OPINION: Are Professional Schools Really Better Than Universities?
By Hans Ngala
As Cameroon’s economy continues to struggle, many parents are exploring alternative ways to secure a better future for their children. This has led to a rise in the number of students enrolling in vocational or professional schools, as opposed to traditional universities. The prevailing belief is that graduates from these professional schools have better job prospects compared to their university-trained counterparts. But is this belief justified?
The Facts vs. The Myths
It is a misconception to assume that vocational or professional schools inherently offer better job opportunities than universities. While professional schools focus more on practical skills rather than intellectual development, this does not always translate into better employment outcomes. In reality, many graduates from professional schools find themselves unemployed, despite having invested substantial amounts—up to 500,000 FCAF or even 1 million in some cases.
Consider Bamenda, for example. There are probably over 50 professional nursing schools in the city alone, graduating approximately 800 to 1,000 nurses each year. The sheer number of graduates does not necessarily correlate with job availability. Many of these newly-trained nurses sometimes lack practical experience due to inadequacies in training facilities and equipment at some schools.
Additionally, many professional schools are not authorized to issue degrees independently and must therefore affiliate with recognized universities. This situation raises the question of why families would spend huge amounts of money on certificates that do not guarantee employment instead of just paying 50,000FCA annually for their children’s degree.
Another issue is that professional schools are often not internationally recognized. As a result, graduates may find that their credentials are not accepted abroad, forcing them to start their studies from scratch if they wish to pursue opportunities outside Cameroon.
In contrast, a university degree generally provides broader recognition and may offer better prospects, especially if professional schooling places a financial strain on a family. University education typically allows for greater versatility and adaptability in the job market. For instance, a university graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in History might pursue careers as a teacher, journalist, or writer, whereas a professional school graduate trained solely in nursing may have limited career options.
Professional education also tends to restrict further academic opportunities. Since professional certificates are issued by the individual institutions and do not offer transferable credits, pursuing further studies at a university often means starting from the beginning, regardless of any prior training from a “professional school”.
Ultimately, whether to pursue professional or university education should be based on careful consideration of future goals and financial implications. Assessing how each educational path aligns with long-term career objectives and opportunities is crucial in making an informed decision.
