President of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Musiliu Akinsanya, popularly known as MC Oluomo, has said that despite not having a formal education, his life experiences and practical knowledge have equipped him with a level of understanding he believes surpasses that of many university graduates.
Speaking at the 50th birthday celebration of Islamic singer Hafsat Adegoke and the launch of her new album in Alausa, Lagos, the NURTW leader reflected on his journey from working as a teenage bus conductor to becoming the head of Nigeria’s transport union.
MC Oluomo said his rise to leadership was built on years of dedication, hard work and practical learning within the transport sector.
“I did not become part of the NURTW by chance. I learnt the work, mastered it and gradually rose through the ranks to where I am today. Although I did not attend school, the knowledge and understanding I have gained through life are greater than what many degree holders possess,” he said.
Recounting his early years, he explained that he started earning a living as a teenager and contributed to his family’s welfare.
According to him, he worked as a bus conductor from an early age, earning enough money to cater for some of his personal needs while also supporting his mother financially.
“I started spending my own money when I was about 13 years old. I worked as a conductor, watched movies with the money I earned and still took money home to help my mother provide food for the family,” he said.
The union leader said one of his greatest achievements was ensuring that his children received the quality education he never had the opportunity to obtain.
He disclosed that his children have pursued successful professional careers, noting that they include a medical doctor, a lawyer and an engineer, all currently based in the United States.
“Even though I did not go to school, I made education a priority for my children. Today, they are professionals, and I thank God for that. May God continue to protect our children,” he said.
MC Oluomo also used the occasion to emphasise the responsibilities of fathers towards their families, stressing that parents, particularly men, must provide for and care for their children.
He criticised men who neglect their wives and children while giving preference to children outside their marriages, describing such behaviour as irresponsible.
He further lamented what he described as a growing trend in which many women have become the primary breadwinners because some husbands have failed to fulfil their responsibilities.
The NURTW president urged fathers to remain committed to the welfare of their families, saying responsible parenting is essential to building a stable society.
— Newday Reporters
My Life Experience Gives Me More Understanding Than Many Graduates — MC Oluomo
