In Effurun, Delta State, Rev. Fr. Israel Oshoke Inaede, the principal of Our Lady’s High School, voiced worry about the growing “education na scam” mentality among young Nigerians, as well as the growing incidence of teenage prostitution (“runs”) and internet Fraud (“Yahoo-Yahoo”). He blamed parental and cultural shortcomings for these vices, pointing out that some parents actively support them in order to make money. Since its founding in 1960 by the Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of Apostle, Our Lady’s High School has experienced several modifications.
Among these are renaming and government takeover. The school maintained its original name after being returned to the Catholic Diocese of Warri in 2010 and is still a boarding school for girls. Under the leadership of the Missionary Sisters of Jesus and Mary, the school has expanded to accommodate more than 280 students. It addresses deviant behaviour and places a strong emphasis on moral principles and discipline, backed by psychologists and counsellors. Impressive academic scores in external exams are often recorded by the institution.
Students frequently hold the opinion that ed. does not ensure econ success.
Its emphasis on intellectual and moral excellence is what Fr. Inaede says is responsible for the academic achievement. Fr. Inaede explained Pope Francis’ previous comments on homosexuality while addressing more general societal challenges. He emphasised the Church’s ability to welcome sinners and help them to salvation. He presented the school as an example of academic and moral excellence, emphasising its goal of helping pupils develop empathy, compassion, and self-discipline. Among Nigerian youth, the idea that formal Education is a “scam” has become more popular.
This is mostly because graduates have trouble finding work and becoming financially stable. According to a Delta State survey, students frequently hold the opinion that education does not ensure economic success because they see uneducated people achieving financial success while many graduates are still unemployed. Social attitudes that place a higher priority on wealth than intellectual accomplishment serve to further worsen this feeling. Effurun, Delta State’s Our Lady’s High School was founded in 1960 and has since made great progress in delivering high-quality instruction.
High graduate jobless rates and the exaltation of rapid wealth.
Managed by the Missionary Sisters of Jesus and Mary, the school has expanded to include about 280 pupils since it was returned to the Catholic Diocese of Warri in 2010. Due in part to the institution’s emphasis on moral principles and discipline, its students have demonstrated remarkable results in external exams. Since the school was returned to its missionary proprietors, the Old Students Association has observed that standard and high-quality instruction has been revitalised. The way that youngsters view education is greatly influenced by their parents.
Parents are urged to promote the value of education by highlighting the long-term advantages of education beyond short-term financial gains in order to combat harmful social pressures; Encourage skill development by helping their kids gain both formal education and real-world skills to improve their employability; Set an example of ethical behaviour by being honest and diligent, which emphasises the value of honest sources of income. High graduate jobless rates and the exaltation of rapid wealth, frequently attained through illegal means like internet fraud (“Yahoo-Yahoo”) are two societal factors that contribute to the “education na scam” attitude.
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According to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), between 2021 and March 2024, more than 5,400 young people were arrested for these types of crimes. A narrative that downplays formal education in favour of instant financial success is fostered by this atmosphere. A multifaceted strategy is needed to address these issues, including educational reforms that match curricula to industry demands, chances for graduates to find work, and a shift in society to value knowledge and moral achievement. A Culture that values education’s intrinsic and extrinsic advantages might help counteract the “education na scam” mentality and direct young people towards positive, rewarding career pathways.