For about eight weeks, lecture halls at the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS) have remained silent following now a norm indefinite strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU). As academic activities remain suspended and uncertainty surrounds the university calendar, students are faced with an important choice: remain idle or use this period to acquire valuable skills that will shape their future beyond graduation.
Strikes in Nigeria’s public universities have become a recurring challenge, disrupting academic programs and delaying students’ dreams. While many students understandably view the strike as a frustrating setback, it can also be seen as an opportunity for personal growth, self-development, and career preparation.
In today’s competitive world, a university degree alone is no longer enough. Employers increasingly seek graduates who possess practical skills alongside academic qualifications. Likewise, entrepreneurship has become a viable path for young people seeking financial independence in a challenging economy. This makes skill acquisition not just an option but a necessity.
Students who invest their time in learning productive skills during the strike stand to gain significantly. Beyond creating an additional source of income while still in school, they develop self-reliance, creativity, confidence, and problem-solving abilities. Such experiences also improve employability after graduation and provide opportunities for self-employment in an increasingly competitive labour market.
There are countless skills students can begin learning today ranging from fashion design and tailoring, barbing and hairstyling, baking and catering, photography, videography, graphic design, web development, Artificial Intelligence (AI), social media management, digital marketing, affiliate marketing, content writing, programming, and data analysis are just a few examples. Many of these skills can be learned through affordable online courses, mentorship programs, or vocational training centers.
Technology continues to reshape industries across the world, creating new opportunities for those willing to learn. The future belongs to individuals who combine academic knowledge with practical skills. A student’s profession and skill set should complement each other, making them adaptable in a rapidly changing world.
This period is undoubtedly difficult, especially for final-year students whose graduation plans have been delayed. In addition to the strike, many UNICROSS students continue to face challenges related to result migration and other academic concerns. These frustrations are real and deserve attention. However, allowing disappointment to consume valuable time will only deepen the setback.
Former British Prime Minister and Orator, Winston Churchill famously observed, “A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.” His words remain relevant today. Every challenge presents an opportunity for growth to those who choose to embrace it.
Similarly, Ghana’s first President, Kwame Nkrumah, emphasized that ideas become meaningful only when they are matched with action. Dreams without action remain wishes. It is not enough to think about success; students must take deliberate steps toward achieving it.
To every UNICROSS student and indeed every Nigerian undergraduate experiencing strike, this is the time to invest in yourself. Challenge yourself to learn something new. Build a skill, start a small business, volunteer, take professional courses, improve your communication skills, or expand your digital knowledge. No one is without potential, and every skill acquired today is an investment tomorrow.
The ASUU strike may have paused lectures in UNICROSS, but it should not pause ambition. When academic activities eventually resume, those who used this period wisely will return not only as students but as individuals equipped with practical skills, greater confidence, and a stronger foundation for life after graduation.
Education does not end in the classroom. Sometimes, life’s greatest lessons are learned during unexpected interruptions. The students who seize this moment to grow may ultimately discover that what seemed like a setback became the turning point that prepared them for lasting success.
Paschal Okwor is an IT student from the Department of Journalism and Media Studies, University of Cross River State (UNICROSS). He is currently undergoing his mandatory Industrial Training with CrossRiverWatch.
NB: Opinions expressed in this article are strictly attributable to the author, Paschal Okwor, and do not represent the opinion of CrossRiverWatch or any other organization the author works for/with.
Short Link:
Leave feedback about this