On World Teachers’ Day, five Nigerian entertainers are being celebrated for their unexpected journeys from the classroom to stardom. These celebrities—Patience Ozokwor, Niniola, Denrele Edun, Ali Baba, and Akintunde Elijah—all worked as teachers or in educational roles before they became household names in music, comedy, acting, and entertainment.
Patience Ozokwor: From NCE to Nollywood Stardom
Veteran Nollywood actress Patience Ozokwor is widely known for her memorable roles in Nigerian cinema, but before her acting career took off, she spent four years as a teacher. Ozokwor attended the Women’s Training College in Lagos, where she earned a National Certificate of Education (NCE). This teaching background was one of the formative experiences that shaped her before she entered the entertainment industry and became one of Nollywood’s most recognisable actresses.
Niniola: Teaching Practice in Surulere
Popular singer Niniola Akpata also has a connection to the classroom. In a 2023 interview with The Sun, she revealed that education was once a possible career path for her. Niniola explained that her love for teaching was so strong that, if she had not pursued music, she would have become an educationist. She disclosed that she gained teaching experience during her teaching practice at Clegg Girls Secondary School in Surulere, Lagos, before moving to her father’s school, where she worked as a supervisor.
“I taught during my teaching practice at Clegg Girls Secondary School, Surulere, Lagos. I taught there for a while before going to my dad’s school, where I became a supervisor before I went into music,” she had revealed.
Denrele Edun: Teaching Before Television
Media personality Denrele Edun also had classroom experience before becoming one of Nigeria’s most recognisable television figures. Denrele completed his secondary school education before the age of 16. After finishing school, he ventured into teaching while waiting to continue his education. Between 1997 and 1998, he taught Primary One, Primary Two, and Primary Four pupils. He also worked as a private tutor during that period, offering lessons to students outside the classroom. This early experience with children and education came long before he became known for his distinctive personality and energetic television career.
Ali Baba: A Long List of Jobs, Including Teaching
Veteran comedian Ali Baba had a long list of jobs before finding his footing in the entertainment industry, and teaching was among them. He has previously spoken about the different jobs he took on while trying to build his career. His experiences ranged from working as a conductor, sand digger, and truck loader to being a casual labourer, taxi driver, bakery worker, shoemaker, barber, deejay, tailor, and street hawker. Teaching was also part of the list, as Ali Baba revealed that he worked as a lesson teacher.
“I have been many things in my life: conductor, sand digger, truck loader, casual laborer, taxi driver, bakery worker, shoemaker, barber, deejay, tailor, lesson teacher, street hawker… So when you are fit and complete, and beg for money, it irritates me. Just so you know,” he had stated.
Akintunde Elijah: Teaching Before Gospel Fame
Gospel singer Akintunde Elijah is another Nigerian entertainer whose journey to fame began alongside a career in education. He revealed that although he had been singing for years before becoming widely known for his music, teaching was also an important part of his early career. Akintunde studied for a National Certificate in Education (NCE) in Mathematics and Computer Science and worked as a teacher before pursuing music more fully. His story adds to the list of entertainers who once stood in front of students before stepping into the spotlight.
