The Champions’ Educational Foundation (CEF) has issued a strong condemnation of what it describes as a deliberate mockery of academic achievement by social media content creator Habeeb Hamzat Adelaja, popularly known as Peller. In a statement signed by the Foundation’s Executive President, Dr. Sikiru Issa Nuhu, CEF called on all educational stakeholders, civil society organisations, and government agencies to uphold and defend the dignity of academic pursuit.
The condemnation follows a recent viral video by Peller in which he staged a faux job interview, stating: “I need two people to be holding my camera. I will be paying 500k monthly. 20 people should apply with their CVs and all must have master’s degree.” While initially appearing as a job opportunity, the video quickly unfolded into a satire that CEF says ridiculed graduates and devalued the importance of formal education.
According to the statement, “Even though cinematography and videography are legitimate professions that many pursue with passion, what transpired during the interview stage revealed a deliberate attempt to denigrate the institution of scholarship by someone who holds only a school certificate.”
As an organisation that has spent over a decade promoting literacy and academic excellence, CEF described the video as not only misleading but also damaging to public perception of education. “We cannot be silent when education, the very force that powers systems, designs technologies, and informs societies, is dragged into the mud for online clout,” the statement read.
The Foundation also criticised the portrayal of job applicants in the video, praising them instead for responding with professionalism and restraint. “Their composure and thoughtful corrections in the edited clip reflect the enduring value of education,” it added, noting that much of the interaction may have been omitted in the final version shared online.
CEF emphasised that while academic qualifications may not guarantee immediate success, they form the foundation for long-term societal contributions. Citing notable Nigerian graduates such as Olugbenga “GB” Agboola of Flutterwave, Tosin Eniolorunda of Moniepoint, Shola Akinlade of Paystack, and Dr. Oviemo Ovadje—renowned inventor in the medical field, the Foundation highlighted how education continues to drive innovation and national development.
The statement concluded with a call to action directed at academic institutions, civil society, and public agencies like the National Orientation Agency. “We must not fold our arms while the value of scholarship is being eroded in public spaces. We owe it to the next generation to defend education not just as a certificate, but as a transformative tool for nation-building.”
The statement was also endorsed by the Foundation’s Executive Secretary, MLS Ibraheem Olasunkanmi Qoseem.
