Fuji music icon, Wasiu Ayinde, popularly known as Kwam 1 or K1, has expressed his desire to resume his education after dropping out of school many years ago.
In a recent conversation with journalists at his Mayegun Resort in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, the 67-year-old musician revealed his intention to enroll as an undergraduate at Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU) in Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, citing his passion for learning as the driving force behind his decision.
Acknowledging that he had left school prematurely, Kwam 1 disclosed that he had already engaged with the university’s music department dean regarding his aspirations.
Reflecting on his lifelong pursuit of knowledge, Kwam 1 remarked, “All my life I do research. Every opportunity that I have. Presently I am in school. As a matter of fact, I will soon be a fresher at Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU). I am just trying to do things in my own way to suit myself. You learn till you die.”
The music legend recounted a recent encounter at OOU, where he was deeply moved by a performance dedicated to him by the university’s music class.
Furthermore, Kwam 1 stated his vision to leverage his influence and network within the music industry to unite various talents and contribute to the advancement of arts education.
“Very recently I had the opportunity to go and attend a function at the OOU. We had a mass set of graduands. The bands on the stand tried their hands on some of my works to recognise my presence. I was so overjoyous that time. So, in the form of wanting to appreciate them more, I sought to speak to the leader of the band and there I was told it was a band from the music class of OOU and they just started that class. I showed so much interest. I called for further discussion and in the cause of doing that I told them I want to enroll. I want to be part of them to see how we can develop a lot out of that.“
part of what I also discussed with the dean of the school of music at OOU was that we can do better. To bring a whole lot of artistes. The state is blessed with many names like Haruna Ishola, Ayuba, Shina Peters, Wizkid, Olamide, and D’banj. I told the dean that people like me can be used to bring everybody together and develop. That is what prompted me to want to go back to school.
“I am a school dropout… I know the value of education… will I say I have self-education? Any sane person will never criticise the beauty of education,” he said.
Quadri Olaitan is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, public affairs, and human-interest stories.
