National Union of Road Transport Workers President, Musiliu Akinsanya, popularly known as MC Oluomo, has said his life experiences and practical knowledge have given him greater understanding than many university graduates, despite lacking formal education.
According to Premium Times, MC Oluomo made the remarks on Sunday at the 50th birthday celebration of Islamic singer Hafsat Adegoke and the launch of her new album in Alausa, Lagos.
Several dignitaries attended the event, including Fuji musician Saheed Osupa.
Speaking about his early years, the transport union leader recalled working as a bus conductor in his teenage years. He said the job enabled him to support his mother financially while still having enough to enjoy simple leisure activities such as going to the cinema.
According to him, his rise to the leadership of the transport union was the result of years of hard work and dedication.
“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,” he said.
MC Oluomo said he did not become NURTW president by chance but worked his way through the ranks.
“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 president also pointed to the achievements of his children as evidence that although he lacked formal education, he placed a high value on educating his family.
He also disclosed that his children have built professional careers abroad.
“I always tell people that if I am uneducated, glory be to God. Today, my children are a doctor, a lawyer and an engineer, and they are in America. May God not allow our children to die young,” he said.
MC Oluomo reflected on his long-standing relationship with Saheed Osupa, revealing that they had known each other since childhood.
He said he often ate meals at the home of Osupa’s late mother while growing up, adding that the Fuji singer was familiar with his humble background.
He further criticised fathers who fail to provide for the welfare of their wives and children, describing such conduct as unacceptable.
According to him, many married Nigerian women have become the main providers for their families.
“I have always said that any man who does not take care of his children is an enemy of God,” he said.
He expressed concern that many women now bear responsibilities such as paying school fees, rent, clothing and feeding their children because some husbands have neglected their obligations.
MC Oluomo also accused some men of giving more attention to children outside their marriages than to their own families, warning that such actions could have consequences in the future.