Campus News

Nasiru debunks ‘school is a scam’ claim

By Mustafa Abubakar

A lecturer at the Department of Information Technology, University of Ilorin, Mr Aliyu Ishola Nasiru, has urged students of the University to discard the growing belief that university education is a scam as he described education as a vital foundation for lifelong success.

Mr Nasiru stated this last Thursday (July 24, 2025) in a chat with UNILORIN Bulletin shortly after addressing 200-level students of his Department during a Data Structures and Algorithms class.

He acknowledged the gaps in Nigeria’s higher education but insisted that formal education still provides essential skills such as critical thinking, clear communication, and adaptability,all of which are crucial in today’s fast-changing world.

“It’s not always about immediate usefulness, but the process builds something deeper: the ability to think, adapt, and grow”, he said.

While some students mentioned famous dropouts like Steve Jobs and Mark Zuckerberg, Nasiru reminded them that such stories are rare exceptions, not the rule.

“Yes, there are outliers. But for every success story without a degree, there are thousands who struggle because they abandoned learning altogether”, he added.

He stressed that although university curricula need to evolve and become more practical, dismissing school entirely is misleading.

He said, “Let us be honest, school is not perfect. But calling it a scam suggests it gives nothing and takes everything. That is not true.”

Mr Nasiru further urged students to see their time in school as an investment in the mindset and habits they need to keep learning and stay relevant in any field.

“In a world that is changing so fast, the ability to keep learning is everything. School gives you that foundation”, he noted.

Mr Nasiru encouraged the students to approach their studies as preparation for bigger opportunities rather than as mere routine tasks. “The challenge now is for you to see school not as a closed door, but as a key you can use if you choose to”, he concluded.