National President of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Musiliu Akinsanya, popularly known as MC Oluomo, has sparked widespread debate after saying his life experience and practical knowledge have made him “more knowledgeable than many graduates,” despite having little formal education.
Speaking at the 50th birthday celebration of Islamic singer Hafsat Adegoke in Lagos, MC Oluomo reflected on his journey from working as a teenage bus conductor to becoming one of Nigeria’s most influential transport union leaders. He said that while he did not have the opportunity to pursue formal education, years of working, managing people and navigating life’s challenges had equipped him with knowledge that many degree holders lack.
He also stressed that although he missed out on higher education, he made it a priority for his children. According to him, all nine of his children studied abroad and have gone on to become professionals, including doctors, lawyers and engineers. He added that parents should invest in their children’s education even if they themselves lacked the same opportunity.
His remarks have divided opinion online. Some agreed that practical experience can be as valuable as classroom learning, especially in leadership and business, while others argued that his comments unfairly diminished the value of formal education.
