The True Cost of Education in Nigeria: Are School Fees Worth It?

        Pretending the costs don’t exist is the fastest way to ruin your future. Ask the countless graduates who are still broke. 

 The job market doesn’t care about our certificates.. not as much as we want them to. Don’t mistake what could be a financial burden for a gateway to success. The reality is school is not for EVERYONE and the decision to pursue education should be based on careful planning and financial situation. What do we mean by this?

    School fees, textbooks, accomodation, feeding, sorting, etc can drain family resources and not every family can afford the continuous expenses that come with attending traditional universities. What brings about financial instability is when parents force their children into it with the mindset that attending a traditional University will guarantee their success.

    In today’s economy, having a degree rarely leads to a high paying job or stability. Technical skills, vocational training or small businesses are even more cost-effective and have yielded far better returns for people.

    While Traditional universities are not for everyone, they are most significant for connections and networking, exposure to new ideas and credibility which is equally an advantage… If you can afford it.

       Before diving into university to “bag degree for mom”, it’s important to assess the full financial burden associated with it. Here’s how;

1. Calculate your school expenses for the year; 

Tuition fees, accomodation costs, feeding and transportation, toiletries, phone or laptop, textbooks and study materials, sorting, practical and other potential expenses.

2. After calculating the total expenses for the year, ask yourself; 

- Can I or my parents really afford this? 

To answer this question, try asking for everything at once, think about any other factors like siblings, other fees, debt, rent, medical bills, etc and if you can consider alternative options like scholarships or student loans.

3. Time Lost and ROI – Could those 4+ years be used to build skills, start a business, or gain work experience and will your degree guarantee a job or financial security?

4. Understand Your Passion and Purpose

Before deciding if school is worth it, ask yourself:

- What am I truly passionate about?

- Will a degree help me achieve my long-term goals?

- Are there other ways to reach success faster?

         If your dream is to be a doctor, lawyer, or engineer, school is non-negotiable. But if you’re passionate about business, tech, content creation, or entrepreneurship, traditional education might not be the best or only path.

5. Explore Alternative Paths

If school isn't serving your goals, consider:

- Skill-based learning (Tech, Digital Marketing, Design, etc.)

- Starting a business while in school or instead of it

- Networking and mentorship – Learning from industry professionals

- Self-education through books, online courses, and real-world experience

6. Can School Help Your Business or Passion?

Sometimes, school isn’t useless—it just needs to be approached differently. Ask yourself:

Can I use school to network with people who can help my business?

Are there resources (grants, business incubators, free training) I can take advantage of?

Can I gain credibility with a degree while still working on my passion?

    Whatever conclusion you come to should be based on this analysis and not what your parents, guardian, village people or society will say of you. If school aligns with your purpose and offers value, use it wisely. But if it’s just a financial burden keeping you from your dreams, don’t be afraid to explore better ways to reach success.

Your education should empower you, not trap you in debt and limitations. Choose wisely.