Nollywood actor Jim Iyke has reignited the long-running “school na scam” debate after arguing that there is “some truth” to the popular phrase, citing his own financial success compared to many of his former lecturers.
Speaking in an interview with media personality Joey Akan, the actor, who holds a degree in Philosophy and a diploma in Banking and Finance from the University of Jos, said formal education teaches discipline and structure but does not necessarily prepare people for financial success or navigating real-life challenges.
Jim Iyke said:
“There’s some truth to ‘school na scam’. I’m doing better than all my lecturers. I met one of my professors months ago. I was in business class while he was in economy. Most wealthy men in this country didn’t even go to school.”
He also argued that many of the lessons that shaped his career came from mentors, personal experiences, books, setbacks and self-learning rather than the classroom. According to him, blindly applying everything he was taught in school would not have made him as successful as he is today.
The remarks quickly went viral, drawing mixed reactions online. Supporters agreed that academic qualifications do not automatically translate into wealth, pointing to successful entrepreneurs who built fortunes outside traditional education. Others countered that while education may not guarantee riches, it remains essential for critical thinking, professional development and nation-building.
Nigeria’s high youth unemployment and the growing mismatch between university qualifications and available jobs have kept the “school na scam” conversation alive in recent years. However, education experts continue to stress that formal schooling should be viewed as one pathway to success rather than the only one.
Jim Iyke’s comments have once again sparked a national conversation about whether success should be measured by academic achievement, financial prosperity or a combination of both.
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