Dr Asangba Tzudir
A university degree was once like a passport that carried respect, stability, and also success. However, the hard truth is that a certificate alone no longer guarantees competence, employability, or for that matter even relevance. In this sense, academic degrees become meaningless when they are not supported by practical ability and adaptability.
Looking at the larger picture, the problem does not lie with education itself, but the illusion that education ends once a degree is obtained. Yes, many, in fact too many students graduate every year with impressive marks. However, they struggle to communicate effectively, or think critically and apply knowledge, or solve real issues and problems. In many cases, education has become exam-oriented rather than learning-oriented. Students memorize information to pass tests, but fail to develop the competence needed outside the classroom. This growing disconnect between degree and capability has created a generation of degree holders who are academically certified but professionally not prepared.
This gap is also widely and ruthlessly exposed by the job market. Employers prioritize skills over academic degree credentials. Industries that are driven by technology, and artificial intelligence demand workers who can innovate, adapt, and also be willing to learn and evolve continuously. A person with average academic qualifications but strong communication, digital literacy, creativity, and leadership often outperforms someone with multiple degrees but has no practical competence. Discussions on education have given such an understanding that the world is looking at skills than qualification.
As such, this competition age raises the question of the real cutting edge. First and foremost, in the never ending production of knowledge, knowledge not only changes but also evolves, and this calls for adaptability. What students learn today may become outdated tomorrow, and those who survive and succeed are not necessarily the most qualified, but the most adaptable which lies in the ability to learn, unlearn, and relearn. This is really necessary today.
Further, in this age of interconnectedness, ideas counts only when they are expressed clearly. This calls for fluency in language, confidence in speaking, and the ability to collaborate across cultures. Now, in this age of machines and AI learning, information can be stored faster than humans ever can. As such, creativity and critical thinking are aspects that technology cannot easily replace. Creativity and critical thinking allows originality, judgment, ethical reasoning, and human imagination.
However, competence also cannot sustain a society. It calls for integrity and work ethic. Competence needs to be strongly backed by character. Degrees and skills may open doors initially but employers and societies increasingly seek people who are reliable, disciplined, and ethical. Ultimately, honesty, professionalism, and consistency sustain long-term success. Today’s education system not only bring skill based learning but has incorporated practical exposure like Internships, apprenticeships, research, fieldwork, and experiential learning which matter enormously. Through such module of learning, a student will be able to apply knowledge in real situations, possesses confidence and competence that textbooks alone cannot provide.
While academic degrees are not at all useless, because they still provide foundational knowledge, intellectual discipline, and opportunities. However, they are no longer sufficient by themselves. A degree without competence is like having a world map but do not have the ability to travel. Education and learning must therefore move beyond rote learning and focus on holistic development. Ultimately, the world rewards those who can think, adapt, communicate, and contribute meaningfully and which constitute the real cutting edge.
(Dr Asangba Tzudir contributes a weekly guest editorial for The Morung Express. Comments can be emailed to asangtz@gmail.com)
