Education is important, but skills come first

Fatima Alhassan, SS1, Tekond International School

Let me be clear from the start: I am not against education. Education is important. However, in today’s world, skills are even more important. If I had to choose one to survive, provide for my family, and build my future, I would choose skills. Here are my reasons.

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Firstly, the world pays you for what you can do, not just for what you know. Mr Chairman, let us be honest. When was the last time a client asked to see your academic transcript? If you have a leaking roof, do you call someone with a PhD in civil engineering, or do you call a skilled roofer to fix it? Today, companies like Google, Tesla, and Meta have relaxed degree requirements for many roles because they recognise that practical skills matter. Degrees alone do not build apps or solve real-world problems.

Secondly, we must acknowledge the gap between what is taught in many educational institutions and the skills employers need. A study by the World Economic Forum found that many graduates lack essential workplace skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and technical competence.

Thirdly, technology and industries are changing at an incredible pace. Skills must be updated regularly to remain relevant, but educational curricula often take much longer to adapt to these changes.

In conclusion, both skill acquisition and formal education are important. However, skill acquisition is more closely aligned with the demands of today’s job market. I believe I have clearly shown that, while education has its place, practical skills are more valuable in preparing us for the future. Thank you for listening.