The Certificate Conundrum: Unmasking the dark side of over reliance in Africa's educational system

By: BENJAMIN PRAISE AFEKU

As we navigate the perplexity and complexities of Africa's education system, a disturbing reality stares us in the face. That reality is obvious: overemphasis on certificates which has created an extremely dark culture of mediocrity, incompetence and chauvinism where scholars with impressive academic credentials struggle to articulate meaningful ideas. This phenomenon undoubtedly has far-reaching consequences, stifling innovation, hindering national development, and perpetuating a cycle of incompetence.

The stark contrast between academic credentials and practical competence is alarming. We witness PhD holders who are esteemed lecturers in our universities, grappling with basic communication skills, unable to construct coherent sentences or convey complex ideas effectively. This paradox raises fundamental questions about the efficacy of Africa's education system.

The root cause lies in a system that prioritizes certificates over experience and skills. This misguided approach has led to a mismatch between academic qualifications and professional competence, resulting in "square pegs in round holes." The consequences are dire: stunted economic growth, inefficient public services, and a dearth of innovative solutions to Africa's pressing challenges.

It's time for policymakers to reassess their priorities and for pundits to awaken from their long perverted slumber. We need a paradigm shift, one that values skills, experience, and competence alongside academic credentials. By doing so, we can unlock the true potential of our scholars, foster a culture of excellence, and propel Africa's development forward.

The future of our continent depends on our ability to recognize and address this critical issue. Let us join forces to challenge the status quo, promote a more holistic approach to education, and empower our scholars to become the game-changers that Africa truly needs.

Rethinking Education for a Brighter Future

By shedding light on this pressing issue, we can spark a much-needed conversation about the direction of Africa's education system. It's time to redefine what it means to be educated, to prioritize competence, and to cultivate a new generation of leaders who can drive our continent forward just as it is with countries like Germany, Australia, Canada, Singapore and the others who have made significant strides over the years which has yielded monumental results like skill development, innovation, economic growth and many more. .

Let us rise to the challenge and create a brighter future for Africa, one that values knowledge, skills, and experience in equal measure.

The time for change is now.

BENJAMIN PRAISE AFEKU

ST.FRANCIS COLLEGE OF EDUCATION

HOHOE