In our second instalment of Interview with Master, it’s actually for all you Kunle-fans that wants to know more about Master’s everyday life. Let us know if we fulfilled your inner paparazzi desires through this blog and tell us more about what you want to see in future blogs! For those who have yet to read part 1, you can find it here, if you’ve read, then you can read on for part 2!
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If you could live anywhere else instead of Singapore, where would you choose?
I think I’ll go to Nigeria, my home country. I really like Singapore because it is a good place to bring up a family, and the weather patterns are similar to Nigeria, because they’re both slightly north of the equator. I think it’ll be hard to get used to the weather in the UK- because there’ll be the 4 seasons, which both Singapore and Nigeria doesn’t have.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
I want to teleport myself to anywhere in the world. So I can be working now, then the next second I can teleport myself to Nigeria to eat, then come back after lunch.
Speaking of food, so what’s your favourite food from the dining hall?
I have dietary requirements, so the dining hall will always prepare something else for me. But from the dining hall, I like Laksa- the ones with fish and also Nasi Lemak, with fish.
Since you mentioned about your dietary requirements, I know you’re pescatarian, so can you tell us why? Is it a choice or..?
Oh, I’m allergic to egg. But for meat wise, I used to like meat, but with age, I can’t really digest certain foods, like beef. I tried going vegan but I didn’t really like it and fish works well so far.
So do you like sushi?
I like it alot now, but I didn’t like it before. 17 years ago when I had to go Japan for 2 weeks, I was so fed up with sushi around Japan because all I wanted was fried chicken. I loved fried chicken at that point of time, so I was very upset with the lack of chicken in Japan.
What’s your favourite food now?
Pounded Yam – one of the Nigerian fufu recipes that is eaten with the various Nigerian soup recipes.
Coffee or tea? How do you like either?
None. I like Hot Chocolate! I don’t really drink caffeine, unless I really need it.
What are your hobbies?
Generally sports- especially football! I like to watch and play football in my free time. Other than this, I’m also very involved in a local church during weekends. Faith is very important to me, and what guided me along the way is my faith in God. Sometimes when I don’t have the answers to the challenges that students face, I will look to God. I also like to smile alot, because I think everyday is a blessing so we should smile everyday. I derive happiness in the sense that I know that God is going to settle everything for me, and I don’t have to worry about other stuff, like money, which is not that important to me. I think that so long as we are happy, the monetary matters isn’t that important.
Do you still play soccer now?
Once in a while, yes. But now I’m older so I can’t really play with students. I used to be a striker and I love competition! But now I’m older so I can’t play anymore, but I do play with my son occasionally.
We had a glimpse of your smooth dance moves during RVRC’s Formal Dinner this year, can we know where you got your sleek dance moves from?
It’s in the genes! In Nigeria, music is a part of you- sense of rhythm and all because it was the way I was brought up there. I just need to hear the beat and flow to dance to it. So actually I didn’t even know the song that was being played (by the way, it’s Kill This Love by BLACKPINK) but I knew the beat so I just danced along with it.
What kind of music do you listen too?
I actually like slow music, or Christian music. But if the beat of the song is something I can dance to, I’ll like it too! My favourite artiste is Babyface, he has like pretty good songs. I just listen to whatever that’s popular, but I’m definitely not a Kanye West fan..
What’s your favourite time of the year? Is it when the students go away or when they first check-in?
During the semester, you’ll feel very busy- can’t wait for the semester to end, but actually, it’s very boring when the students aren’t in. There’s excitement during the semester because during term time you don’t know what to expect this term, so I think I look forward to their coming than their leaving.
What’s your DISC profile?
I’m a D. I find it easy to manage things and understand from everyone’s point of view. Actually, we used to do Emergenetics before DISC was popular (https://www.emergenetics.com/), so we actually did it before!
If you could have a meal with anyone dead or alive who would it be?
Nelson Mandela. I want to ask a few questions in today’s context. I want to know how he was able to forgive even though he was put in jail for so many years. Instead of being bitter, he became better. This is something I’m really interested in.
What’s your favourite colour?
I like light brown because it blends well with my skin and body. But I like rose gold and red/brown-ish colours as well!
If you weren’t a professor what would you be?
I think I would be a management consultant because I like to solve problems! I would probably set up my own firm to do this. 20 years ago I almost joined a management consultant firm.
Are there any final words you want to pass down to the RVRC students?
RVRC is an experimental platform to students, you may not be able to understand now, but you can definitely practice it in the future at your work places! Now as a student, people will forgive you when you make mistakes in NUS, but when you are in the workplace, reality ain’t that!
I will be in touch with the new master to help him out in terms of integrating, and understanding RV better. For those who feel that during my term, they haven’t been heard. I’m human afterall, and I’m sorry. I tried to address as many issues as possible, and if I have neglected you in a way or two, I’m sorry.
However, I want to thank everyone of you for being in the college, and being there for RVRC. We are self-organised now, and if students can run the college, it’ll be a very good achievement!
Lastly, I wish everyone the very best in the exams and I want to be updated of all your achievements, and if you need help, feel free to email me anytime, even if I’m out of RVRC (or Singapore).
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With that, we conclude the whole of Master’s Interview! We hope you’ve enjoyed the whole interview so far, and as always, let us know if you have any comments in the comment section below!
Till then, #ridgeviewblogs
Written by Li Shuen.
If you’ve got something to share (like a new blog or an idea for the blog post), don’t just go to NUSWhispers, but spill the tea by emailing Li Shuen at wee.lishuen@u.nus.edu!