“I pretended I couldn’t speak Yoruba for two years” — David Oyelowo recalls boarding school experience in Nigeria

Nigerian-British actor and director, David Oyelowo has shared an unexpected story from his teenage years, revealing that he once spent two years pretending he could not speak Yoruba while attending boarding school in Nigeria.

The actor made the revelation while reflecting on his school experience and how the decision shaped his interactions with other students.

A secret that changed school life

According to Oyelowo, although he understood Yoruba, he deliberately chose not to let people know.

“I went to a boarding school in Nigeria and pretended I couldn’t speak Yoruba the whole time. I ended up dating twins at the same time because I understood what they were saying without them knowing. It was a weapon.”

He explained that the move created an unusual advantage because students and people around him often spoke freely in his presence without realising he could understand their conversations.

The actor suggested that staying silent allowed him to observe more than most people expected and gave him insight into situations unfolding around him during his time in school.

His account has since drawn reactions online, with many people describing the experience as relatable and humorous, especially among Nigerians who have hidden language abilities in social settings.

At another point in the conversation, Oyelowo revealed that the situation took an unexpected turn socially.

Speaking about his school years, he disclosed that he ended up dating a pair of twins at the same time.

Reactions trail actor’s revelation

Following the interview, the story triggered conversations across social media platforms, with users sharing similar experiences of concealing their ability to understand local languages.

Others debated whether language often changes how people behave around those they assume cannot understand them.

The actor’s recollection has continued to attract attention for its blend of humour, nostalgia and insight into boarding school culture.

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