Nollywood movie legend, Jim Iyke, has expressed support for the popular belief that formal education is not the only path to success, arguing that his achievements have surpassed those of the lecturers who once taught him.
Speaking during an interview with media personality Joey Akan, the actor stressed that academic qualifications alone do not define a person’s future, noting that many individuals build valuable knowledge and skills outside traditional classrooms.
According to Jim Iyke, there is some validity to the phrase “school na scam,” as he believes his current accomplishments exceed those of his former lecturers.
“There is some truth to ‘school na scam.’ I am doing better than all my lecturers,” he stated.
Reflecting on an encounter with one of his former lecturers, the actor explained that strictly following everything he learned in school without adapting it to real-life circumstances would have limited his progress.
“If I had taken everything he taught me verbatim and applied it in my pursuit, I wouldn’t have been successful,” he said.
Jim Iyke further revealed that much of his personal growth came from lessons shared by his parents, mentors and experienced businesspeople, who equipped him with practical knowledge on resilience, decision-making and overcoming life’s challenges.
He also argued that several of the world’s richest individuals did not build their fortunes through academic credentials alone.
“Some of the wealthiest men in the world did not get it from the classroom. How many of them have PhDs?” he questioned.
Despite his remarks, the actor clarified that he is not dismissing the value of education. Instead, he maintained that success can also be shaped by practical experience, self-development and learning beyond the walls of the classroom.
