There are several reasons why many Ghanaian students seem to have lost interest in education these days. It’s a mix of social, economic, and technological factors that have shifted priorities. Here are some key reasons:
1. The “Quick Money” Mentality
Many young people today believe they can make fast money without going through the long journey of formal education. Social media has exposed them to influencers, fraudsters, and celebrities who seem to be living lavishly without a degree. This makes education feel like a waste of time to some.
2. Unemployment After School
Many graduates struggle to find jobs after years of schooling. Seeing older siblings or friends with degrees still unemployed discourages students from taking education seriously. They ask, “Why go to school if I’ll still suffer to get a job?”
3. Poor Teaching Methods & Uninspiring Curriculum
The education system in Ghana is still largely theory-based, with little focus on practical skills and creativity. Many students find the subjects boring, outdated, and irrelevant to real-life success.
4. Influence of Social Media & Technology
With platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, many students are more interested in entertainment, online trends, and quick fame rather than studying. Instead of focusing on books, they spend hours watching content that doesn’t contribute to their future.
5. Economic Hardship
Many families struggle to afford school fees, books, and daily expenses. Some students are forced to hustle at a young age to support their families, making education less of a priority.
6. Lack of Proper Guidance
Parents and teachers often push students to study without explaining why education is important. When students don’t see the purpose, they lose motivation.
What Can Be Done?
- Make education more practical and skills-based – Teach students skills that can help them earn a living, not just pass exams.
- Encourage entrepreneurship – Show students that they can use their education to start businesses, not just look for jobs.
- Control social media influence – Educate young people on the difference between real success and fake online lifestyles.
- Create more job opportunities – If graduates saw better career prospects, more students would take school seriously.
At the end of the day, education is still the key, but it needs to evolve to meet the realities of today’s world.
