In Nigerian comedy, where timing is everything and laughter is the ultimate currency, Oghenekowhoyan Desmond—better known as Destalker—has long been a standout. With his razor-sharp wit, relatable storytelling, and an unmissable stage presence, he’s tickled funny bones across the nation, earning a loyal following and a reputation as one of the country’s most gifted humorists. But on February 21, 2025, Destalker added a new layer to his legacy, one that transcends punchlines and applause: an honorary doctorate from Estam University in Benin Republic.
Destalker’s story is one of grit and grace. Hailing from Edo State, he didn’t stumble into comedy—it found him amid life’s twists and turns. Before the spotlight, he juggled various hustles, from working as an undertaker (a quirky detail he often mines for laughs) to navigating the unpredictable tides of Nigeria’s gig economy. His big break came in 2018 when he clinched the Best Comedian of the Year award at the Lagos Comedy Awards, a moment that catapulted him from local stages to national prominence. Since then, he’s become a staple at comedy shows, corporate events, and even virtual platforms, where his humor—rooted in everyday Nigerian experiences—resonates deeply.
His style? Think observational comedy with a dash of mischief. Whether he’s poking fun at the chaos of Lagos traffic or the quirks of family life, Destalker has a knack for turning the mundane into magic. “Comedy is my way of holding a mirror to society,” he once said in an interview with Vanguard. “If you laugh and think at the same time, I’ve done my job.” That duality—entertaining while enlighten-ing—has set him apart in an industry brimming with talent.
But it’s the honorary doctorate from Estam University that’s now stealing headlines. Conferred on February 21, 2025, the Doctorate Degree in Arts and Culture (Honoris Causa) recognizes Destalker’s “outstanding contributions to the entertainment industry and society,” according to a statement from the university. The ceremony, held at Estam’s campus in Cotonou, Benin Republic, saw Destalker don the iconic academic gown, a far cry from his usual stage attire of casual tees and a microphone.
Estam University, a private institution known for its focus on innovation and cultural advancement, doesn’t hand out such honors lightly. Honorary doctorates, by nature, bypass the traditional academic grind—years of research, dissertations, and exams—in favor of celebrating real-world impact. For Destalker, this degree acknowledges not just his comedy but his role as a cultural influencer. “It’s overwhelming,” he told The Nation shortly after the event. “I never imagined that making people laugh could lead to something this big. This is for every hustler out there chasing their dreams.”
What does an honorary doctorate mean for a comedian like Destalker? It’s more than a title—it’s a pivot point. In academic circles, such degrees are symbolic, not earned through coursework, but they carry weight as markers of societal contribution. For Destalker, it’s a nod to how his humor has transcended entertainment, offering relief in a nation where economic woes and social tensions often dominate headlines. His skits and stand-up routines don’t just entertain; they unite, heal, and inspire resilience—a quiet kind of leadership that Estam University chose to spotlight.
The choice of Arts and Culture as the field of his doctorate is fitting. Comedy, after all, is an art form, and Destalker’s work has woven itself into the cultural fabric of Nigeria. From grassroots gigs in Benin City to headlining shows in Lagos, he’s championed the power of laughter as a universal language. The university praised his “consistent creativity and positive influence,” noting how he’s mentored younger comedians and used his platform to address social issues subtly yet effectively.
Yet, the honor isn’t without its debates. Honorary doctorates often stir mixed feelings—some see them as prestigious, others as mere pageantry. “It’s not a PhD, but it’s still a big deal,” one X user mused. “Destalker didn’t sit in a classroom, but he’s schooled us all in joy.” In Nigeria, where academic titles like “Dr.” carry immense cultural cachet, Destalker’s new status blurs the line between scholarly achievement and societal impact. He’s unlikely to use the title in everyday life—convention discourages it outside formal settings—but the symbolism remains potent.
At 39, Destalker isn’t slowing down. The doctorate comes at a time when he’s expanding his reach—think comedy specials, potential Nollywood cameos, and even whispers of a mentorship program for aspiring comics. “This honor pushes me to do more,” he said at the ceremony, hinting at plans to give back to the industry that made him. His fans, meanwhile, are eager to see how “Dr. Destalker” evolves. Will he lean into the gravitas of the title with new material, or keep it light with self-deprecating jabs about his “academic” journey? Knowing Destalker, it’ll likely be both.
For now, he’s basking in the glow. The honorary doctorate isn’t just a personal milestone—it’s a cultural moment, proof that success in Nigeria can take many forms. From undertaker to comedian to doctor, Destalker’s path defies the script, reminding us that sometimes, the biggest lessons come not from textbooks, but from laughter shared under the spotlight. As he put it simply on X post-ceremony: “Dr. Destalker. Who’d have thought? God did.”
