'My Dad wanted me to be a Lawyer' - Successful Comedian Shares His Story

CURSORY: A successful Nigerian Comedian has narrated how his father wanted him to be a Comedian because of his reading skills.

One of Nigeria’s most respected comedians, Atunyota Akpobome, popularly known as Alibaba has narrated how his father actually wanted him to be a lawyer because of his academic prowess.

Alibaba revealed this during his appearance as a guest on the Christmas edition of The Honest Bunch Podcast.

In his words: “My dad was keen on me pursuing law because parents were remarkably attentive in those days.

“In my case, I began reading at the age of three. I immersed myself in the New Nigerian, the West African Pilot, the Observer Tribune, Sunday Times, and various other newspapers.

“Observing my ability to read, write, engage in conversations, and argue persuasively, my dad concluded that I was destined to be a lawyer and guided me accordingly.”

He recounted scoring 201 in the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) exam in 1984. However, he failed mathematics in the General Certificate of Education (GCE) and was unable to secure admission into the University that year. Yet, upon entering school the following year, he began to refine his comedic skills, despite his father’s lack of support for that career choice.

According to the well-known comedian Atunyota Akpobome, Popularly known as Alibaba, many people prioritize fame over Education.

The Veteran comedian also explained how people think that money is more important than education but they are wrong.

In his words:

“People make the mistake that because one is a comedian, one is not literate. I actually teach MBA classes, and lecture professionals on different subjects; from marketing to public relations, advertising, financial management, and networking.

”Money is important, but one still needs education. The reason some football players, who neglect education, cannot become coaches is because they cannot read and write. That’s because to become a coach, one will have to take an exam.

”We have a society now that does not believe in education. So, 80 percent (80%) of the market does not believe in education, and some people are getting away with it.

”That is the same reason some people will respect a popular person ahead of an educated one.”