For decades, education has been hailed as the surest path to success. Parents invest huge sums, students sacrifice years of their lives, and governments pour resources into school systems designed to produce professionals and innovators. But in recent years, a growing number of people — not just in Nigeria, but across many parts of the world — are openly questioning whether the modern school system truly delivers on its promise.
From India to the United States, from Kenya to the Philippines, young people are beginning to ask tough questions: “Why spend years in school only to end up jobless, broke, or working in a field unrelated to what you studied?” This global sentiment has given rise to the viral phrase — “school is a scam.”
NIGERIA: DEGREES WITHOUT JOBS
In Nigeria, the phrase “school na scam” has become a popular expression among youths. The frustration comes from the growing number of graduates struggling to find employment despite having university degrees. Many spend years studying courses that are no longer relevant to the current job market, while others face a system plagued by strikes, outdated curricula, and poor infrastructure.
With unemployment rates among graduates soaring, several Nigerians have turned to self-employment, digital skills, and entrepreneurship. This has created a visible divide between those who believe in formal education and those who see real success coming from practical skills and innovation.
INDIA: EXAM PRESSURE AND BROKEN PROMISES
India, home to one of the largest education systems in the world, faces a different kind of crisis. While education is highly valued, many students and parents have lost faith in the fairness of the system. Competitive exams like NEET and JEE have been marred by corruption, leaks, and allegations of favoritism.
For millions of students, years of hard work and preparation can be destroyed overnight by systemic flaws or bribery scandals. In 2024, major protests erupted as students accused the exam system of being rigged and benefiting only those who could afford expensive private coaching. The idea that “education is a scam” here reflects not a rejection of learning but of the corrupt mechanisms that block equal opportunities.
UNITED STATES: CRUSHING STUDENT DEBT
In the United States, the complaint isn’t about access but about cost. Student loan debt has become one of the most pressing social issues in the country. Many graduates find themselves starting adult life with tens of thousands of dollars in debt, only to discover that their degrees don’t guarantee stable or high-paying jobs.
The high cost of college, coupled with the rise of alternative learning platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and YouTube tutorials, has led many Americans to question whether traditional university education is still worth it. As more people succeed in tech, freelancing, and online businesses without degrees, the phrase “college is a scam” has gained new meaning.
KENYA: DEGREES WITHOUT VALUE
In Kenya, many graduates face a similar fate to their Nigerian counterparts — high unemployment and underemployment. University degrees are plentiful, but job opportunities are limited. Employers often demand experience rather than certificates, leaving thousands of degree holders feeling deceived by the system.
This has given rise to a wave of skill-based training and digital entrepreneurship. More Kenyans now focus on practical skills such as coding, design, and online marketing rather than traditional classroom learning.
PHILIPPINES: OVERSEAS DREAMS AND LOCAL FRUSTRATIONS
In the Philippines, education is often viewed as a ticket to overseas employment. However, many graduates find that their qualifications are not recognized abroad, or they end up doing menial jobs unrelated to their studies. The mismatch between academic training and real-world demand has fueled growing resentment toward the traditional education model.
Many Filipino youth argue that the school system teaches theory but not survival skills, leaving them unprepared for both local and international realities.
ALBANIA: THE PRIVATE SCHOOL CONTROVERSY
In Albania, media investigations have revealed corruption and fraud in parts of the private school system. Some institutions have been accused of issuing fake documents, avoiding taxes, and operating without proper licenses. These scandals have eroded public confidence and reinforced the belief that education has become more about money than merit.
Parents who pay high fees for quality education often find that standards are inconsistent and oversight is weak. The phrase “school is a scam” here reflects frustration with commercialization rather than the concept of learning itself.
CAMBODIA: EDUCATION AND CORRUPTION
In Cambodia, the problem runs deeper. Reports have linked sections of the education sector to criminal networks, money laundering, and visa fraud. Some private schools were found to be fronts for illegal operations, creating distrust among both parents and international observers.
Such scandals have made many Cambodians skeptical about the integrity of private education. The term “education scam” has become a way to describe both corruption and the lack of transparency within the system.
A GLOBAL SHIFT IN THINKING
Across the world, the phrase “school is a scam” doesn’t always mean people are rejecting education altogether. Rather, it reflects frustration with outdated systems, corruption, and a growing realization that formal schooling no longer guarantees success.
Today, digital skills, creativity, entrepreneurship, and self-learning have become powerful alternatives. The internet has opened doors that traditional classrooms often fail to unlock. People are beginning to see that while learning will always be valuable, schooling — as it currently exists — may need a total overhaul.
CONCLUSION
The growing chorus declaring “school is a scam” should not be dismissed as youthful rebellion. It is a global wake-up call — one that demands reform, innovation, and a new definition of education. Whether in Nigeria, India, the U.S., or Cambodia, people are realizing that true success lies not just in certificates, but in skills, adaptability, and purpose-driven knowledge.
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