Wasiu Ayinde, the Fuji singer fondly called Kwam 1, has opened up on his plans to return to school.
The Fuji star spoke about his love for education in a recent chat with journalists at his Mayegun Resort in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun.
The 67-year-old singer confirmed he is a “school dropout”, adding that he will enroll as an undergraduate at Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU) in Ago-Iwoye, Ogun state.
Kwam 1 said he had discussed his intentions with the dean of the school of music. He added that part of his decision to pursue a degree at OOU is to see how he can contribute to developing the varsity’s music faculty.
“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,” he said.
“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.”
Ayinde, an indigene of Ijebu-Ode, was born in Lagos in 1957.
Kwam 1 attended Government College, Isolo, Lagos. He was unable to complete his education as a result of his father’s death.
With over five decades in the music industry and several awards and accolades, Kwam 1 is regarded as an icon in Nigeria.