Comedian and skit maker Layi Wasabi, whose real name is Isaac Olayiwola, shared a childhood story.
He revealed that the story offers a glimpse into the strict discipline and high educational expectations common in some Nigerian households.
While currently residing in the United Kingdom, Layi Wasabi shared this personal anecdote on the latest episode of the 90s Baby Show podcast, which was uploaded to YouTube on Monday.
When asked if his next-door neighbor could discipline him, Wasabi responded, “I never had that but I had uncles flog me. I had one that traveled to flog me. It was like a 2-hour drive.”
The incident stemmed from academic concerns. Wasabi explained, “My mom always wanted me to do medicine or something in the Sciences.” He described the educational system at the time, where students in Senior Secondary 1 (SS1) studied all courses before being placed according to their strengths. “I passed biology and chemistry but I failed physics and I had stronger subjects in the art department, so it was recommended that I did Art,” he said.
This outcome upset his mother, who felt he wasn’t taking his studies seriously enough. In response, she contacted one of Wasabi’s uncles, who promptly decided to visit. “Don’t worry, I’ll be in Oshogbo tomorrow,” he had said.
Wasabi humorously recalled the day his uncle arrived, noting that he was the one who opened the gate and helped carry his uncle’s load from the car. The situation turned serious when his uncle requested to see his report card. Upon seeing the poor grades in physics and mathematics, his uncle sternly commanded, “Lie down there.”
“At that moment, I knew where my fate was,” Wasabi said, recounting the disciplinary action that followed.
Wasabi’s innate talents prevailed despite his strict upbringing, and his hard work and creativity were recently recognized on a prestigious platform. In May, he triumphantly accepted his first Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) in the Best Digital Content Creator category, held at the esteemed Eko Hotel & Suites in Lagos, where he was honored alongside notable nominees such as Elozonam and Taaoma.
This narrative highlights the intense academic expectations and pressures that students in Nigerian households often face, as well as the strict and sometimes harsh disciplinary measures that are frequently used to enforce compliance and drive success.
