Daddy Freeze Says He Wouldn’t Send a Creatively Talented Child Like Peller to University
Popular Nigerian media personality Daddy Freeze, whose real name is Ifedayo Olarinde, has sparked online debate after saying he would not send a child with creative talent like TikTok star Peller to university.
In a recent video, Freeze explained that natural skills in entertainment and digital content often lead to faster success than formal education, especially for children who already know their path in creative fields.
He cited global examples to support his view. First, he mentioned Khaby Lame, the Italian-Senegalese TikTok creator. Lame rose from factory work during the pandemic to become the most followed TikToker in the world. With only a secondary school education, he built a massive audience with simple reaction videos and recently sold his company, Step Distinctive Limited, for around $900 million.
Freeze also referenced American streamer IShowSpeed, who has over 50 million subscribers on YouTube. Despite not attending university, Speed’s energy, charisma, and consistency have made him one of the most influential young entertainers worldwide.
The media personality then pointed to Nigerian creator Peller, highlighting his resilience. Freeze noted that after a car crash, Peller quickly recovered by acquiring a better vehicle than before, showing how digital talent can be financially rewarding. He also mentioned Egungun, another Nigerian entertainer who left school but achieved success by focusing on content that connected with audiences, even after previous failures.
While emphasizing the importance of education for certain professions like medicine, law, and engineering, Daddy Freeze stressed that children with exceptional creative abilities should be encouraged to pursue their talents outside traditional academic paths. He argued that this approach could secure their future more effectively than forcing them through conventional education.
The comments section on social media reflected mixed reactions. Some supported Freeze’s view:
@idan_feds said, “Oya, until he reaches a time to speak publicly and your child is shining, IShowSpeed can go to high school and understand things… the important thing is knowledge, not university.”
@ZinnyReacts wrote, “What he’s saying is valid. Success has many paths, but education is still a foundation. The problem isn’t school; it’s how we define success.”
Others criticized his opinion:
@sheriff963 commented, “Daddy Freeze is a menace. The real question is, do his children go to school?”
@loffyshvillifc reacted, “He’s right in a way. Nowadays, people don’t value intelligent conversations anymore.”
Earlier, Daddy Freeze also weighed in on a debate comparing Nigerian singer Wizkid to Afrobeat legend Fela Anikulapo-Kuti. He said during an Instagram live session on January 20, 2026, that Wizkid cannot be placed on the same level as Fela, whose influence went far beyond music.
