“Western Education Is Just a Formality” — Bauchi Governor Bala tells Farmers and Artisans

Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has ignited controversy with remarks suggesting that Western education is merely a “formality” and not essential for success.

Speaking to a gathering of farmers and artisans in Bauchi, the governor urged youth to embrace discipline and avoid d+str¥ctive habits.

In a video posted on Instagram by a Bashir Usman and seen by SaharaReporters, Governor Mohammed said, “Try to be focused and turn a new leaf. Stop drinking and stop taking what will d+stroy your brain.”

He emphasized that many successful individuals started with humble beginnings, such as truck driving, and achieved prosperity without formal schooling.

“Today, Bala did not go to school but he became somebody,” he said, referring to himself in the third person.

He further elaborated that “Western education is a formality, but if you have Qur’anic education, you have knowledge of what it takes and you’ve helped yourself in knowing what you want, especially in farming — that is education.”

According to the governor, informal and religious education, especially Qur’anic learning, offers practical knowledge applicable in agriculture and trade. He also encouraged young people to value blue-collar work.

“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 comments have triggered a wave of reactions online. While some agree with the value of non-traditional education and vocational work, others argue that dismissing formal education undermines efforts to address the country’s literacy and educational development challenges. [CONTINUE READING HERE]>>>>