FYB Of The Week – Aanuoluwapo Oluwaseun

Life As An FYB

Stage Voice: Hello, welcome to Stage Voice. Can you please tell us your name?

Aanuoluwapo: My name is Aanuoluwapo Oluwaseun.

Stage Voice: It’s nice meeting you, Aanuoluwapo.

Stage Voice: Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

Aanuoluwapo: Hmm, okay. I’m in part 4. I’m an acting major, I bake, I sing, and I dance a little.

Stage Voice: Wow, that’s great! So why did you choose acting instead of dancing?

Aanuoluwapo: Hmm, actually, until part 3, first semester, I still wanted to do dance because that’s why I picked drama. But second semester, I acted in some plays for the Festival of Plays and did well. I realized I didn’t see myself dancing after school, so I decided to focus on acting.

Stage Voice: Hmm, a last-minute decision.

Aanuoluwapo: Yes, exactly.

Stage Voice: So how has acting been? Are you enjoying it?

Aanuoluwapo: Hmm, acting is actually fun. But we have to read—a lot. Not small books, though. We also have to watch movies. I have like eight more to watch right now. Then there’s the training; I have to wake up early, go to the field, do exercises, and then attend classes. And I also have a business to run. Acting is stressful, but I enjoy it.

Stage Voice: So if I major in acting, this is the kind of commitment required? I might just consider children’s theatre instead.

Aanuoluwapo: Yes, exactly. But you’ll enjoy it.

Stage Voice: Hmm, we’ll see. The bonding part sounds interesting, though.

Aanuoluwapo: Definitely. You bond with your classmates, even with your lecturers. You share ideas, work together, sleep together, eat together—it’s fun.

Stage Voice: Sounds like a great experience. So, as a final-year student, how do you feel?

Aanuoluwapo: I’m super happy!

Stage Voice: Of course, you should be! What’s making you feel this way?

Aanuoluwapo: I just want to graduate and leave this school. After five years, I’m finally leaving. That makes me very happy.

Stage Voice: That’s understandable. Have there been moments when you felt like giving up?

Aanuoluwapo: Definitely. The workload is overwhelming. We’re in our final year, and it’s supposed to ease up, but no. Assignments, materials, printing, research—it’s a lot.

Stage Voice: I can relate. The stress can be so much. Don’t worry; God will see you through.

Aanuoluwapo: Amen

Entrepreneurial Spirit 

Stage Voice: So, as a baker, how do you balance business and academics?

Aanuoluwapo: I used to bake at night so I could sell the next day, but now I’ve reduced the workload.

Stage Voice: That must have been exhausting.

Aanuoluwapo: It was. Now I do pre-orders. Customers tell me what they need, and I combine orders to deliver everything at once.

Stage Voice: That’s smart!

Aanuoluwapo: Yes, it works well for me.

Stage Voice: A quick one: if you were given 50 million naira to start from part 1 at OAU again with all your needs met, would you do it?

Aanuoluwapo: Ah, the money is tempting, but no. I’m tired. I just want to leave this school.

Stage Voice: Really? Even with a free car and house?

Aanuoluwapo: I want all that, but I still wouldn’t do it.

Advice To other Students

Stage Voice: Fair enough. So, what advice do you have for the Exemplars?

Aanuoluwapo: Don’t copy others. Everyone has their own talent, so focus on building yourself. Also, don’t limit yourself to Pit Theatre; explore outside of it. Life isn’t just about Pit Theatre. God bless you all—I love you guys!

Stage Voice: Wise words!

Stage Voice: Thank you, Aunty Aanu. What are your plans after school?

Aanuoluwapo: I’ll keep that to myself for now.

Stage Voice: Understandable. Who’s getting your shoutout?

Aanuoluwapo: A lot of people! Sewa, my friend from part 1, Edema, Cosy, Adedoyin, Iya Mode, Tioluwanimi—she gave me my first major role in Pit Theatre—Toyosi, Eriifeoluwa, my baby. I’ll miss him. Thank you all!

Stage Voice: That’s wonderful. It’s been great having you, Aanu.

Stage Voice: We wish you success in all your productions.

Aanuoluwapo: Thank you!

“Embrace your unique talent and never try to copy others because everyone has their own path to success. Explore beyond your comfort zone—don’t limit yourself to where you are now; there’s so much more to discover and achieve out there. The journey might be challenging, but stay focused, work hard, and always remember to build yourself up. With determination and faith, you can overcome anything. Keep going, and never stop reaching for your dreams. You’ve got this!”

Interviewed by Kolawole Olasubomi 

Published by Ogunseye Timothy