How "Before They Graduate" Started

The Story

Funny thing is, Before They Graduate wasn't even planned. It all started when Akorede, a 500-level student from my department, saw my YouTube video with my father. That day, he just dropped a comment telling me to stay strong, joking that I should come back and tell them what daddy had to say about being resilient.

Gbam that was it. I replied immediately and told him that when I got back to school, he was going to share with us all the wahala FUTA had put him through since 100 level. At that moment, I honestly didn't mean anything serious. It was just random talk. But during their final year week, I remembered that chat and asked if he'd be available for a proper conversation. He said "no problem." That's how it happened.

After that first one, I started messaging other final-year students, telling them I was working on a YouTube series and I'd love to have them on board. That's literally how Before They Graduate began. Unplanned. Unexpected. But it just felt right.

Behind The Scenes

Ayinde, host and creator

Akorede, the first guest

Anthony ("Thoniee"),the guy behind the camera

Ayinde created the series after a single YouTube comment turned into a real conversation.

Looking back, if Akorede had said no that first day, there's likely no Before They Graduate at all.

Anthony ("Thoniee") shot the entire first episode on his own phone.

Samson designed the graphics announcing the series for free.

Why It Matters

Watch Episode

Episode One · An Interview With My Father

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