President of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Musiliu Akinsanya, popularly known as MC Oluomo, has stated that although he did not attend university, he believes his life experiences and leadership roles have given him knowledge that rivals, and in some cases surpasses, that of some graduates.
MC Oluomo speaks on education and experience
MC Oluomo made the remarks while speaking during a public event, where he reflected on his educational background and personal journey. According to him, he is not ashamed of not having a university degree, stressing that education is important but practical experience also plays a significant role in shaping a person's knowledge and abilities.
"I may not be a graduate, but I know more than graduates," he said.
Years of leadership and life experience
The NURTW president explained that years of interacting with people from different backgrounds, managing organisations and handling responsibilities had broadened his understanding of many issues. He attributed his knowledge to years of leadership, business and life experience.
He encouraged young people to pursue education but also urged them to value practical experience, discipline and continuous learning. MC Oluomo noted that success should not be measured solely by academic qualifications, arguing that many people without university degrees have excelled in business, leadership and other fields through hard work and determination.
Mixed reactions on social media
His comments have generated mixed reactions on social media. While some users agreed that experience can complement formal education and that academic qualifications alone do not determine success, others argued that practical experience should not be presented as a substitute for higher education.
The remarks add to ongoing conversations in Nigeria about the relationship between formal education, vocational skills and real-world experience, particularly as employers increasingly value both academic credentials and practical competence.
