By Yinka Ibrahim, Marcus Oluwadamilola,
Ajayi Esther, Similoluwa Ayibiowu,
Cristabel Adewole
In Nigeria today, there is a popular slogan among the youth that “Education is a scam”, as they believe that acquiring a certificate or certificates does not automatically earn you a good life and that people without any certificate are living a better life. Weekend Hope speaks with some people on the issue.
Excerpts:
Yes, certificates are still relevant, but not as powerful as they used to be. In today’s world, especially with the rise of tech, skills and practical experience often speak louder than paper qualifications. I believe it is now more about what you can do, not just what you studied.
Olowosunmoye David
From my perspective, certificates are still very relevant in this era. When applying for any white-collar job, the absence of a certificate tends to render you unqualified, and the offers given might be ridiculous. Some people think certificates are no longer useful, but in all ramifications, a certificate speaks volumes. No company will give you an offer without knowing or seeing the kind of moral and professional product you are made of.
Certificates help tremendously. Even your mode of assessing or addressing issues depends on your understanding and what you studied. Without certification, you cannot be promoted, you will only remain stagnant. If others are progressing due to their certificates, you, without one, may not be considered.
Certificates are proof that you attended seminars, training, and other programmes that make you more qualified for the position you are applying for. However, nowadays, employers tend to look more at results and achievements. You need to provide not just certificates but also demonstrate the insights, skills and knowledge you gained during those seminars and trainings.
For those who do not have certificates, always remember that landing a job among dignitaries is about who you are and what you know. To apply for and secure a job, you must have prior experience in the position you are seeking. Therefore, your abilities and character remain vital.
To be honest, I think certificates still matter to some extent, but not as before. These days, it seems everyone is more focused on what they can actually do. People are making money from tech, content creation and even random skills, with or without a degree. So yeah, a certificate is nice to have but it is definitely not everything anymore.
Yes, certificates remain relevant in this era because they offer a focused way to demonstrate specific skills and knowledge, often aligning closely with current industry standards, which can be particularly valuable in fast-paced fields. While a degree provides a broader foundation, certificates support career advancement — for example, higher salaries and promotions.
Having a certificate makes a person qualified for the job he or she is applying for and helps one level up in his or her career. A certificate proves that a person is knowledgeable and an expert in the work he or she applying for.
Absolutely in today’s evolving world, while skills and practical experience are increasingly celebrated, certificates remain significantly relevant. They not only validate your education and knowledge, but also serve as a passport to many formal opportunities.
For instance, in sectors like medicine, law, engineering, education, and finance, certificates are not just relevant — they are required. Even in tech and entrepreneurship, where skill seems to reign, having an academic qualification can set you apart.
Owning a certificate gives you credibility and boosts your confidence. It opens doors, not only for traditional jobs, but also enhances your chances in business partnerships and networking. A certificate is not just a piece of paper — it is a proof of a journey, learning, and achievement. When merged with the right skills and passion, it is a powerful tool.
In essence, even in this era, certificates are not obsolete. They are evolving, and their relevance remains intact.
Yes, certificate is still relevant when applying for jobs. However, not having one does not make you less competent as an applicant. A certificate shows that you attended school and training. It indicates that you are well educated and experienced in a particular field.
It is useful in job applications because the certificate serves as evidence of your experience and knowledge in a particular industry and companies are really interested in what experience you have. Lastly, it depends on the kind of certificate one has. It serves as proof of someone’s achievements. Having a certificate means you are a legitimate holder of that qualification.
Even though people often say, “school is a scam,” the truth is that no one knows when they might need their certificates or when it might become important. Therefore, it is necessary to obtain a certificate.
The reason many people feel that certificates are not useful is largely due to the condition of the country — Nigeria. The situation can be very frustrating. It may not be possible to recover all the money spent on education immediately, but at the very least, one should be able to secure a decent and better job.
However, in the current economic climate, this has become very difficult. In fact, some individuals without certificates seem to be doing better than those who have them. Nevertheless, I believe certificates are still very useful.
Of course, yes. Certificates are still very much relevant. Certain opportunities can only be accessed when you have certificates. But certificates alone are not enough. In a world where people can get certified through corrupt means, what makes one stand out is actual knowledge.
Certificates still matter. In fact, some doors will not even open without them. But let us be real, in a world where people can buy certificates, what really sets one apart is what one actually knows and can do. A certificate might get you the job, but your skill is what keeps you there.
Definitely, certificates still count. As much as entrepreneurship is being encouraged, education goes a long way. However, aside from excellence, the right networking is mostly needed for a certificate to thrive.
I am of the opinion that certificate is very good and relevant in this era because there is no height you want to attain in life where you will not need your certificate, whether in education or skills. What you do not learn, you can not know. In this era, many might not want to go to school because jobs are not guaranteed, but there is no business or work you will venture into that being educated and certified will not give you an edge.
For instance, many people go to school and still do menial jobs, but they package it differently because of their education. A laundry or cleaning business, for example, the way an educated person will run it is different from how an uneducated person will. People doing online businesses, if they are not educated and certified, might end up losing money.
Therefore, going to school and having a certificate is not a waste, but highly recommended for this generation, because no one knows what the future holds.