Education: A Pathway to Employment or a Catalyst for Innovation?
Written by: Habeeb Lukman
The typical young African’s approach to education is often centered around securing a certificate that promises employment, which can overshadow the drive to innovate. While seeking a job is a valid and important goal, focusing solely on employment as the ultimate aim of education can limit future opportunities and stifle creativity.
National development depends not just on the government but also on its citizens, whose actions are shaped by their worldview. As John F. Kennedy wisely stated, “Ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country.” To truly enhance our contributions to the nation, fostering an innovative mindset is crucial. This shift in perspective can empower individuals to take proactive roles in addressing societal challenges and driving progress.
Education involves gaining an essential understanding of a concept, including its elements, importance, functions, and applications. This knowledge is not divinely bestowed; rather, it stems from ordinary individuals adopting a visionary mindset. The choices we make today will undoubtedly shape the possibilities of tomorrow, underscoring the importance of cultivating forward-thinking attitudes.
An innovative mindset is systematic, beginning with the question “why.” This inquiry sparks motivation, fosters perseverance, and ultimately leads to innovation. Asking “why” seeks to understand the significance of adopting a particular mindset, motivating the establishment of priorities and supporting the perseverance needed to uphold them. An innovative mindset differs from innovation itself; it consistently drives the process of innovation. Innovation involves offering solutions to both known and unknown challenges, devising improved operational strategies, and enhancing human comfort.
The progression of this concept hinges on effective publicity, education, and dissemination of its importance and structure, which are essential for acceptance and sustainability. Three key influences on the development of innovative thinking are parents, teachers, and peer groups.
The first influence a child encounters is the parent, who uses what is known as coercive power to shape the child’s behavior and instill order. As noted in religious texts, “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” This type of power is vital during the early stages of child development. As the child matures, this power transitions to confrontational power, which involves reasoning and highlighting the significance of behavior and its consequences. Through this evolution, parents lay the foundation for a child’s ability to think critically and creatively.
Secondly, teachers play a crucial role in shaping students’ perspectives. Teachers earn students’ trust by imparting foundational knowledge and demonstrating its applications. They have the capacity to guide children toward innovation rather than simply preparing them for employment. By encouraging curiosity and problem-solving, teachers can inspire students to think beyond conventional career paths and explore new possibilities.
Lastly, studies indicate that during childhood and adolescence, peers can exert more influence than parents or teachers. If individuals are well-educated by parents and teachers, peers can enhance the potential for innovation and creativity. A supportive peer environment can foster collaboration and the exchange of ideas, further driving innovation.
In many of the world’s struggling economies, the importance of money cannot be overstated. However, the solution lies not just in finding jobs but in encouraging innovation. Simply hoping for a brighter future is futile without strategic action; we need to make innovation the focus of education. By shifting priorities and cultivating an innovative mindset, we can unlock new opportunities and build resilient, forward-thinking societies.