Strutting Success: OAU Models Redefine Style and Confidence on Campus

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By Oyinlade Adeyemi 

Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) has long been celebrated as a hub of academic excellence. As of late, the campus has become a runway for a new kind of brilliance: modeling. With their bold walks, daring outfits, and unmistakable charisma, OAU models are redefining fashion and confidence, making waves far beyond the university grounds. 

Modeling is the act of showcasing fashion, products, or ideas through visual representation, often in photography, runways, advertisements, or art. It is a profession where individuals, known as models, use their physical appearance, movements, and expressions to promote or display a brand, concept, or product.


Anyanwu Kelvin Chidiebere, a part 3 student of the Department of Estate Management, stands at 5'10". He says his motivation for modeling is his passion for fashion. He stated, “Stay different; create your own uniqueness in the fashion world. Make a statement.” He is always keen on showcasing his creativity through clothing and styling, which led him to choose modeling as his form of artistic expression.

Anyanwu Kelvin

Kelvin is a freelance model, primarily involved in social media and influencer modeling. He started his modeling career in 2023, and since then, he has said that his brain has always been active, working to envision new creative ways to appear in public. He also mentioned not having any diet plan and that he eats anything he can get his hands on; however, he works out four times a week to stay fit.

Standing at a height of 5 ft, Udugba Ijeoma Favour is a 200-level student of history. Favour stated, “Be vocal and expressive about what you love doing.” She mentioned how she has always aspired to be a model and how modeling means a lot to her: “I find happiness whenever I am able to show that I am a model, and it has always been a sweet experience.”
Udugba Favour 

She also shared some challenges she has faced since she started modeling: "first, how I was unable to balance both schooling and modeling, and second, at first, I always doubted myself and wondered if I could do well in modeling (feeling inferior). Additionally, I did not believe I could have 300+ followers on Instagram; I used to see it as a big space that someone like me could not excel in."


As the spotlight shines brighter on OAU models, one thing is clear: they are not just redefining style—they are embodying confidence, creativity, and the courage to be themselves. “My passion for fashion and showcasing my style,” says Nelson Topper Osaze, a 5’10” tall, 200-level student from the Department of History and the Assistant General Secretary of his departmental association. He joined modeling when he arrived at OAU because he came to truly understand what modeling is.
Nelson Topper

Nelson advises, “Be authentic and true to yourself.” He adds, “Develop a thick skin and learn to handle rejection.” He explains, “Modeling, to me, means a way of expressing myself creatively, showcasing my personality, and building confidence.” He also mentioned that the challenge he faces in the modeling circle is that most clients and agencies demand 6'0" tall models, whereas he is 2 inches short. Speaking further, he added, "That is very disturbing, but I thank God for His grace."

Despite their success, OAU models face challenges ranging from balancing academics with their modeling careers to overcoming societal stereotypes. However, they have proven resilient, drawing strength from the supportive campus community and their shared passion for fashion. For OAU, fashion is no longer just a hobby; it is a movement, and the world is taking notice. These models are evidence of the power of self-expression.





Comments

  1. Anonymous26 December 2024 at 01:41

    This is impressive and I am grateful for this privilege

    ReplyDelete
  2. Kelvin26 December 2024 at 01:42

    Too clean!😮‍💨

    ReplyDelete

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