Nigerian actor, comedian and activist Adebowale Adedayo, popularly known as Mr Macaroni, has given fans another reason to celebrate after earning a Master of Arts degree with Distinction in Performance (Acting) from the Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts in London.
The entertainer shared a video from his graduation ceremony on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, showing him celebrating the academic milestone with family members and well-wishers.
In his message, Mr Macaroni admitted that completing the programme challenged him in several ways but said the experience helped him grow personally and professionally. He also thanked God, his family, friends and supporters who stood by him throughout the journey, adding that he looked forward to greater things. 
Congratulations have since poured in from fans, colleagues and other social media users, with many celebrating what they see as another major achievement in the entertainer’s journey.
For many admirers, however, the graduation means more than another certificate. It comes after the actor publicly revealed his struggle with debts exceeding ₦500 million, a financial crisis that he said weighed heavily on him for years.
Mr Macaroni’s graduation marks another career milestone
Mr Macaroni’s new qualification adds to an academic journey that has involved years of training in the performing arts.
The actor previously studied Theatre Arts and Film Studies at Redeemer’s University, graduating in 2018. He also trained at the PEFTI Film Institute and completed an Advanced Acting for Camera course at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London.
His decision to pursue further acting training reflects his determination to develop beyond the social media comedy that made him popular.
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Although millions of Nigerians know him as Daddy Wa, the comic character behind his popular skits, Mr Macaroni has continued to build a career in mainstream film.
His screen credits include Kunle Afolayan’s Aníkúlápó, Ayinla, Brotherhood and Freedom Way. He has also earned recognition for performances that show a more dramatic side to his craft.
The distinction from Mountview therefore represents another step in a career that has moved from viral comedy videos to established film productions.
Congratulations pour in for Mr Macaroni after ₦500m debt struggle
The congratulatory messages have also revived conversations about Mr Macaroni’s financial struggles, which he opened up about publicly in March 2025.
In a lengthy social media post, the entertainer revealed that a scam and a failed investment around 2021 and 2022 wiped out his savings.
He said he subsequently borrowed money from different sources to meet financial commitments and fulfil responsibilities he had taken upon himself. However, the interest payments and what he described as financial recklessness pushed him into a cycle of debt.
By 2024, he said, his liabilities had exceeded ₦500 million, making the year one of the most troubling periods of his life despite major progress in his acting career. He also disclosed that the betrayal of someone he deeply trusted worsened his emotional and financial difficulties.
Mr Macaroni said he eventually made difficult decisions with support from family and friends, adding that he felt better than he had in the previous three years.
His graduation has now prompted fans to celebrate his resilience, with some describing the achievement as a fitting comeback after years of personal and financial pressure.
Mr Macaroni & his activism during EndSARS protests
Beyond entertainment, Mr Macaroni has built a reputation as one of Nigeria’s outspoken celebrity activists, particularly during the 2020 #EndSARS protests against police brutality. He used his social media platforms to amplify calls for accountability and an end to abuses by the now-disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad.
His activism continued after the October 2020 protests. On February 13, 2021, police arrested him alongside other demonstrators during the #OccupyLekkiTollGate protest in Lagos. The protesters opposed the planned reopening of the Lekki tollgate, where security forces had opened fire on demonstrators during the October 20, 2020 protests.
Police detained Mr Macaroni and other campaigners before a mobile court granted them bail. Videos from the incident showed officers putting protesters into police vehicles, while reports also documented allegations of mistreatment in custody.
He continued to participate in demonstrations and public campaigns, including the June 12, 2021 protest in Lagos and a procession marking the first anniversary of the #EndSARS demonstrations.
His willingness to speak publicly about governance and human rights has made him a prominent voice beyond the entertainment industry.
Fans celebrate Mr Macaroni’s latest achievement
Following the graduation announcement, fans and colleagues flooded social media with congratulatory messages.
Many praised his commitment to education and professional development, while others celebrated his ability to keep building his career despite the difficulties he previously described.
For an entertainer who has spent years making Nigerians laugh through his Daddy Wa character while also taking public positions on social issues, the latest achievement offers another reason for supporters to cheer him on.
And judging by the reactions, Debo is receiving plenty of his flowers.
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