Musiliu Akinsanya, popularly known as MC Oluomo and President of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), has said his practical experience and years of personal development have given him a level of understanding he believes exceeds that of many university graduates, despite not receiving formal higher education.
MC Oluomo made the remarks on Sunday during the 50th birthday celebration and album launch of Islamic singer Hafsat Adegoke in Alausa, Lagos.
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The event was attended by several personalities, including Fuji musician Saheed Osupa.
Reflecting on his early life, the NURTW president described how he began working as a bus conductor as a teenager and used his earnings to support his mother while also managing to enjoy small personal comforts.
“I’ve been spending money since I was 13 years old. I worked as a conductor from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. I would go to Danjuma Cinema to watch Indian movies with my own money, and I still took money home for my mother to buy food,” MC Oluomo said.
He said his rise within the transport sector was not accidental but came through years of learning, commitment and dedication.
“I didn’t enter the NURTW as a bastard. I learnt the work, mastered it and got to where I am today. I didn’t go to school, but the knowledge and understanding I have in my head are greater than those held by people with degrees,” he said.
The NURTW leader’s comments have renewed public discussion about the relationship between formal education and practical experience, with many professionals and social commentators often highlighting the importance of both academic knowledge and real-world skills in personal and career development.
MC Oluomo also spoke about the importance he places on education, pointing to the achievements of his children as an example of his commitment to creating opportunities for the next generation.
“If I am uneducated, glory be to God. Today, my children are a doctor, a lawyer and an engineer, and they are in America,” he said.
He further recalled his long-standing relationship with Saheed Osupa, saying the Fuji musician had known him since childhood and was familiar with his humble beginnings.
The NURTW president also used the occasion to address family responsibilities, criticising men who fail to provide care and support for their wives and children.
“I have always said that any man who does not take care of his children is an enemy of God,” he said.
MC Oluomo expressed concern that some women now carry major household responsibilities, including paying school fees, rent and providing basic needs, because some husbands have neglected their roles.
He also warned against men who prioritise children outside their marriages while failing to support their immediate families, saying such decisions could create difficulties in the future.
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MC Oluomo’s remarks reflect a personal account of resilience, social mobility and leadership built through experience outside the traditional academic pathway.
David Okere is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering business, governance, public affairs, and human-interest stories with a commitment to accuracy, balance, and public interest reporting.
