Rethinking Education towards preparing students for a changing world

In today's world of technology, the question of educational relevance has become increasingly pressing. In this context, one must critically assess the value of certain academic programs offered in colleges and universities. Is there a need for courses and skills that are not relevant? The fact that I was not given the privilege to learn a vocational skill while growing up still pains me today. It could have been an added advantage to what I have now. People are making it through vocational skills.

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Recently, I have discovered that some universities, and colleges are still lagging behind the needs of the modern workforce, thereby offering some irrelevant courses that have no value in this age of technology and artificial intelligence. Should I say, they lack to see what's ahead of us in the next five to ten years? I, as a person, will not allow any university to offer irrelevant courses to any of my children or those closer to me because we can all see that technology has come to stay for good.

Nigeria is a country, where unemployment rates remain high, and with job markets being reshaped by advances in AI, automation, and digital transformation, there is a growing sentiment that some courses may not provide a sound return on investment for students, particularly in every sector which appears to be lagging behind the needs of the modern workforce. The concern is well-pronounced in countries like Nigeria. What am I saying in essence? Many traditional courses may no longer equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in today’s job market. So, therefore, irrelevant programs should be canceled outrightly.

As guardians of the next generation's education, we must advocate for curricular reforms that address the demands of today and tomorrow. By embracing an adaptive learning approach, integrating technology into existing courses, and exploring alternate educational pathways, we can ensure that individuals are better prepared for the future, regardless of their original fields of study. My niece was going to study law and eventually, she was given physiology because they had reached the quota assigned for law. We snapped at that and refused to take that course and went to another school that admitted her into law.

To mention but a few of these courses that are considered irrelevant in today's world of technology and artificial intelligence are:

1. Sociology
2. Psychology
3. Accounting
4. Library studies
5. Business Education
6. Educational management
7. Culinary arts
8. Music
9. Fine arts or studio arts
10. Cooperative studies
    And many others are not needed in today's world of digitalization.

What alternatives do you have for people in the affected fields?

For individuals affected by the perceived irrelevance of their courses, several alternative paths can be explored and this can be

• Online Learning Platforms like Coursera, Udacity, or LinkedIn can help individuals pivot towards in-demand skills, allowing for self-paced learning in fields such as coding, machine learning, and project management.

• Skill Development Programs: Vocational courses that provide practical skills in areas like AI programming, digital marketing, data science, and UX design can prepare students for emerging job markets.

• Networking and Internships: Promoting internships and apprenticeships facilitates real-world experience, which is invaluable. Engaging in community-building activities can open doors to opportunities that align with one’s interests and the current market demands.

Above all, the landscape of education must evolve alongside the rapid technological advancements shaping our world. Courses that fail to provide relevant skills risk not only the education of students but also their future opportunities in a competitive job market.

This is in response to the #hivelearners writing edition on the subject; Not needed.

   Thank you for reading 🤗