By By Ogunbowale, Tolulope Sobiye
Have you ever sat in a classroom, stared at the board and wondered, ‘Will this subject ever help me in real life?’ You are not alone. Many of us have asked the same question while struggling with formulas, theories and endless notes. Most of us still wonder why we spent so much time learning certain subjects after so many years. Yet education is often seen as the key to success. Are all school subjects equally relevant to our lives or should greater attention be given to subjects that prepare us for the realities of the world? This is a good question to always ask ourselves. As society continues to evolve, this conversation becomes more important than ever.
The answer is not as straightforward as it may seem. Every subject has a significance but not every subject will play the same role in every person’s life. What is useful to one individual may not be as useful to another. A lawyer and an engineer, for example, require different kinds of knowledge to succeed in their careers but both of them passed through similar classrooms and studied many of the same subjects.
Education is designed to do more than prepare people for certain careers. It is meant to build the mind, expand knowledge and equip individuals with skills that can help them deal with life. Mathematics teaches logical thinking and problem-solving. Literature helps us understand human experiences. Science encourages curiosity and innovations while History reminds us of the lessons of the past.
However, as society continues to change, many people believe that schools should emphasize on subjects and skills that have direct practical value in everyday life.
Financial education is one of such areas. Surprisingly, many people leave school without understanding how to manage money effectively. They may know how to solve complicated equations but struggle to create a budget, save for the future or avoid unnecessary debt. Since money affects almost every aspect of life, financial education should be a priority.
Communication skills are also important. People interact with family members, colleagues, customers and friends every day. The ability to speak clearly, write effectively and listen attentively can make a noticeable difference in personal and professional success. Many opportunities are won or lost through communication. Most people see English language as an easy subject, yet they struggle to pass, even, at credit level.
Critical thinking is another area that needs to be focused on. Life rarely presents questions with ready-made answers. People issues with careers, relationships, finances and personal growth. Critical thinking helps individuals analyze situations, weigh options and make choices. It is a skill that remains valuable throughout life.
The digital age has also made technological skills more important than ever before. In the aspect of online banking, remote work, education and business transactions, technology has become part of daily living. Understanding how to use digital tools responsibly and effectively is no longer optional but necessary.
Schools should also pay attention to ethics and values. Intelligence alone is not enough. Society needs people who are honest, responsible and compassionate. Good character remains one of the greatest assets anyone can possess. Knowledge may open doors, but character determines how far a person can go.
Entrepreneurship is another area that deserves greater attention. Not everyone will become an employee. Some people will start businesses, generate ideas and provide solutions to societal problems. Entrepreneurial skills encourage creativity and self-reliance.
Emotional intelligence should also be considered. How many people have achieved academic success but struggled in relationships or personal life? Understanding emotions, handling stress, resolving conflicts and relating well with others are valuable life skills that contribute greatly to a better living and co-existence.
Morever, there are aspects of education that may need to be reconsidered. Excessive memorization often encourages students to focus on passing examinations rather than understanding concepts. Some teachers even encourage students to answer questions in the exact way the notes were given. Once a student says the same thing in a different way, no matter how close they are, the teacher can consider it wrong. Education should be practical and meaningful, not merely an exercise in remembering facts for a few hours in an examination hall.
This does not mean traditional subjects should be discarded. Every subject contributes something valuable to human development. The real challenge is finding a balance between academic knowledge and practical life skills.
Finally, life is the ultimate examination hall. It does not ask us to recite definitions or remember formulas we have forgotten. Instead, it tests our ability to think, communicate, manage resources, solve problems and build meaningful relationships. While every subject has its place, education should not merely prepare people to pass examinations; it should prepare them to face life’s challenges with confidence and wisdom. After all, what is the value of a certificate if it does not help us navigate the journey of life? The true meaning of education lies not only in what we know, but in how well we use that knowledge to make our lives and society better.
