Five Nollywood stars who returned to school

Going back to university to acquire more knowledge with fame and a thriving career at hand is obviously a challenging decision. But some Nigerian celebrities have shown it is never too late to return to school.

These superstars had to balance their careers with school responsibilities, and some even left the spotlight to focus on their studies.

Here are five Nollywood stars who returned to school after becoming famous.

• Odunlade Adekola

The prominent actor who was born and raised in Abeokuta, Ogun State but originally from Otun Ekiti, Ekiti State began acting in 1996, the same year he joined the Association of Nigerian Theatre Arts Practitioners. He rose to prominence with his lead role in Ishola Durojaye’s 2003 film, Asiri Gomina Wa, and has subsequently appeared in several Nollywood films.

Adekola returned to school and on May 2018 received a degree in Bachelor of Business Administration at the University of Lagos.

• Kanayo .O .Kanayo

Anayo Modestus Onyekwere, popularly known as Kanayo O. Kanayo surprised everyone when he announced his return to the classroom.

Kanayo made his debut film appearance in the film Living in Bondage in 1992. The veteran actor who won the African Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role, however, returned to school to study law.

In one of the posts shared in 2017, he wrote: “Hello People, For the love of you, I owe you the notice that I have resumed classes in school, the University of Abuja. Just finished with morning lecture, Law of Evidence, and on standby for Equity 2-4 pm. #overandout”

He announced his graduation from UNIABUJA with a degree in Law in 2019.

• Muyiwa Ademola

Movie producer and director, Muyiwa Ademola, shot his first movie in 1997.

In 2005, his film Ori won the best indigenous film at the 1st Africa Movie Academy Awards. In 2008, he was nominated for the 4th Africa Movie Academy Awards for Most Outstanding Indigenous Actor.

Ademola, however, returned to the University of Ibadan to do a Diploma in adult education and community development in 2006 after shooting three movies.

• Chioma Akpotha

Chioma Chukwuka’s acting career began with her debut in the movie “The Apple” in 2000. She received the “Best Actress in a Lead Role” award at the African Movie Academy Awards for the movie Sins of the Fleshm in 2007.

Akpotha returned to school to study Business in Film at the Pan Atlantic University’s School of Media and Communications in 2018.

• Ufuoma McDermott

Just like Chioma Akpotha, Ufuoma also studied Business in Film at the Pan Atlantic University’s School of Media and Communications in 2018. Sharing the news on social media, the actress posted a picture of herself in a blue trouser suit at the entrance of the university’s building.

The versatile actress was born on April 23 1981, in Edo State. Her role in the 2008 TV series “My Mum and I” garnered her a nomination for best actress award at the 2010 Festival de Télévision de Monte-Carlo and one at The Terracotta Nigerian TV and Film Awards.