The Silent Privilege of Education

Being privileged simply means having certain advantages or benefits that others may not have, whether you realize it or not. Sometimes, it's visible—like having access to quality education, living in a comfortable home, or eating three meals a day. Other times, it’s invisible, like having a strong support system, access to information, or even just being heard and respected in a conversation.

When I think about my own life, one form of privilege that stands out is education.

Growing up, I didn’t give it much thought. As a child, everything felt normal—wake up, wear your uniform, go to school, do your homework, and repeat. But now that I’m older, I realize that not everyone had that same routine. Not everyone had parents who could afford to put them in private schools or even schools at all.

From my primary school days up until now that I’m in the university, I’ve always attended private institutions. That consistency, from childhood till this stage of my life, is something I never truly paused to reflect on until recently.

And no, I’m not saying it’s some big personal achievement because the truth is, I didn’t earn it. I didn’t work hard as a kid to deserve private education. My parents made that choice for me. They worked, sacrificed, and gave me access to something many people dream of but can’t afford—a solid, structured education with access to resources, decent learning environments, and qualified teachers.

Looking back now, I realize that many children, especially here in Nigeria, attend schools with leaking roofs, broken desks, or overcrowded classrooms. Some don’t go to school at all. Some have to combine learning with hawking on the streets or working to support their families.

So when I think about the kind of school I went to, the teachers I had, the books, the uniforms, the environment—even the computer labs and excursions—I can’t deny that this was a major privilege. A silent one. A powerful one. And one I’m deeply grateful for.

It’s easy to overlook things like that because we often compare ourselves upward. We think, “Well, I didn’t go abroad” or “I didn’t go to the best school in the country.” But the truth is, the very fact that you went to school, had a desk to sit on, had your fees paid without worrying—that alone is something not everyone has.

So yes, if there’s one form of privilege I recognize in my life, it’s access to private education from childhood till now. And I owe it all to my parents, who made the choice to give me that head start. I see it more clearly now, and I don’t take it lightly.

What’s one form of privilege you’ve come to recognize in your life? You can share in the comments.