You almost hissed when you read the title of this article, especially in our present world where education feels like a scam to many. Some of our mothers would disagree with the phrase “Books before boys” and insist that an early marriage to a rich odogwu is the ultimate dream. Others, in different corners, scream, “Go and learn a skill.”

Chill, babes, I’m not here to spoil your ideology about love. Love is beautiful, but education is one of the most important assets you will ever own as a lady. The phrase “Books Before Boys” is not anti-love; it’s pro-purpose. It’s a gentle reminder that before giving your heart away to that gentleman, you must first grow your mind. Before seeking validation from others, find your voice through knowledge.

Beyond algebra and home economics, education teaches self-awareness, patience, wisdom, and discernment—qualities that build strong relationships, leadership, and vision. Education is the discovery of self. It allows a girl to see beyond the common societal expectations of the female gender and envision a world where her choices are truly her own. When a girl learns, she begins to ask questions, challenge norms, and define her worth on her terms.

In societies where gender inequality thrives, education is the first act of resistance. It teaches girls to think critically, to speak boldly for themselves, and to believe in their capacity to lead. It transforms them from silent observers into active participants in shaping the narratives that affect their lives. So, girlie, keep your head in your books and your dreams in your heart. Build your foundation first. Boys can wait; opportunities cannot.

Malala Yousafzai was a young Pakistani girl who stood up for girls’ education in a region where extremists sought to silence them. After surviving an assassination attempt in 2012, she continued to advocate globally for the right of every child especially every girl to go to school. Today, as the youngest Nobel Peace Prize laureate, Malala has revealed how education transforms vulnerability into victory and courage into global change. Through education, girls like Malala find their voices. And through their voices, the world begins to listen.

The first love of every girl should be her growth, her first commitment her education, and her first ambition her purpose. Books before boys is not an argument against love or companionship; rather, it’s an invitation to build a strong foundation of knowledge before constructing a life around someone else. Because when a girl is educated, she does not just change her own future—she transforms communities.

Too often, girls are told what they cannot do, where they cannot go, who they cannot be, and what dreams they should imagine. But education whispers a different message: “You can.” It is the most powerful asset any girl can have.

To embrace Books Before Boys is not to reject love or companionship; rather, it is to choose your purpose first. It is to recognize that relationships built on mutual respect and understanding thrive best when both partners stand on the solid ground of self-awareness and education. An educated girl does not seek validation; she seeks vision. She does not depend on others for identity; she defines her own. She learns to prioritize her goals, manage her emotions, and build a future that reflects her values.

Choosing books before boys is about timing, not exclusion. It’s about understanding that education equips a girl with discernment, the ability to recognize healthy relationships, make informed choices, and pursue dreams without fear. When a girl learns, she begins to understand her worth. She learns that her voice matters, her thoughts are valid, and her choices count. She learns to think critically, to ask the right questions, and to demand answers. She no longer lives in the shadows of uncertainty; she steps into the light of knowledge.

Without education, girls are too often defined by stereotypes seen only as future wives or mothers, not thinkers, leaders, or innovators. But when she learns, she realizes she can be all of those and more. She can be a mother and a leader, a teacher who inspires others, a scientist curing diseases, or a president shaping policy. Education allows her to write her own narrative—one filled with dignity, power, and purpose.

Dear girl, before investing yourself in someone, ensure you have fully invested in yourself.

Praise Eberechi Azubuike

Abuja, Nigeria.