21. July 2025
Admin
Should School Clubs Be Made Compulsory?
Arguments in Favor
Making school clubs compulsory encourages holistic development in students beyond academics. Participation in clubs such as debate, drama, science, and sports helps build teamwork, leadership, time management, and communication skills. These are essential life skills that are not always taught in the classroom but are critical for personal and professional growth.
In Nigeria, where education is often focused on examinations, compulsory clubs would balance the curriculum by nurturing talents and creativity. They also help students discover their passions and may even influence future careers. Moreover, clubs offer a platform for peer interaction, reduce boredom, and promote mental well-being by engaging students in enjoyable and purposeful activities.
Arguments Against
Mandating school clubs may be counterproductive if students are not genuinely interested. Forced participation can lead to resentment, lack of motivation, and poor engagement. Not all students thrive in group settings or extracurricular formats; some prefer individual learning or quiet time and may feel pressured or left out.
Additionally, schools with limited staff or funding may struggle to provide quality club experiences for all students. In some rural or underfunded Nigerian schools, infrastructure and supervision for compulsory clubs may not exist. Making them mandatory without addressing these gaps could create more problems than solutions. Lastly, it removes the element of choice, which is important in helping students take responsibility and initiative in shaping their own interests.
Conclusion
While school clubs offer significant benefits, making them compulsory should be approached with flexibility and planning. A more effective strategy may be to strongly encourage participation while providing diverse options and support systems. Schools should aim to make clubs attractive and meaningful so that students are motivated to join willingly and gain the full benefits of co-curricular engagement.
