Who Will Build The Bridges? The Importance of Traditional Professions in Society

Here’s why traditional professions are crucial for societal development. Also, learn why we need more ‘engineers’ to build the bridges of our future.

The rise of unconventional paths to wealth has fueled anti-formal education rhetoric. As more millionaires are mined from the internet, there are suddenly questions about the place of schools in our society. What use are these schools, one might ask, if they can’t make you rich? The prospects of pursuing a professional career have become unattractive in the face of the infinite allure the crypto world holds. School na scam, people have quipped. In today’s newsletter, I’ll attempt to explain why we need fewer crypto millionaires and more engineers.

The advancement of society ties intricately to certain irreplaceable institutions. Professions like engineering, medicine, and law rose to prominence at the turn of the 20th century, as they became the bedrock upon which modern society was constructed. Disciplines such as chemistry and biology became essential for understanding nature and developing methods to enhance the quality of life. These fields have consistently provided the foundational support needed for societal growth and development.

However, in recent times, there seems to be a growing disdain for traditional 9-5 jobs, education, and academic pursuits. We find ourselves in an era where making money has become easier than ever, thanks to the internet. This has made the world smaller and expanded the reach of creativity and entertainment. Such ease of earning has led many young people to abandon what we consider “traditional” professions in favour of more “modern” and chic careers. The rise of YouTubers, Instagram models, TikTok stars, and comedians is a testament to this shift.

Yes. These endeavours are undeniably lucrative and may promise more revenue than traditional fields like medicine and engineering. But they fail to address the fundamental problems of society. Instead, they cater to our leisure, providing more reasons to idle on our couches, while real life happens outside our doors. This trend is particularly worrying in countries like Nigeria, where infrastructural and institutional decay is rampant. Thanks in no part to a lack of skilled personnel in critical sectors.

A friend recently shared a personal story. In it, a European expatriate engineer lamented that the young Nigerian engineers under his supervision were more interested in learning forex trading than honing their engineering skills. This anecdote is a microcosm of a larger issue. Nigeria suffers from one of the worst doctor-to-population ratios in the world, yet medical schools have been closed for months. STEM field are increasingly disinteresting to young people, gravitating instead towards content creation on platforms like TikTok. While art forms like filmmaking, music, and writing do contribute to societal advancement- they are not the types of art the internet typically rewards. The global attention span is shrinking, and emerging talents have adapted by producing short, easily digestible entertainment.

Institutions are the engine room of society. We can have countless young people making money without contributing to society, but this will only lead to societal suffering. And we are already suffering enough. We need biologists who work as biologists, students of philosophy with genuine interests in philosophy. We need those 9-5 workers who play crucial roles in the daily operations of our institutions.

Every decent microbiology graduate who ends up behind the counter at a bank represents one thing. A huge loss to the advancement of science in a society that desperately needs it. As the best and brightest Nigerians leave the country to become doctors, engineers, and programmers in already-developed European societies, my younger brother has zoned out of school and decided to become a crypto trader. If he’s lucky, he’ll make money, but who will build the bridges?

This concern is not just theoretical; it has real-world implications. For instance, the shortage of healthcare professionals in Nigeria is alarming. According to the World Health Organization, Nigeria has a doctor-to-population ratio of 1:2,500, far below the recommended 1:600. This shortage is exacerbated by brain drain, with many Nigerian doctors emigrating to countries with better working conditions and remuneration.

Moreover, the infrastructural decay in Nigeria is evident in the state of its roads, power supply, and water resources. The lack of skilled engineers and technicians means something dire too. Even when projects are initiated, they often fail to meet international standards. This results in frequent power outages, poor road conditions, and inadequate water supply, to mention a few. All of which hinder economic growth and development.

The education sector is also in dire straits. Frequent strikes by university staff, poor funding, and outdated curricula have contributed to the declining interest in STEM fields. According to a report by the National Bureau of Statistics, the number of students enrolled in science and technology courses has been steadily decreasing over the years. This trend poses a significant threat to Nigeria’s future, as the country will struggle to compete in the global knowledge economy without a robust base of scientific and technical expertise.

Sure, the allure of quick money through internet fame or speculative trading can be hard to resist. Especially in a country with high unemployment rates and limited opportunities. However, as a society, we must recognise the long-term consequences of this shift. While it is important to support and celebrate diverse career choices, we must also emphasise the value of traditional professions and the critical role they play in societal development.

Last last, the erosion of interest in traditional professions and academic pursuits in favour of internet-driven careers poses a significant threat to societal advancement, particularly in countries like Nigeria. While new forms of entertainment and creativity are valuable, they cannot replace the foundational institutions that sustain society. To ensure a balanced and prosperous future, we must encourage young people to pursue careers that contribute to the greater good, fostering a society where engineers build bridges, doctors heal the sick, and scientists drive innovation.

While the best Nigerians are leaving the country to become doctors, engineers, and programmers in already-developed European societies, my younger cousin has zoned out of school and has decided to become a crypto trader. If he’s lucky he’ll make a lot of money; but who will build the fucking bridges?