Wode Maya Challenges KNUST Students to Turn Passion into Profession at the E-Learning Awareness Week
Ghanaian YouTuber and digital storyteller, Wode Maya, held a session with students and staff of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology at the Great Hall as part of the 2025 E-Learning Awareness Week.
His message was: turn your passion into your profession and use the free internet on campus wisely.
The popular vlogger, known for promoting African stories and businesses through his YouTube channel, spoke about how content creation changed his life.
“I convinced my mum. My dad stopped talking to me when I started creating videos,” he said. “But my mum managed to convince him. Two weeks later, he called and said, ‘Go ahead.’ That’s how it started.”
He asked students to think deeply about why they were in the hall.
“Are you here to learn how to create content? Or are you here because you want to make money from your passion?” he asked. “Content creation is not about camera quality. It is about your idea and what you love doing.”
One student said content is “a way of life documented and shared.” Wode Maya agreed and replied, “Exactly. You can eat in a restaurant, film it, post it, and get paid. That’s how I live now.”
He encouraged students to look around campus and identify opportunities.
“I didn’t know KNUST has studios. That’s a gold mine,” he said. “Some of you are sitting on wealth, but you don’t see it.”
Wode Maya explained how social media platforms are like ATM machines.
“How many of you are getting paid for being online?” he asked. “You use free Wi-Fi every day, but you are not using it to create value.”
He shared that he started with only five views on his first video four of which were his own.
“I was refreshing the page just to see the number go up,” he said, laughing. “It took me two years to get 1,000 subscribers.”
His advice? “Be patient. Be consistent. Your first 100 videos are just your training ground. One video can change everything.”
Wode Maya also encouraged students to support lecturers in creating digital content.
“If your lecturer is not tech-savvy, help them record lessons. That’s a partnership. That’s content,” he said.
On the issue of fame, he said: “Don’t aim to be famous. Aim to be strategic. Impact comes first. Impact can turn into income.” He also addressed students who feel shy about being on camera.
“You don’t need to show your face. There’s even AI now to help. Just start.”
In closing, he challenged students to stop waiting. “Don’t finish school and then start looking for jobs when you had free Wi-Fi for four years,” he said. “Use what you have now. Your passion is your power.”
Published: 3rd August, 2025 Source: KNUST E-Learning Centre