President of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Musiliu Akinsanya, popularly known as MC Oluomo, has declared that although he never received a formal education, his wealth of life experience and practical knowledge have equipped him with greater understanding than many university graduates.
The outspoken transport union leader made the remarks on Sunday during the 50th birthday celebration of renowned Islamic singer, Hafsat Adegoke, and the unveiling of her latest music album in Alausa, Lagos. The colourful event attracted several prominent personalities from the entertainment and transport sectors, including celebrated Fuji musician Saheed Osupa.
Speaking before guests at the occasion, MC Oluomo reflected on his humble beginnings, recalling the struggles of his childhood and the journey that eventually led him to become the national leader of one of Nigeria’s largest transport unions.
He explained that his working life began at an early age, revealing that he started earning an income as a bus conductor while he was still a teenager. According to him, the experience of working from a young age taught him valuable life lessons, including discipline, financial responsibility and perseverance.
MC Oluomo recounted that after completing his daily work as a conductor, he would sometimes use part of his earnings to watch Indian movies at Danjuma Cinema while still ensuring that he contributed financially to his family.
“I have been spending my own money since I was about 13 years old. I worked as a bus conductor from noon until evening. After work, I would go to Danjuma Cinema to watch Indian films with my own money, and I still had enough left to give my mother for food at home,” he said.
According to him, those early experiences shaped his character and laid the foundation for the leadership position he occupies today.
The NURTW president dismissed suggestions that his emergence as the union’s leader happened by chance or through mere political influence, insisting that he rose through the ranks after years of dedication, commitment and practical learning.
He said he understood every aspect of the transport business because he personally learnt the trade from the grassroots before assuming leadership responsibilities.
“I did not become President of the NURTW overnight. I entered the union properly, learnt the work, understood it completely and gradually rose through the ranks until I became the leader,” he stated.
Although he acknowledged not having the opportunity to attend school, MC Oluomo maintained that education is not measured solely by certificates but also by wisdom, experience and the ability to solve problems.
“I didn’t go to school, but the knowledge and understanding I have in my head are greater than what many people with university degrees possess,” he declared.
His comments drew applause from many of those present at the event, as he emphasised that practical experience often provides valuable lessons that cannot always be obtained in classrooms.
Despite lacking formal education himself, MC Oluomo stressed that he has always attached great importance to educating his children, describing their academic success as one of his greatest achievements.
He revealed that his children have pursued higher education abroad and have established successful professional careers in the United States.
According to him, his family includes a medical doctor, a lawyer and an engineer, a development he attributed to his determination to provide opportunities that he never had while growing up.
“I always tell people that even if I am not educated, I thank God. Today, my children are a doctor, a lawyer and an engineer, and they are all in America. May God continue to protect our children and never allow them to die young,” he prayed.
MC Oluomo used his personal story to encourage parents to invest in the education of their children regardless of their own backgrounds or educational status.
He noted that while he could not attend school, he remained committed to ensuring that his children acquired quality education capable of preparing them for successful careers.
The transport union leader also took time to reflect on his long-standing relationship with veteran Fuji musician Saheed Osupa, describing their friendship as one that dates back to childhood.
According to him, both men grew up together, and Osupa was familiar with his modest upbringing long before fame and public recognition came into his life.
MC Oluomo recalled fond memories of visiting the late mother of the Fuji musician, saying he often ate meals in their family home during his younger days.
He described those experiences as evidence that true friendships are built over time and survive changes in social status.
Beyond discussing his personal journey, MC Oluomo used the occasion to speak about family values and parental responsibility.
He criticised men who neglect the welfare of their wives and children, insisting that providing for one’s family is both a moral obligation and a responsibility before God.
According to him, many women across Nigeria have become the primary breadwinners in their homes because some husbands have abandoned their responsibilities.
“I have always maintained that any man who fails to take care of his children is an enemy of God,” he said.
He lamented the increasing burden placed on many wives, noting that numerous women now shoulder responsibilities such as paying school fees, settling house rent, providing food and purchasing clothing for their children without adequate support from their husbands.
MC Oluomo argued that such situations undermine family stability and place unnecessary hardship on women who are already managing multiple responsibilities.
He also criticised men who prioritise children from outside their marriages while neglecting the welfare of their immediate families.
According to him, every father has a duty to treat his wife and children with fairness and responsibility, warning that neglecting one’s family could eventually bring regret.
He urged fathers to become more committed to the upbringing of their children and to recognise that raising responsible citizens begins with fulfilling parental obligations at home.
The NURTW president concluded by encouraging Nigerians to value hard work, integrity and family responsibility, stressing that success should not be measured solely by academic qualifications but also by character, practical wisdom and one’s contributions to society.
His remarks generated widespread reactions among attendees, many of whom applauded his emphasis on perseverance, education, responsible parenting and the importance of using personal success to create better opportunities for the next generation.
