Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) is more than just a university — it’s a hub of raw, daring, and diverse talent. From the Pit theatre to the spotlight of the Amphitheatre and Oduduwa Hall shows, the OAU creative and entertainment scene has always been alive with energy. It’s a space where dreams are born, skills are sharpened, and voices begin to develop.
Out of this blend of academic pressure and creative fire, remarkable individuals continue to emerge, and Dotun Amao is one of them. A student who turned cameras and runways into tools of self-expression, his journey from Ile-Ife to the fashion capitals of Europe proves one thing clearly: even from a Nigerian campus, your global dreams are valid.
In this interview with ACJOAU, Dotun Amao discusses his journey, motivations, and multitasking.
Let’s start with where it all began. Tell us a bit about your background — where you’re from, how you grew up, and what early influences shaped the creative side of you we now see.
I’m Dotun Amao. I was born in Ibadan, Oyo State. Basically, my whole life was in Ibadan before I came to OAU. I would say my secondary school, Christ the King College, Bashorun, Ibadan, played a great part in who I am today. I picked up photography there because it was a subject there, then I started developing an interest in modelling when I was used as the model for my school’s billboard. It was a very big billboard and I was so happy to see myself, I just knew that was my path.
You model and shoot – a genius combo. When did you first get into both photography and modelling, and how did one influence the other?
Like I said earlier my secondary school made a huge impact in the creative that I am today. So when I got done with secondary school and I was waiting for admission, I started applying to modelling agencies (about 50), and I got rejected constantly. I didn’t even get a response from most of them because I wasn’t applying the right way. Then, along the line, I got an agency where I went for development, and the rest is history.
Then, about the photography aspect, I furthered my learning with a professional photographer and other things I learnt online. Then, being a photographer helped my creativity as a model and vice versa.
While studying at OAU, you were already working in the modelling space at the same time, capturing people’s moments — not an easy thing to balance. What was that season like for you, trying to juggle academics, photography, castings, and personal growth?
Finding your balance as a serious creative is a whole lot. You just have to know what works for you. For me, I invested in tutorials and night readings because lectures weren’t doing it for me. There were times I had to travel during the exam, and I’d be reading on the bus. It was a whole lot. Then one thing my parents hammered on is “Your Education is your priority”, but then certain opportunities can change the standards.
Were there ever moments you felt torn between school and modelling? And when things got overwhelming, what or who helped you stay focused?
Yeah, I felt like that last semester, I thought I was going to travel then, so I slacked in school, everything fell through, and I was overwhelmed with school and depressed, which affected my GPA. I guess what kept me moving was God, then my mum and Enitan Subair too played a great part in encouraging me and helping me keep the hope alive. One thing I learnt is that you need people, people who can gear you up in your time of weakness, because we are humans after all.
Subair Enitain has been a constant pop-up on your personal Instagram page and one of the most collaborative creatives; it sparks a special bond there, especially with the content from Valentine. How did you two first connect, and what has her presence meant to you along the way, both in and out of the creative space?
Well, I don’t have the right words to describe Eni’s impact on this journey because she played a great and crucial part. We are more than partners, she believes in my dream even more than me at a point. She inspires me to do better. Times when I was exhausted mentally, even financially, because a whole lot went into this, she came through for me. I guess we all need someone like that
You’re currently in Paris — one of the world’s fashion epicentres, also your Instagram page bio shows you are currently working with many modelling brands. How did that opportunity come your way, and how do you feel currently?
I’ve always dreamt of being an international model, and it feels really great being here. I’ve been living a dream for 4 years. And I came about it by joining an agency that does international placement, Golden City.
They placed me at my agencies in Paris, Milan and Barcelona.
With your recent travel to Paris, many are wondering about your academics. Are you taking a break from studies in OAU, planning to return, or is this a full shift into modelling now?
Well, well, well, I’m on leave of absence for now. Let’s see how it goes.
Has being in an international fashion scene — working with new creatives, facing global standards — changed how you see the industry, or even how you see yourself?
Honestly, I feel the same, a little bit fulfilled because this is just the start, there is still a long way to go. Then the industry made me realise that you’re easily replaceable, you just have to up your game and bring your best.
Beyond what we see online, what’s something about your journey that people might not know, especially the part that took quiet persistence or real sacrifice?
Aside from the regular “you have to work hard in silence and be persistent” quote. You need money as well. You need something that can fetch you money to fund your dreams. There were times I travelled to Lagos about 4 times in a month for development, and that cost money. So, Photography and Content creation were a means for me.
Your Journey is truly a great inspiration and a source of hope to young talents still in school, especially from OAU. What advice would you give to those trying to break into modelling or any creative space while managing school and pressure?
Since “Trust the process” sounds cliche, it is what you learn in the process that will shape you and equip you for the competition out here. Your dreams are relative to how exposed you are. Think beyond OAU. Then two things: Your Dreams are Valid!!! And Na mumu dey give up. I wish you the best.