Entertainment Journalist MC Portfolio has urged students to look beyond academic excellence and build meaningful relationships with classmates, arguing that strong networks can create opportunities beyond the classroom.
The Entertainment Host of Angel FM, Kumasi, said the real value of formal education should not be measured solely by academic grades but also by the quality of relationships students develop throughout their schooling.
He explained that literacy and formal education serve different purposes, with formal education providing a structured environment where students can learn, interact, and build relationships that may benefit their future careers.
“There is a difference between literacy and formal education. Formal education is structured,” he said.
MC Portfolio said that some of the opportunities he enjoys today stem from relationships he built with classmates who have become influential figures in professional conversations and boardrooms.
“I get the opportunities I have because I have quality classmates in quality conversations and boardrooms who put in words for me. This puts more money in your pocket than first class,” he stated.
He therefore encouraged students not to focus exclusively on attaining first-class honours at the expense of building valuable friendships and professional connections.
According to him, the people students meet during their educational journey can become an important source of support when academic qualifications alone do not open the doors they expect.
“Do not just chase first class; build strategic friendships. When education fails you, your friends will lift you up,” he advised.
