After 15 years of working as a bus driver in Lagos, young man defies odds to earn bachelors and masters degrees.
After 15 years of driving buses in London, Abdi Farah has defied the odds to achieve academic and professional success, becoming a respected academic and businessman.
Reflecting on his remarkable journey, Farah shared a heartfelt message on LinkedIn, recounting his last day as a bus driver at Victoria Station. Over the PA system, he made a special announcement:
“After 15 years, today is my last day as a London bus driver. It has been a pleasure transporting you across the city. Thank you all for being part of my journey.” To his surprise, the bus erupted in cheers, and as passengers disembarked one final time, many wished him good luck.
Farah’s journey was not an easy one. At the start, he had no GCSEs and only a Level 1 qualification in English and the future felt uncertain. However, with determination and what he calls “Type C goals” (ambitious and long-term objectives), he transformed his life.
Six years later, Farah earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Bucks New University and a master’s in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Bolton in England.
In addition to his degrees, Farah has accumulated numerous certifications and professional titles, including National Register of Driver CPC Instructors (NRI): RTITB, Certified Transport Manager and CMI Level 5 & Level 7 Diplomas in Management & Leadership (Chartered Management Institute).
Farah’s professional accomplishment also includes Chartered Manager (CMgr MCMI)CPC (Management), Certificate of Professional Competence (Passenger Transport): OCR, Diploma in Transport Management (Oxford Business School), and Managing Safely Certification (Institution of Occupational Safety and Health.
He is now the CEO of Global Transport Academy, where he leverages his experience and education to innovate in the transport sector.
Currently pursuing a PhD in Artificial Intelligence (AI) in buses at London South Bank University, Farah aims to revolutionize the transport industry through innovation and technology.
His research focuses on how AI can improve efficiency and safety in bus transport. Farah encourages others to embrace lifelong learning, no matter where they start.
”No matter where you start, growth is always possible. Embrace the journey and keep learning. The power of ”Thinking into character,” he said.
