The President of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Musiliu Akinsanya, popularly known as MC Oluomo, has said he possesses more knowledge and understanding than many university graduates despite never receiving formal education.
Speaking at the 50th golden jubilee celebration of Islamic singer Hafsat Adegoke in Lagos, MC Oluomo reflected on his rise from a bus conductor to one of Nigeria’s most influential transport union leaders. He said his journey taught him valuable life lessons and practical skills that helped shape his success.
He also noted that although he never had the opportunity to attend school, he made education a priority for his children, who have gone on to excel professionally.
He said: “It’s not about being proud, I’ve been spending money since I was 13 years old. I worked as a conductor from 12pm to 6pm. I would go to Danjuma Cinema to watch Indian movies with my own money, and in turn, I would go home to give my mother money for her food.”
MC Oluomo said those early experiences taught him responsibility, hard work and perseverance, which eventually paved the way for his leadership journey.
He continued: “That’s what I did until I got to this stage. I didn’t enter the NURTW as a b@stard. I learned the work, mastered it, and got to where I am today. I didn’t go to school, but the knowledge and understanding I possess in my head are greater than those held by people with degrees.”
Highlighting the importance of education despite his own background, he pointed to the achievements of his children as proof that he never allowed his lack of formal schooling to limit their future.
He added: “I used to tell people that if I am uneducated, glory be to God. My children today are a doctor, a lawyer, and an engineer, and they are in America. God should not let our children d+e an untimely death.”
