The First Class Illusion and The Growing Need for More

 

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By Christopher Peculiar

A saying goes thus, “a certificate can open a door for you, but only skills can keep you in the room." Every year thousands of students enter the university with a goal, "to get a degree", well this might not be the same goal for everyone, but it's a major goal for most students. For many, that paper (degree) seems to hold the key to success and many strive so hard to get it, which is perfectly fine. But let’s be honest, how many graduates can confidently say they understand why they have been studying for the past four to five years and can confidently apply the knowledge gained so far beyond the walls of the classroom? That is why, up until now, you still see a first class student struggling to make ends meet or struggling to look for a job while a third class or a second class student thrives out there in society. 

Being a first class student does not always translate to first class success. I repeat and quote again, being a first class student does not translate to a first class. Why? Because the world out there does not reward you for your Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA), it rewards you for the value you give, your ability to identify problems, think creatively, and provide solutions that will always outweigh the class of degree you hold. Education was never meant to end at the four corners of a classroom. It has always been about learning how to apply knowledge. Let's be honest, many students in the university still don't even know why they are studying their individual courses. Some are in the departments they never chose, while others simply follow trends or are in the position they are in because of the pressure coming from their family, but if you still don't know why you're studying what you're studying, you'll graduate with nothing but a piece of paper. 

Imagine someone studying Early childhood education or Special Education, some might say there are few opportunities for them in Nigeria, that might be true if you're waiting for government employment. But with creativity, you can design educational resources for children with disabilities, start a private learning center, or even build an online platform that trains parents and teachers. Education should not be confined to a certificate, it should be transformed into an opportunity. Also, a student studying English may not necessarily end up as a lecturer or a teacher of the course. With the right mindset, they can thrive as a content creator, editor, brand strategist, copywriter, or even a media entrepreneur. The same applies to Nursing students who might explore public health or health consultancy instead of the traditional hospital setting. That's why it's also advisable to use the internet wisely and make research about your course of study to have ideas of opportunities related to your course of study. Many students see education as an end rather than a means. They want the degree but ignore the skills. They attend lectures but never explore how their course connects with real life. They graduate with distinctions but lack direction. 

Wait! Before you jump into conclusion, am I then saying that students should not chase first class or get a good degree? Of course not! But then while chasing a First class degree, chase first class legally (I'm sure you understand what this means). An editorial on the gradual death of academic integrity which was published by Queen Elizabeth II Hall press highlighted the walking dead of the so-called degrees some students claim to be theirs and please these arguments exist in many shades of gray and fog, it is not always black and white. Now, follow my line of thought closely.

The truth is, school is more than just a certificate. It is a training ground, a place that determines how you think, solve problems, and journey the world. Yet, too many students are chasing grades instead of growth, memorizing facts instead of mastering skills. Albert Einstein once said, "Education is not the learning of facts, but the training of mind to think." School gives you the tools and it is up to you to use them wisely. The biggest mistake a student can make is to assume that the certificate itself is where true power lies. A certificate is like evidence or proof that you've been trained. It's your responsibility to prove that you learned something meaningful. So here is the reason why you need to do well in school, have good grades, it shows you're responsible and capable, but don’t stop there. Grades alone won’t save you in a world that values competence. The perfect student is one who understands the books yet knows how to translate theory into practice.

The world we live in is no longer impressed by certificates, but by competence, rationality and critical thinking.  Employers are not hiring based on paper qualifications alone, but problem solvers, innovators and people who can adapt and create value.

So to every student reading this, University is not just a path to employment; it’s a platform to discover your purpose. Don’t wait until after graduation to start thinking about how to use what you’ve learned. Volunteer, intern, explore side projects, and build soft skills. Read beyond your course material. Network with people doing what you aspire to do. The world will not hand you relevance simply because you have a certificate, you must earn it by proving your worth.