It is clear that the strength and developmental heights of any nation rests on the power and development of her human resources and one of the surest way of achieving it is by making available favorable policies and a highly productive educational system that works towards attaining maximum level of productivity.
Education remains a valuable factor in any nation’s development; this is basically because the well-learned individuals produced by various higher educational institutions of learning around the world play notable roles in the development of any given society. Be it as it may, these institutions have experienced an increase in enrolments over time, yet the number of prospective candidates seeking admission into these institutions overwhelmingly is way past the available spaces in the institutions.
What exactly is Higher Education?
In simple terms, higher education is education on a higher (tertiary) level. It is a level or stage after high school. These can be through either of the following; the universities, colleges, and other related institutions which vary from place to place.
According to Wikipedia, “higher education is called post-secondary education, the place where learning occurs after completion of secondary education.” Higher education is usually learning at an advanced stage, which is quite different from the pace in primary and secondary levels. Universities, colleges, and other career awarding institutions are the places set up for higher learning.
Higher education is the a significant channel through which individuals acquire necessary skills to function and develop, and to also be relevant to the society instead of being a liability and as the world is changing and yearning for innovations based on rational thinking, so is the rise in demand for skills-oriented higher education system.
Higher institutions of learning are centers meant for the impartation of knowledge and skills into the learners of diverse cultural background, this is the reason why you get to see people going to foreign countries to get the desired result and fulfillment.
Getting to acquire proficient knowledge is not enough, but applying skills acquired into practicality for the benefit of the individual and the society at large should be the end goal. The problems we face in the world today require positive thinkers who can proffer solutions and not just problem creators. There have been positive gains over the years in producing quality graduates who have set a pace all around the world by bringing to life cutting edge innovations which have brought succor to many. But despite the gains, the fact remains that the higher education system is with numerous challenges.
Each year, over one million students graduate from higher institutions of learning, all with the aspirations of putting into practice skills acquired while in school and to also contribute their quota to their immediate society. But it’s quite unfortunate that many of them have had their hopes dashed against the wall due to unfavorable government policies, harsh working conditions, nepotism, sectionalism, favoritism, and the rest of them. While a good number of graduates is not with employable skills. Hence, the high rate of unemployment world over becomes the order of the day.
Several factors are militating against the desired qualitative education acquired through higher education to facilitate the needed national development in some part of the world, which range from unfavorable government policies in regards to education, funding on the side of both students and management of schools, inadequate learning facilities, none conducive learning environment, unavailability of teachers, under-qualified teachers, poor quality implementation, poor leadership on the side of management, lack of research-based facilities, lack of equity and quality, amongst others.
Higher education needs to be rejuvenated to conform to UNESCO standards and norms which stipulate “advance equality of educational opportunity for everyone”.
Benefits of Higher Education:
1. Career Path Preparation
Most young people have an idea of what they want to be in the future, and higher education might be the best path towards achieving that goal. They will need the required skills, training, and the technical know-how to delve into the desired profession. Preparation for a career is the reason people tend to further their education to a higher stage. However, not every young person is sure of a given career path they wish to take, what they have in mind is not what they end up becoming.
2. Self Development
It is a well-known fact that not all skills acquired by individuals are attached to a particular career; however, they are as crucial for self-development, which also leads to fulfillment. The benefits derived from a successful higher education experience can prove to be significant enhancements to one’s life.
3. Opportunities
There is no doubt that people who have gone through higher learning have an advantage over those that did not know when it comes to job opportunities. Although the jobs are not readily available, when they are, those with higher education qualifications will have better chances against the persons with little or no educational background. When you go through higher education, you get equipped for better job security; because you tend to have more to offer than your counterparts.
4. Skills acquisition
Going through higher education also has a significant advantage because you acquire new skills and get to think and act differently, thereby boosting creativity in you. It is enhanced by asking questions and studying materials from experts within the field, which serves as a guide for your journey. You also learn to tap into your inner mind to ignite your creativity.
5. Self Satisfaction
Higher education avails to you an opportunity to pursue a career of interest that also inspires you. When given the freedom to choose a job, you get motivated and also get a higher satisfaction, which is also accompanied by better employment benefits, and more advancement opportunities. When you are more satisfied with your choice, you are more likely to be productive and become an asset to your employer or organization, which most often leads to better job security.
More often than not, people get confused as to the path to toll, but with little advice and counseling, they inevitably get by and forge a path for them to follow.
There is a need for the appropriate authorities (government and educational administrators alike) to create a level playing field for youths to thrive in, without proper implementation of policies and lack of necessary facilities needed for educational advancement, maximum productivity in the society cannot be reached.
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