I’m Doing Better Than All My Lecturers’ Jim Iyke says

Nollywood actor Jim Iyke has sparked debate over the value of formal education after stating that there is “some truth” to the popular phrase “school na scam,” arguing that academic qualifications alone do not determine a person’s success in life.

Speaking in an interview with media personality Joey Akan, the award-winning actor shared his views on education, personal development and success, insisting that practical experience and learning beyond the classroom played a significant role in shaping his career.

According to Jim Iyke, he has achieved greater success than all of his former lecturers, using his own journey as an example that classroom education is not the only path to prosperity.

“There is some truth to ‘school na scam.’ I am doing better than all my lecturers,” he said.

The actor recounted meeting one of his former lecturers and reflected on how blindly following everything he was taught in school would not have produced the success he enjoys today.

He explained that while formal education provides a foundation, applying knowledge without adapting it to real-life situations can limit personal and professional growth.

“If I had taken everything he taught me verbatim and applied it in my pursuit, I wouldn’t have been successful,” Iyke stated.

Jim Iyke stressed that many of the most valuable lessons in his life came from outside the classroom. He credited guidance from his parents, mentors and experienced business-minded individuals for helping him develop critical life skills, including resilience, sound decision-making and the ability to navigate challenges.

The actor also argued that many of the world’s wealthiest and most influential people did not build their fortunes solely through academic credentials.

“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 comments, Jim Iyke clarified that he was not dismissing the importance of education altogether. Instead, he emphasized that academic learning should be complemented with practical experience, mentorship, self-development and real-world exposure.

According to the actor, success is influenced by a combination of education, experience, adaptability and continuous learning, rather than formal schooling alone.

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