Veteran Nollywood actor Jim Iyke has recently expressed his candid opinion that there is indeed some validity to the contentious notion that Western education is, to a certain extent, a “scam.” In a thought-provoking interview with renowned media personality Joey Akan, Iyke presented a compelling argument, asserting that numerous former students, including himself, have gone on to achieve far greater success than their own tutors.
He further emphasized that a significant number of highly successful and affluent individuals in society have managed to attain their status without the benefit of formal education or notable academic accomplishments. According to Iyke, the genuine key to achieving success lies in acquiring valuable life lessons and skills from one’s parents, mentors, or other experienced individuals, as well as developing essential survival and economic skills.
Iyke candidly stated, “There is indeed some truth to the phrase ‘school na scam.’ I am currently doing better than all of my former lecturers. I recall a particularly striking encounter with one of my lecturers, who has since passed away, on a plane, where it was evident to both of us who was more successful. If I had chosen to follow his teachings verbatim and apply them directly to my pursuits, I highly doubt I would have achieved the level of success I enjoy today.
“What ultimately worked for me was the advice and guidance I received from my uncles, who were traders with limited formal education. They imparted valuable wisdom, telling me to always think outside the box and be adaptable, never being afraid to challenge conventional norms. My father also played a significant role, teaching me when to be ruthless, when to conform, and when to stand my ground, as well as recommending which books to read and learn from.
“It is worth noting that many of the wealthiest and most successful individuals in the world did not attain their status solely through formal education. How many of them actually hold PhDs? In fact, I have a PhD holder who works for me, and while we can engage in endless debates on the topic, the fact remains that the education system is, to a certain extent, a scam.”
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