Veteran Nollywood actor Jim Iyke has sparked conversations after saying there is “some truth” to the popular phrase “school na scam,” arguing that formal education is not always the key to financial success.

The actor made the remarks during an interview on Joey Akan’s podcast, where he reflected on education, wealth and his personal journey.

‘I’m doing better than my lecturers’

Jim Iyke said he currently earns more than all of his former lecturers, recalling an encounter with one of them during a flight.

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

He also disclosed that one of his employees holds a PhD, adding that many of the lessons that helped him build wealth came from experienced traders and mentors rather than the classroom.

According to the actor, practical knowledge and life experience have contributed more to his financial success than academic learning.

Mixed reactions trail comments

The actor’s remarks quickly went viral, generating mixed reactions across social media.

Some Nigerians agreed with his position, arguing that entrepreneurship, vocational skills and self-development have created opportunities for many people despite the country’s difficult job market.

Others disagreed, insisting that formal education remains essential for developing critical thinking, professional competence and nation-building, especially in fields such as medicine, engineering and science.

Education and success debate continues

Jim Iyke, who studied Philosophy and also earned a banking diploma from the University of Jos, joins a growing list of public figures whose comments have reignited the long-running debate over the value of higher education in Nigeria.

His statement comes at a time when many graduates continue to face unemployment and underemployment, while some entrepreneurs without university degrees have achieved remarkable financial success.

“There’s some truth to ‘school na scam’. I’m doing better than all my lecturers.”

“financial success is not necessarily acquired through formal education, saying many of his most valuable lessons about wealth came from experienced traders and mentors rather than university… pic.twitter.com/F3vBFo5KRY

— Chude (@Chude_ND1) July 8, 2026