Nigerian singer Oxlade, whose real name is Ikuforiji Olaitan Abdulrahman, recently shared why he dropped out of Lagos State University (LASU) in his final year.
According to Oxlade, his decision to leave the university stemmed from threats he faced from campus gangs. Being a good-looking guy made him a target, and he was given an ultimatum to either join the gangs or face harm. For his safety, he decided to leave LASU during a tumultuous time when such activities were rampant.
Oxlade further explained that although the school has since shifted its focus towards academics and personal growth, the environment back then was dangerous. After leaving school, Oxlade couldn’t bring himself to explain his decision to his family, fearing they wouldn’t understand his reasons. He eventually ran away from home, believing he had let his family down. However, when his grandmother finally saw him, her calm and understanding reaction reassured him that the pressure he had placed on himself was largely self-imposed.
Oxlade’s story highlights the challenges he faced while balancing his safety and academic aspirations, ultimately choosing to prioritize his well-being over finishing his degree. Despite this setback, he has since found success in his music career, becoming one of Nigeria’s leading Afrobeat stars. His journey serves as a reminder of how perseverance and following one’s passion can lead to success, even when life takes unexpected turns.
