Award-winning Nigerian music star, Davido, has returned to his alma mater, Babcock University, where he pledged to support the institution’s music department with a modern building and world-class studio equipment.
The globally celebrated artiste, whose real name is David Adeleke, also used the visit to emphasise the importance of education, insisting that despite success stories of individuals without formal schooling, education should never be described as a scam.
Davido, who earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music from the university in 2015, said he remains proud of his academic background and often reminds his colleagues in the entertainment industry that he completed his university education despite the growing demands of fame and music.
Speaking during an interaction with journalists on Sunday at the university campus in Ilisan Remo, Ogun State, the singer said his experience at Babcock helped shape his character, discipline, and career journey.
“It has always been a bragging right for me among my colleagues. I am always quick to tell them that I went to school. It is something I’m proud of and happy that I completed,” he said.
Davido disclosed that balancing academics with his rapidly growing music career was extremely challenging at the time, adding that he almost abandoned his studies because of increasing fame and public attention.
According to him, support from his father, billionaire businessman Dr. Adedeji Adeleke, his elder brother, relatives, and some lecturers in the university played a crucial role in helping him finish his programme successfully.
“I was already blowing up in music, and it became difficult staying fully in school because of fans and all that. Sometimes, I wanted to leave, but my auntie and some lecturers kept encouraging me to stay and finish,” he recalled.
The singer also revealed that beyond meeting his wife, Chioma, at the university, discipline remains one of the greatest lessons he took away from the institution.
“Aside from my wife whom I met here, I’ll say discipline is another major thing Babcock gave me,” he stated.
Davido explained that his renewed connection with the university is driven by a desire to contribute meaningfully to the growth of music education in Nigeria, especially at a time when the creative industry is becoming one of the country’s strongest economic forces.
“The music department is what I really want to expand. I feel like it deserves a standalone building,” he said.
The artiste disclosed plans to equip the proposed structure with modern facilities comparable to international music studios and learning centres.
“I just personally built a high-class standard music studio in Lagos, and we are ready to donate and give back to the school. We want to make sure students have proper standard equipment because creativity right now is oil in Nigeria,” Davido added.
He maintained that while talent is important, formal education still provides structure, discipline, and broader opportunities for young people.
“I will definitely say education is not a scam. Yes, some people made it without school, but it would be wrong for anybody to say education is a scam,” he stressed.
Advising Nigerian youths, Davido urged them to remain committed to their dreams, develop their talents, and consistently strive for excellence regardless of their chosen profession.
“Whether it’s music, sports, journalism or engineering, push yourself, love what you are doing and believe in yourself,” he said.
The singer received a heroic welcome during the visit as students trooped out in large numbers to celebrate his return to campus.
The management of the university, led by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Afolarin Ojewole, described Davido as a worthy ambassador whose achievements have continued to bring global recognition to the institution.
Ojewole also praised the longstanding relationship between the Adeleke family and the university, noting that the family has consistently supported the institution and its vision over the years.
The visit has since generated excitement among students and music enthusiasts, many of whom described Davido’s pledge as a major boost for music education and creative development in Nigerian universities.
