By Mutalib Jibril
Recently, I came across a post listing the ten most useless courses to study in Nigeria and the ten best courses to study. While this perspective might hold some truth due to the limited employment opportunities for certain courses in Nigeria, I disagree with labeling any course as useless. As long as a course is accepted to study, it has value and significance.
To digress a bit, everyone aspires to achieve the best for themselves, and parents truly want the best for their children. In our primary and early secondary schools, nearly all of us wanted to become Doctors, Engineers, or Pilots. This trend is driven by societal expectations, which define these professions as the keys to success.
If we survey children about their future ambitions, around 80 percent would say they want to be Doctors or Engineers. When asked why, most will reply, “To save lives”.
Today, many people pursue these courses, believing they are the only paths to success and wealth. Consequently, parents often pressure their children into these fields. However, feeling inferior for not studying these “best” courses is itself a form of mediocrity.
In my view, no matter what course you study, excel in it. Try your best. You will be sought after and you’ll find success in your field, by Allah’s decree. If you know your worth, even if you are not valued in Nigeria, you will be in demand abroad.
I’ve seen individuals with degrees in Primary Education thriving in Nigeria and abroad, and others with backgrounds in Biochemistry or Microbiology succeeding in Journalism. I’m not discouraging anyone from studying these prestigious courses; rather, I urge young people to understand why they chose them. If your goal is to be wealthy, remember that other promising fields, especially tech-oriented courses, are currently in high demand globally.
University courses are designed to sharpen our thinking skills. We must start enlightening our brothers and sisters about this broader perspective. It’s crucial to break away from the narrow mindset that only certain courses lead to success. Diverse fields of study can offer unique opportunities and fulfillment. The world needs professionals from all disciplines— Qu’ran Tutors, bricklayers, educators, scientists, and more. Their contributions are invaluable and enrich society in countless ways.
Moreover, the rapid advancements in technology and the global economy have created new opportunities in fields previously considered non-traditional. Skills in data analysis, data science, and other emerging sectors are becoming increasingly valuable. Encouraging young people to explore these areas can lead to fulfilling and lucrative careers.
In conclusion, regardless of the course you study, what Allah has destined for you in terms of wealth and success, you will surely attain it.