UNIBEN Student Sparks Viral Debate: Values First-Class Degree Over 1,000 Bitcoin

A student at the University of Benin (UNIBEN) has ignited a nationwide conversation on the value of academic merit versus digital wealth after declaring her preference for a First-Class degree over a windfall of 1,000 Bitcoin.

The statement, which has since gone viral across major social media platforms in February 2026, has divided public opinion into a clash between traditional educational values and modern financial realism.

Articulating her stance, the student argued that while financial assets like cryptocurrency are subject to market volatility and "can come and go," the intellectual discipline and societal prestige associated with a First-Class honours degree are permanent.

“Education and respect last a lifetime,” she noted, emphasizing that the rigour required to achieve the highest academic standing at a prestigious institution like UNIBEN builds a foundation of character that money cannot buy.

The debate has gained significant traction due to the staggering financial disparity between the two options. In 2026, with Bitcoin maintaining its status as a premier global asset, 1,000 BTC represents generational wealth worth billions of Naira.

Critics of the student’s position have labeled the choice "idealistic," arguing that such wealth could not only secure the best education globally but also fund philanthropic ventures and institutional developments far beyond the reach of a single degree.

Pro-Education Camp: Many academics and traditionalists have praised the student for her "unwavering focus" and for championing a culture of meritocracy in an era increasingly dominated by "get-rich-quick" narratives.

Pro-Financial Camp: Pragmatists and tech enthusiasts argue that financial autonomy is a more versatile tool for impact, suggesting that the "respect" gained from successful entrepreneurship and wealth creation outweighs academic titles.

While UNIBEN has not officially commented on the individual student's statement, the university continues to pride itself on academic excellence. This debate follows a trend of high-achieving Nigerian students, such as Oluwakorede Adenuga of OOU, sharing their stories of academic resilience to inspire their peers