DEGREES ARE NOT ENOUGH: WHY EVERY STUDENT SHOULD LEARN A DIGITAL SKILL, BY NURHIE GREAT

Two graduates leave university with the same degree. One jumps into the streets and begins a long search for employment, while the other earns income through digital marketing skills developed during school. The difference is not intelligence or academic performance, it is the possession of a practical skill that the modern economy demands.

A university degree remains one of the most respected qualifications a person can earn. It represents years of study, discipline, and academic achievement. However, in today’s rapidly changing world, a degree alone is no longer enough to guarantee career success. Students should make a conscious effort to learn at least one digital skill alongside their academic studies.

The reality of the modern job market is that employers increasingly seek candidates who can do more than demonstrate theoretical knowledge. Organizations want graduates who can solve problems, adapt to technology, and contribute immediately. Digital skills such as content writing, graphic design, digital marketing, video editing, web development, data analysis, and social media management provide students with practical abilities that complement what they learn in the classroom.

One major advantage of acquiring a digital skill is employability. Every year, thousands of graduates enter the labour market competing for a limited number of opportunities. Possessing a digital skill can help a graduate stand out from the crowd. An employer may be more willing to hire a candidate who not only holds a degree but can also manage a company’s online presence, create engaging content, or analyse data.

The argument for digital skills becomes even stronger when viewed against the backdrop of Nigeria’s economic realities. Statistics show that Nigeria produces approximately 600,000 – 1 million graduates yearly but creates a few thousand formal jobs. In such an environment, relying solely on a degree may not be enough. Digital skills can provide alternative pathways to employment, entrepreneurship, and remote work, enabling students to create opportunities for themselves rather than waiting for them to appear.

These skills do not just increase employability, they also empower students to create opportunities for themselves. Unlike many traditional professions that require years of experience before generating income, digital skills can often be monetized while a student is still in school. Freelance writing, graphic design, content creation, virtual assistance, digital marketing are all digital skills currently giving graduates and undergraduates weekly and monthly income.

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Furthermore, technology is transforming nearly every industry. Journalism, medicine, engineering, law, and education now rely heavily on digital tools and online platforms. Students who understand how technology works are better prepared to thrive in their chosen fields. In many cases, digital literacy has become as important as traditional academic knowledge.

Some people argue that students should focus entirely on their degree programmes. While academic excellence should remain a priority, learning a digital skill does not mean neglecting one’s studies. Instead, it allows students to broaden their capabilities and prepare for a future where adaptability is essential.

The purpose of higher education is not only to provide knowledge but also to prepare individuals for life after graduation. In a world driven by innovation and technology, students who combine academic qualifications with practical digital skills will have a significant advantage. Degrees remain valuable, but when put together with digital competence, they become even more powerful tools for personal and professional success.

Nurhie Great Oghenemaro is a 200 level student of Journalism in Delta state University Abraka (DELSU)