In an interview with Seun Oloketuyi on Nollywood on Radio, celebrated Nigerian actress Biola Bayo opened up about her journey from being a secondary school dropout to becoming a prominent figure in the entertainment industry. Her story is one of resilience, determination, and an unyielding commitment to education, despite the hurdles she faced along the way.
Biola Bayo’s educational journey was fraught with challenges, primarily due to financial constraints that left her unable to pursue higher education despite numerous admission offers.
“For me, education has always been it for me. I was a secondary school dropout, so education was intentional for me. It wasn’t easy for me to go to school, so it was very difficult. I had several admissions that I denied because I didn’t have money, and that was years back, so it was a tussle and struggle. I just don’t stop; I feel like there is always more to get,” she shared with passion and resolve.
Her relentless pursuit of self-improvement is a testament to her refusal to settle for mediocrity.
“My lesson is that I don’t stop at any level of mediocrity; I feel I can always do better, regardless of the position that you are in now. I don’t feel too comfortable to remain in a position, so I am that type of person who will always aspire to do better,” Bayo emphasized, reflecting her drive to constantly reach for greater heights.
Furthermore, Bayo addressed the stereotype that the Yoruba film industry is populated by uneducated individuals. She highlighted the presence of educated actors within the industry, debunking misconceptions about its intellectual capacity.
“Even from time, there have been a lot of educated people among us. It’s probably because we had more people who were not so educated at that time, so it made it look like the industry was dominated by the illiterate but there are literates among us; there have always been,” she explained.
She also noted a shift in educational standards over the years, saying, “Way back, it was filled with school certificates and not university degrees, and those schools’ certs knew how to speak better; their English was so polished than what we have now.”
Biola Bayo’s story is an inspiring reminder that one’s beginnings do not dictate their destiny, and that with perseverance and a commitment to learning, one can overcome any obstacle and achieve their dreams.