Does Anyone Still Need to Chase a University Degree?

Not too long ago in Nigeria, getting a university degree was like holding the keys to the kingdom. A degree meant status, stability, and the promise of a decent life. Parents would proudly hang your certificate on the wall, companies would eagerly line up to hire you, and society treated you like someone who had “made it.” 

But these days? Things don’t feel so certain anymore with different skills and artificial intelligence taking over. So, the big question is: Do you still need to chase a university degree in 2025? Let’s take a look at it.

Schooling now a forgotten dream

Growing up in Nigeria, we all heard it: “If you don’t go to school, you’ll end up useless!” And for a long time, that idea held weight. You couldn’t get a job in a bank, government office, or oil company without a B.Sc. Being a graduate was a badge of honour. But things have changed drastically.

Today, you can find a graduate with a first-class certificate struggling to land a ₦50k/month job, while someone who didn’t attend university is cashing out from freelancing, tech gigs, forex, or even TikTok. It’s confusing, frustrating, and for many young people, deeply discouraging.

So, What Changed?

The job market is overcrowded.
Nigeria produces over half a million graduates every year, but there aren’t enough quality jobs to go around. The result? A lot of educated but unemployed or underemployed youth, stuck in a cycle of CV drops and dashed hopes.

A degree doesn’t always mean you’re skilled.

Let’s be real: many Nigerian graduates come out of school with a certificate but no practical skill. They struggle with writing a professional email, using Excel, or solving basic work-related problems. Meanwhile, others are learning real-world skills online and earning in dollars.

The internet changed the game.
With access to YouTube, Coursera, and free resources, you can now learn high-income skills like coding, digital marketing, or design without stepping into a classroom. In some industries, what you can do now matters way more than what’s printed on your certificate.

When a degree still makes sense

Now, before you throw away your school books, let’s be clear, a degree still has value in certain areas. If you want to be a doctor, lawyer, engineer, or university lecturer? You must go to school. Major industries like Oil & Gas, Banking, and Telecoms still prioritize formal education. Also, If you’re planning to relocate abroad (think Canada, UK, Australia), degrees can be essential for visa and job eligibility.

So yes, for some paths, a degree is still your best bet.

When a degree might not be worth it

But let’s face it—not every course, not every university experience is worth the time, stress, or money. You might need to rethink the chase if. You’re studying a course with little or no demand in the job market. You’re only in school because of societal pressure or your parents’ dreams.

You’ve already found a profitable, skill-based path through tech, business, or the creative industry. Think about it, if you’re already making steady money from a business, freelancing, or content creation, why pause to chase a certificate that might not add anything to your growth?

What are the alternatives?

If you’re questioning whether university is for you, here are solid paths to explore:

Tech Skills: Learn programming, UI/UX design, or data analysis. These fields are in high demand and many roles don’t require a degree.

Vocational Training: From photography to baking, tailoring to makeup, these practical skills can turn into thriving businesses.

Entrepreneurship: E-commerce, dropshipping, affiliate marketing, these are all opportunities to earn while learning in real time.

Networking: In Nigeria, who you know still plays a big role. Building relationships in your field can open doors a certificate might not.

The question is, do you still need a degree?Here’s the raw truth, a degree is no longer a guaranteed ticket to success. It’s just one of many tools. In today’s Nigeria, your ability to adapt, learn useful skills, and build valuable connections often matters more than the certificate you hold.

If you’re already in school, make it count, don’t just pass through, pick up real skills. If you’re thinking of skipping university, that’s fine too, but make sure you’re choosing a path that demands discipline, learning, and real action.

Whether you hold a degree or not, what matters now is what you can do, who you know, and how well you can solve real-world problems. So… chase a degree? Maybe. But chase skills? Absolutely. Every single time.