During a recent address to farmers and artisans in Bauchi, Governor Bala Mohammed emphasised that formal education is not the only path to success, sparking widespread reactions.
In his remarks, the Bauchi State Governor described Western education as merely a “formality” and asserted that it is not essential for achieving success. He made this statement in a speech shared via a video posted on Instagram by Bashir Usman.
“Try to be focused and turn a new leaf. Stop drinking and stop taking what will destroy your brain,” Governor Mohammed stated.
He noted that numerous successful people started in modest roles such as truck drivers, achieving wealth without relying on conventional academic qualifications.
“Today, Bala did not go to school but he became somebody,” he said, referring to himself in the third person.
“Take care of your behaviour. Western education is a formality, but if you have Qur’anic education, you have knowledge of what it takes. You’ve helped yourself in knowing what you want, especially in farming — that is education.”
He further emphasized the value of informal and religious education, especially Qur’anic studies, which he said offer practical knowledge useful in trades like farming.
Governor Mohammed also underlined the financial potential of blue-collar jobs, particularly in transportation.
“Any rich person you see today started from driving. From the onset, it is a job that brings prosperity. All the rich people you see today started as drivers of trailers. Don’t overlook self-trading jobs. I don’t know anyone who got rich from car washing, but drivers did.”
His statements have triggered mixed reactions on social media. Some critics argue that his remarks undermine the importance of formal education in a region where access to quality schooling and literacy remain major challenges.
