After Christmas: Helping Your Child Choose a Future-Proof University Path (For parents in Africa)
- Jan 15
- 2 min read
The period following the Christmas holidays marks a decisive turning point for final-year secondary school students. It is the season of mock exams, followed by final examinations. A qualification that closes the chapter of childhood and adolescence, and officially opens the door to adult life.
For many parents across Africa, this time is often accompanied by deep concern. Passing the exams is essential, but a more profound question quickly emerges:
Which course of study will truly enable my child to build a stable, dignified, and sustainable professional life?
Studying Abroad or Training Locally First?
Faced with this question, some parents consider sending their children abroad immediately for undergraduate studies. This can be a valid option—provided it is carefully thought through:
A safe and stable environment
Emotional support (family, relatives, or a trusted support network)
A serious university focused on academic quality and employability, not just branding, lifestyle, or “fun”
Other parents make an equally strategic choice: allowing their child to complete an undergraduate degree locally, before considering a master’s degree abroad—when the student is more mature, more autonomous, and better prepared academically and emotionally.
There is no single correct path. But there are sound criteria for making wise decisions.
The Real Question: How Do You Choose a Truly Future-Proof Programme?
Whether studying in Africa or internationally, one question remains central:
How can parents help their child choose a course of study that will withstand economic change and shifting labour markets?
In countries such as the United Kingdom, university programmes are not designed randomly. Their creation is based on:
Analysis of current and future labour-market needs
Active involvement of employers and industry partners
Employability research to identify emerging professions
A strong academic programme sits at the intersection of three realities: academic knowledge, economic demand, and graduates’ professional futures.
Yet too often, young people choose a course based on prestige, imitation, or lack of information—without understanding the real career outcomes.
How Parents Can Effectively Support Their Child
Here are practical principles to guide your child toward an informed decision:
Move from “what sounds impressive” to “what creates value” A programme should respond to real societal and market needs.
Be cautious of attractive but empty narratives A beautiful campus or a famous name does not guarantee quality teaching or employment.
Understand the ecosystem around the programme Internships, industry partnerships, practical projects, and graduate employment rates matter.
Consider the student’s maturity The best programme is one your child can pursue with discipline, seriousness, and commitment.
Seek competent guidance Educational orientation is not guesswork. It requires discernment and expertise.
The MORIM Approach
At MORIM, we support African families in making educational choices that are thoughtful, humane, and strategic. We help young people to:
Identify their real strengths and learning posture
Understand local and international higher-education systems
Choose programmes aligned with future careers
Build a coherent, progressive, and realistic education pathway
Choosing a university programme is not merely about selecting a degree. It is about shaping the future of a child, a family—and ultimately, a nation.
Such a decision deserves careful guidance and discernment.
