t just about painting or sculpture. Studying Fine Arts stretched my creativity. The exposure to Art Appreciation courses sharpened how I view even things others see as useless. I can literally make anything out of anything, plants included.”
Faith didn’t look outside. She looked within.
That’s the real message here. Stop looking for magic outside. Start building from what you already have inside.
So no, the new call isn’t go and learn a skill, It’s recognize and develop the skills you’re already gaining through your university education.
There’s so much potential buried within your academic discipline. Combine your knowledge with the skill sets your course naturally provides and then blossom, shine, and bloom.