PartyJollof TV
Deyemi Okanlawon: From Chemical Engineering to Nollywood Stardom, The Dream Was Always Bigger
Editorial FeatureArticle2 min read

Deyemi Okanlawon: From Chemical Engineering to Nollywood Stardom, The Dream Was Always Bigger

Aug 17, 2026By Gideon Michael

Deyemi Okanlawon: From Chemical Engineering to Nollywood Stardom, The Dream Was Always Bigger

Filed Under

Article

Published

Aug 17, 2026

Written by

Gideon Michael

Reading Time

2 min read

2 min read0%

Article

2 min read with a section guide for longer reads.

Deyemi Okanlawon Once Quit Acting Over Poor Pay

Who says the degree you studied in school must be the road you follow forever? Definitely not Deyemi Okanlawon!

The Nollywood star has once again reminded fans that life can take a completely different turn from what was written on your university certificate.

Deyemi studied Chemical Engineering at the University of Lagos, but today, he is better known for bringing unforgettable characters to life on screen. His journey from the corporate world to becoming one of Nollywood’s recognisable faces is a proper “trust the process” story.

And honestly, his story is not one of those overnight-success tales.

Before fully embracing acting, Deyemi spent years in sales and marketing and even ventured into entrepreneurship. He eventually followed his passion for film and built a career that has seen him appear in major productions, including Omo Ghetto: The Saga, Blood Sisters, The Black Book and Elesin Oba: The King’s Horseman.

But the road wasn't always smooth.

In 2019, Deyemi actually walked away from acting after becoming frustrated with the quality of jobs and the financial rewards. He returned to the corporate world, only for the acting bug and some major opportunities to eventually pull him back.

And look at him now!

From stepping away from the industry to becoming one of its notable leading men, Deyemi’s journey proves that sometimes, your biggest dream may not fit neatly into your degree certificate.

For the actor, the lesson is simple: don't allow where you are today to determine how big you dream for tomorrow.

And that, dear PartyJollof TV lovers, is one lesson worth taking home.

Discover More

Keep reading around this story

Continue with editor-linked reads and archive follow-ups that stay close to the same conversation.