EDUCATION IS MORE THAN A CERTIFICATE.

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Education is one of those things we often talk about, but not everyone truly understands its depth. When I think about education, I don’t just picture classrooms, uniforms, exams, or certificates. I think about growth, exposure, transformation, and the unlocking of potential.

Growing up, I used to think education only meant passing your WAEC or getting a university degree. I thought once you graduated, you were educated. But over the years, life has humbled me and taught me that education is much more than that. It’s not just about what you learn in school—it’s about what you learn in life.

Some of the most educated people I’ve come across didn’t even go far in school. But they had wisdom, skills, and the kind of mindset that can’t be taught in a lecture hall. On the other hand, I’ve also met people with all the degrees in the world who still struggle with decision-making, communication, and critical thinking. This made me realize that formal education is just one aspect. True education goes beyond that.

Education is in how you treat people, how you think, how you adapt, and how you handle challenges. It’s in the books you read, the mistakes you learn from, the experiences you gather, and the mindset you build. That’s why I now say—education is a continuous process. You can be in your 30s, 40s, or even 70s and still be learning something new. And that’s okay.

Another thing I’ve learned is that our society puts too much pressure on people to “go to school and get a certificate” as if that’s the only path to success. But look around—there are self-taught techies, fashion designers, artists, mechanics, content creators, and entrepreneurs who didn’t follow the traditional educational path but are doing well. They learned through experience, through mentorship, through self-discipline.

Now, don’t get me wrong—formal education is important. It opens doors and teaches discipline. But we must stop acting like it's the only key to the future. We should also value vocational training, personal development, emotional intelligence, and soft skills. These things matter too.

In today’s world, learning doesn’t stop after school. In fact, school might just be the beginning. The real education starts when you begin to face life and discover who you truly are, what you’re passionate about, and how you want to impact the world.

So, whether you're in school or not, never stop learning. Read books, watch documentaries, take courses online, listen to others, travel if you can, and reflect on your experiences. Growth is a choice, and education is a lifelong journey.

Let’s start seeing education as a tool for self-awareness and impact—not just a means to get a job.

Thanks for your time.