Back To Classroom: Nigerian Celebrities Who Returned To School After Fame

In an age where fame often comes before formal education, some Nigerian celebrities are proving that learning never stops. Despite their success in music, film, and entertainment, these stars have shown that going back to school is not a step backward but a move toward personal growth. In this feature, Weekend Trust spotlights celebrities who returned to school despite being famous.

In Nigeria’s fast-growing entertainment sector, many celebrities are often faced with the burden of fame and stardom and so much ado; the thought of going back to the classroom is not one they always entertain. However, a few celebrities have taken steps to further their education and for some, finish degrees they abandoned for stardom. For these celebrities, returning to school is a sign of development and the drive to keep getting better rather than just a personal choice.

Take for instance, Daughter of Nigerian billionaire Florence Iféoluwa Otedola, aka DJ Cuppy, despite being a global DJ and brand strategist, the 33-year-old didn’t stop after her undergraduate degree in Business & Economics from King’s College London. In 2015, the artiste earned a master’s in music business at New York University. After that, she went further to earn a master’s in African Studies at the University of Oxford, which she completed in 2023.  However, Cuppy always expressed that the path wasn’t always smooth, she openly admitted. “For the first time EVER … I actually considered dropping out of Oxford University.” Cuppy said after returning for her third degree in 2022 in a tweet.

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Before global fame took over, Davido was a student at Oakwood University in the United States, studying business administration. After fame hit, he put academics on hold but later returned to complete a degree in music at Babcock University and graduated in 2015. Don Jazzy, who was present at the graduation, said, “We are very happy for Davido. Most importantly, we want the younger generation to know you don’t have to drop out to become a musician.”

Rema also made an effort to go back to school. In 2022, at the height of his musical fame, he announced his acceptance to study Creative Arts at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) at his mother’s appeal. However, he soon claimed that he gave up on school because the university union’s prolonged strike crippled his progress.

Veteran actor Kanayo O. Kanayo (Anayo Modestus Onyekwere) is another standout. Already established in Nollywood with dozens of films under his belt, he shocked many when he announced that he’d be returning to school. He enrolled at the University of Abuja to study law, graduating in 2019, and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 2020. He once posted: “Hello People, For the love of you, I owe you the notice that I have resumed classes in school, the University of Abuja.” Adding, “Just finished with morning lecture, Law of Evidence, and on standby for Equity 2-4pm. #overandout.”

At the age of 37, Yoruba film star Odunlade Adekola decided to go back to school and enrolled in the University of Lagos. He graduated with a degree in business administration, proudly sharing his photos in a full academic gown. “No one should ever be ashamed to chase education,” he said.

Mercy Aigbe a famous actress also went back to the University of Lagos to study theatre arts years after fame. Her goal was to understand the business and management side of acting, a move that paid off in her successful production company and fashion ventures. “Education helped me turn my passion into a structured career,” she shared in an interview.

In 2019, comedian and actress Helen Paul announced that she had earned a PhD in Theatre Arts from the University of Lagos. According to her, she learnt to balance comedy, acting, and her academic life in order to come out at the top.

The list extends to many others. Muyiwa Ademola pursued a Diploma in Adult Education & Community Development at the University of Ibadan after achieving fame in film. Actress Abiola Adebayo, who once hawked bread to pay her fees, returned to complete a master’s in public administration at UNILAG. Reality TV star Mercy Eke reportedly enrolled for an MBA in London, adding business expertise to her entertainment career.

For many of their fans, these celebrities remind them that it’s never too late to learn and that ambition is never bound by age. Many of their fans praised them for taking such bold steps despite already doing so well in their respective careers.

When Cuppy shared her thoughts on dropping out on her X platform, fans flooded her comment section with words of encouragement.

@Oluwamidunsin wrote, “Keep pushing, Sis; you are inspiring a lot of us out there, & thanks for sharing these low moments too; a lot of lessons are embedded in it.”

@__AdaOrmar said, ““You cannot. You’ve come too far to give up now. What would all the girls out there, who look up to you and see how you balance work and study despite your wealth, do if you dropped out? Girls who draw inspiration from seeing you combine work and study so well… please, don’t give up.”

When Kanayo finished law school, fans were inspired by his determination in actualising his age-long dream of becoming a lawyer in spite of his age.

@1954andcodecor said, “So proud of my best actor, I am motivated and inspired. I have always loved law since high school…”

@EneaduOgaba wrote, “Congratulations, Sir.”

@YangeJosephTersoo said, “Huge congratulations to Kanayo O Kanayo on this incredible feat.”

Success and education don’t have an age tag, and these celebrities are the perfect example. 

Whether it’s DJ Cuppy walking across Oxford’s stage, Kanayo O. Kanayo being called to the bar, or Davido completing his music degree at Babcock University, one thing is clear: education is a lifelong journey, and fame should never stop you from learning.