Nigerian billionaire businessman and chairman of First Bank Holding, Femi Otedola, has revealed that his lack of interest in academics was the main reason he did not pursue a university education.
The disclosure was made in his newly released 286-page memoir on Monday, where he shared details of his early years, education, and shift into business.
Otedola explained that he attended the University of Lagos Staff School in 1968 at the age of six, but struggled academically throughout his schooling. Despite completing primary school in 1974 after repeating a class, he often found himself at the bottom of his class rankings.
“My interests were definitely not in academia. I started Form 1 at age 12 and was there for three years,” he wrote.
He recounted that during his A Levels at Olivet, his father was establishing Impact Press, a printing company in Surulere, Lagos. Otedola became fascinated with the printing machines and resolved that his future would be tied to business rather than academics.
“I managed to remain in school until the Lower Sixth examination was over. And then, I was finished; I never returned for my Upper Sixth. All I wanted to do was get involved in business. My father kept watch over me and drew me close,” he noted.
Otedola’s memoir reflects how his early passion for business, rather than formal education, shaped the trajectory of his career and eventual success.
