Nigerian chess champion and youth advocate Tunde Onakoya has sparked a fresh national conversation about the long lasting effects of class segregation in the country’s secondary schools. In a heartfelt post shared on his Twitter page, he reflected on how teachers convinced students that the art class was meant for dullards while the science class was reserved for the brightest minds. His message resonated with thousands of Nigerians who said they had lived through similar experiences.

Onakoya shared that he loved debates, had a strong connection to language and dreamed of becoming a lawyer. Despite his interests, he was steered away from the arts and placed in the science class without any real choice. According to him, that early decision not only changed his path but also shaped the futures of many students who were never allowed to explore their true strengths.

His post read, “One of my greatest regrets in life was letting the teachers in my secondary school convince us that art class was for dullards and science class for the smartest students. I was excellent at debates, loved words and really wanted to be a lawyer but they would not let me. They made that choice for me before I understood what it meant. I am pretty sure this was a moment that altered the trajectory of the lives of so many Nigerian kids.”

A Reflection That Many Nigerians Relate To

Within minutes, thousands of Nigerians responded, sharing their own stories of being pushed into science or commercial classes even when their talents were rooted in creative or humanities based fields. For many users, Onakoya’s tweet reopened childhood memories of a system that often ranks students based on subjects rather than genuine ability or interest.

Educators also joined the conversation, acknowledging that the long standing belief that art students are less intelligent has done significant damage to students’ confidence and career paths. Several teachers admitted that the pressure to produce high performing science students caused some schools to force students into classes they were not suited for.

Parents, professionals and creatives shared examples of classmates who struggled in science classes despite strong artistic potential. Many users who now work in creative industries said they discovered their passions long after leaving secondary school. Some admitted that they still carry emotional scars from being labeled as less intelligent simply because they were placed in the arts.

Career counselors highlighted that the modern world places equal value on skills across all disciplines, from literature to engineering. They noted that the belief that science is superior has kept many young Nigerians from exploring paths in law, media, design, writing, social sciences and other fields where they could have excelled.