Nollywood veteran Jim Iyke has ignited a fiery debate after declaring there is “some truth” to the popular Nigerian phrase “school na scam.”
Speaking on Joey Akan’s podcast, the actor asserted he is financially outperforming most of his former lecturers. He recounted meeting one of his professors on a flight, noting both knew who was doing better.
Iyke, who holds a BSc in Philosophy and a diploma in Banking and Finance from the University of Jos, credited practical mentorship from traders and “uncles” over classroom theories.
“I have a PhD holder who works for me,” he added. “We can argue all we want but school is partly scam.”
His comments have built a string debate online amid Nigeria’s persistent youth unemployment challenges, where many graduates struggle to secure jobs matching their qualifications.
Supporters online shared examples of self-made successes such as Femi Otedola, who dropped out of secondary school, and Cosmas Maduka, who left primary education early yet built a billionaire business empire.
While Aliko Dangote earned a business degree, Iyke’s point underscores that formal education is not the only path to wealth.
Critics have however, argue that schools build essential character, discipline, and skills vital for complex professions.
