21. July 2025
Admin
Is It Better to Learn a Trade Than Attend University?
Arguments in Favor
Learning a trade offers practical, hands-on skills that can lead to immediate employment and income. Many trades—such as plumbing, electrical work, fashion design, hairdressing, or coding—are always in demand and do not require a university degree to start earning a living. Trade schools typically require less time and money compared to universities, making them an attractive option for individuals seeking a faster route to financial independence.
Moreover, trades are essential to the economy, and skilled workers often enjoy job security, self-employment opportunities, and even international mobility. In Nigeria, where graduate unemployment is high, learning a trade can be more economically rewarding and less burdensome than pursuing a university degree. It empowers individuals to become entrepreneurs and creators of jobs rather than job seekers.
Arguments Against
While trades offer practical benefits, university education provides a broader academic foundation and greater career flexibility. Degrees are often necessary for professions such as medicine, law, engineering, and teaching, which contribute to national development and require critical thinking, research skills, and theoretical knowledge that trade learning may not provide.
University also fosters personal growth, networking, and exposure to diverse fields that can open doors to leadership positions and higher lifetime earnings. Additionally, some trades can become outdated due to automation, while university graduates with interdisciplinary knowledge may adapt more easily in a changing world. In a society that values certificates and formal qualifications, not attending university may limit social recognition and career advancement in certain sectors.
Conclusion
Whether learning a trade or attending university is better depends on one’s goals, interests, and resources. Both paths have merit and can lead to success. In fact, combining both—acquiring a trade skill alongside a university degree—can offer the best of both worlds. Nigerian students should be guided to choose the path that aligns with their passions, strengths, and the realities of the job market.
