Actor, Muyideen Oladapo, aka Lala, pleasantly surprised many during the week when pictures of his convocation in the University of Lagos surfaced on social media. The actor had bagged a Master’s degree in Theatre Arts.
In an interview with Saturday Beats, Lala stated that he had always had the passion to be well educated since childhood. He said, “From a tender age, it has always been my passion to be educated. My parents never had the opportunity to send my siblings to school but they ensured that we acquired skills to put food on our table. But I was not happy, especially when I saw my mates passing by the workshop where I learnt how to repair motorcycle. But at some point, I became resolute to go back to school, not minding that I had to start from enrolling for the secondary school certificate examination. My success at that after two trials spurred me to take the Universities Matriculation Examination. I was eventually admitted into the Obafemi Awolowo University, where I bagged a Bachelor’s degree in Dramatic Arts in 2015. After that, I became determined to go for my second degree and I am delighted that dream has come to pass.”
On how he felt sitting in class with younger students, the actor admitted that it was tough. He said, “The process was tough because it was not easy for me. I initially wanted to enroll for the Master’s degree in 2018 but I did not pass the entrance examination. However, I was not discouraged, and I put in for it again in 2019. As God would have it, I passed the entrance examination and the rest is history. I have never been discouraged, even when I returned to secondary school as an adult.
“I was happy to mingle with my classmates. I was delighted when I realised I was classmates with Gboyega Akosile, the media aide to Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; a veteran actor, Hilda Dokubo, and some other notable personalities.”
The actor also stated that he believed that his new achievement would open more doors for him in his career. He said, “I thank God for the grace to raise my brand from a mere lout people think I am because of the roles I portrayed in movies. There is more to me now.”
Sparing some advice for other colleagues who may want to get degrees but are feeling discouraged, Lala said, “I know my story will be a great inspiration to others. I have seen the signs. Mind you, I am not flexing muscles about this because I see it as a rare privilege. I want to urge everyone, both young and old, especially those who have passion for academics to ignore shame and mockery, and go for their goals.”
