Exploring the Road to Success

About three months ago in Nigeria, a cashless policy was implemented by the Central Bank of Nigeria, which led to a temporary ban on the use of old naira notes while new ones were being printed. Since the new notes were not yet in circulation, many Nigerians faced difficulties in purchasing even basic necessities, as there were also network issues with banking apps at that time. However, this situation inadvertently brought attention to online banking apps such as KUDA, OPAY, PALMPAY, and others, which became widely used during that period.

I want to emphasize that this content is not intended as an advertisement for any specific organization. Nevertheless, it is worth noting how some shops initially struggled to adapt to the new normal, resulting in closures. However, those who managed to navigate the challenges were largely the educated elite, as education provides the tools to face and overcome such obstacles. All experiences, even if they seem fruitless, contribute to shaping our future. As the popular saying goes, “No knowledge is wasted!”

Firstly, it is important to recognize that the definition of success varies from person to person. For some, success means attaining wealth, akin to someone like Elon Musk. For others, success is simply being able to afford the things they desire. While for some, success might be securing a job. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the general understanding of success in any given context.

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There is a prevailing belief that education is the cure for poverty. However, education itself is not a direct means to become wealthy; rather, it equips individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the path to wealth. Education enables individuals to work differently, think creatively, and act intelligently.

Allow me to share the importance of quality education in our daily lives, specifically in relation to Nigeria, where I reside. By emphasizing “quality” education, I will explain the significance through my personal experience.

One fateful Monday morning, around 10 am, my ATM card expired, prompting me to visit the bank to obtain a new one. To my surprise, the security guard directed me to a machine resembling a regular ATM and informed me that I could obtain a new card within minutes without entering the bank. Skeptical at first, I proceeded to use the machine and, true to the guard’s words, my new ATM card was dispensed within a few minutes.

This experience was quite remarkable because I was familiar with the typically arduous process of obtaining a new card, including waiting in long queues and dealing with customer service representatives who often request various documents. I couldn’t help but ponder the number of bank employees who may have been laid off since the introduction of these machines. There must have been many, right?

If the bank were to lay off employees, it would retain those with technical expertise—the ones who possess the know-how to operate and maintain such machines. It’s important to note that all bank employees are educated, but there are varying levels of expertise and specialization within education.

When discussing the importance of a particular thing, such as education, it is crucial to consider its quality. A quality education enhances your life, enabling you to approach tasks differently, intelligently, and efficiently. While you may not always perceive the immediate impact, looking back, you will realize that you have never wasted your time.
Education not only fosters success but also helps you become a better version of yourself.