VICTOR Osimhen, a prominent member of the Nigerian senior national football team — arguably its most important player — has expressed the desire to acquire university education after he retires from football. To the less discerning, who may not comprehend the imperative of success, personal achievement and satisfaction beyond the accumulation of material wealth, Osimhen’s quest may seem strange and a waste of time. But those who understand that personal fulfilment transcends material comfort know that the footballer’s decision is both appropriate and laudable.

On and off the pitch, Osimhen is an epitome of success. He is a dexterous and skillful footballer who makes tremendous contributions to both the national team and his club. Outside football, he has reportedly made significant investments that could guarantee a steady cash flow after the game ceases to generate income. Yet he recognises and aspires to fill a definite void that education has created in his life — the kind of gap that may not be discernible or pose any tangible impediment to his career, but which he believes university education will fill. That is truly inspiring. Recently, Osimhen, who currently plays for Galatasaray Football Club in Turkey, reflected on the lessons life has taught him since leaving school and explained why he hopes to continue his education. In his words: “As an adult, I’ve realised that not everything I learnt in school matters. There are some kinds of life lessons you encounter through life’s journey.”

It is gladdening that Osimhen is not making this decision lightly or on impulse. He expressed a clear understanding of the relatively short lifespan of a career in football and said he is making adequate plans for his material comfort in retirement. But even with that, he said: “For me, it would be an amazing thing to also try to get a degree, which I’m still considering because you won’t play football for so long — probably 20, 25 years, and then you’re done.” Osimhen noted that even though he had made provision for life after football, earning a degree would be a personal achievement and an opportunity to inspire others. He also encouraged young people who were forced to suspend their education due to financial or personal challenges, stressing that returning to school is always possible. On this score, he said: “Even though you dropped out due to some challenges, it’s something you can always go back to. School is always there.”

It is on record that Osimhen has never hidden the fact that he had a humble background, and that he contended with numerous challenges as a child of poor parents in Lagos before football offered him a pedestal to overcome those challenges and rewrite the history of his family. Thus, his advice to other youths should be seen as coming from a position of knowledge and personal experience. Osimhen’s positive perception of the importance of education, despite his tremendous success as a footballer, is encouraging and instructive. It shows that education and self-development are laudable goals even with football, money, and fame. Indeed, Osimhen’s expression of his desire to pursue further education could not have come at a more appropriate time, when the value placed on education by many Nigerian youths is at an all-time low. The focus of many youths is on the acquisition of material wealth, and sadly, some even seek to pursue this goal inordinately and without breaking a sweat. Nigerian youths should, therefore, learn from Osimhen’s bold decision and stop saying “school na scam.”

ALSO READ: FG strengthens Nigeria–China logistics partnership to boost trade, investment

Education experts and psychologists agree that there is a gap that education fills even if you have all the money in the world, and that material comfort alone is incapable of guaranteeing enduring inner satisfaction. It is important to note that education beyond material wealth is essential for holistic human development. It shapes cognitive abilities, fosters moral and civic responsibility, and equips individuals to solve complex societal problems. And while wealth and physical skills like soccer fade, knowledge remains a permanent, non-depletable asset that empowers personal independence, empathy, and lifelong fulfillment. All of these are required to become a well-rounded, functional, and useful human being to oneself, family, and society. It is thus encouraging that someone of Osimhen’s status has clarity on the significance of education — so much so that in addition to providing materially for a rainy day, he wants to get properly educated. We urge other sportsmen and women who are still in active service to take a cue from him. It is in their enlightened interest to do so.

We remember the sad stories of many ex-sportsmen and women who, after a glorious career, ended up in penury and misery because of inadequate material and intellectual preparation for life in retirement. The usual thinking is that the country owes them something, and they end up being disappointed when it fails to hold their hands when they need help. It is good to see athletes trying to develop themselves, but this should not be about sports alone, but about life generally. It is trite that education is not just about having a certificate, but something that adds great value to life. We commend Osimhen’s decision and recommend it to all youths.