08/03/2026
Hey, Fun House!
I have a confession to make.
At my age, I still struggle to read a map properly.
And the reason goes all the way back to my secondary school days in Nigeria.
Back then, we had to choose between Geography and Literature. I loved stories, so naturally I chose Literature.
What I didn’t realize at the time was that I was quietly opting out of a life skill.
Today, living in Japan, I sometimes find myself lost because I don’t easily interpret directions like north-east, north-west, south-east, or south-west on a map.
One day, I asked a train master for directions.
He pulled out a large map and placed it on the table in front of us. He started explaining in Japanese.
I’m sure he thought:
"Even if she doesn’t understand the language, she can look at the map and follow the direction."
But there I was… standing there, nodding my head politely.
Truth is, I understood nothing.
And in that moment I realized something:
Geography is not just another school subject.
It is a life skill.
It helps you understand space, direction, the world around you, and how to navigate it.
Which is why I believe something strongly:
Geography should not be optional in Nigerian secondary schools.
In fact, it should be introduced very early in the curriculum and taught in a practical way
One day, those children will grow up and travel the world.
And when they stand in front of a map in a foreign country, they shouldn’t have to do what I did.
Smile… nod… and hope for the best.
❤️ #
