Every Delta State University student dreams of making it big after graduation, but few achieve the incredible success of Ayodeji Richard Makun, better known as AY. From spending nine years as a Theatre Arts student at DELSU to becoming Nigeria’s comedy king worth millions, AY’s journey proves that with persistence, talent, and hard work, any student can achieve greatness.
AY Makun Early Life and Education at Delta State University
Born on August 19, 1971, in Ifon, Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State, AY Makun came to Delta State University as the eldest male child in a family of seven. Like many Nigerian students, he faced challenges that extended his university stay, but instead of giving up, he used his time at DELSU to build the foundation for his future success.
AY enrolled in the Theatre Arts program at Delta State University, Abraka, where he would spend nine years that completely shaped his destiny. While some might see nine years as too long, AY used every moment to perfect his craft and build relationships that would later change his life.
AY Makun University Life: 9 Years at DELSU Theatre Arts
At Delta State University, AY wasn’t just another student – he was a star in the making. His natural talent for entertainment and organization made him one of the most popular students on campus. The future comedy king earned several prestigious awards during his DELSU days:
- Jaycee Club Socio-Personality Award
- Best Show Business Promoter (2001)
- Most Celebrated Student on Campus (2001)
- Most Fashionable Student on Campus (1999 and 2000)
As a Theatre Arts student, AY organized some of the biggest events at DELSU, including Miss DELSU pageants, Miss Delta competitions, and Face of DELSU contests. These campus events weren’t just fun activities – they were training grounds where he learned event management, crowd control, and entertainment skills that would make him millions later.
AY Makun Career: How He Started Comedy After DELSU
After graduating with his Theatre Arts degree in 2003, AY’s real journey began. He started working as Ali Baba Akporobome’s personal assistant and event manager – a position that taught him the business side of comedy. This experience with one of Nigeria’s comedy legends gave him insider knowledge of the entertainment industry.
AY also wrote as a guest columnist for major newspapers like The Sun Nigeria and contributed to Gbenga Adeyinka’s Laugh Mattaz. These writing opportunities helped him develop his comedic voice and build industry connections that would prove crucial to his success.
AY Live Comedy Shows: Building Nigeria’s Biggest Comedy Brand
AY’s Theatre Arts education from DELSU gave him the skills to create “AY Live,” one of Nigeria’s most successful comedy shows. The show features top comedians like Bovi (also a DELSU alumnus), Helen Paul, and many others, proving that his university education taught him how to spot and work with talent.
His success in live comedy led to television with “AY’s Crib,” a popular Nigerian sitcom where he directs and acts alongside stars like Alex Ekubo, Venita Akpofure, and Buchi Franklin. The show demonstrates how his Theatre Arts degree from Delta State University prepared him for both performing and directing.
AY Makun Movies: Complete Filmography and Box Office Success
AY’s transition from comedy to films shows the versatility that his DELSU education provided. His movie career includes massive box office hits that earned him the title “King of Box Office”:
Major AY Makun Movies:
- 30 Days in Atlanta (2014) – His debut movie that he produced and starred in
- Being Mrs Elliot (2014) – Starring with Omoni Oboli and Majid Michel
- A Trip to Jamaica (2016) – Starring Funke Akindele and international actors
- The Wedding Party (2016) – One of Nigeria’s highest-grossing films
- 10 Days in Sun City (2016) – Another box office success
- The Wedding Party 2 (2017) – Sequel to the blockbuster hit
- Merry Men: The Real Yoruba Demons (2018) – Action-comedy with Jim Iyke and Ramsey Nouah
- Merry Men 2 (2019) – Continuation of the popular franchise
- Christmas in Miami (2021) – International production
- Merry Men 3: Nemesis (2023) – Latest in the successful series
- Mr Patrick Wahala in America (2024) – Recent release
These movies have made AY the undisputed “King of Box Office” in Nigeria, with his films consistently breaking revenue records and proving that DELSU graduates can achieve international success.
AY Makun Business Ventures and Corporate World Entertainment
AY’s Theatre Arts degree taught him more than just performing – it gave him business skills that made him a successful entrepreneur. He is the CEO of Corporate World Entertainment Nigeria, a company that manages multiple entertainment ventures and owns a clubhouse.
Understanding the importance of supporting upcoming talent, AY launched the “Open Mic Challenge,” a platform designed to help emerging comedians. This initiative shows how successful DELSU alumni give back to the entertainment community and create opportunities for the next generation.
AY Makun Awards and Achievements (2008-2025)
AY’s achievements since leaving Delta State University demonstrate the heights that DELSU graduates can reach:
2008 Comedy Awards Sweep:
- Comedian of the Year: Diamond Awards for Comedy
- Comedian of the Year: Teens Favorite
- Comedian of the Year: MBG Abuja Merit Awards
- Comedian of the Year: National Daily Awards
- Comedian of the Year: Arsenal Award for Excellence
- Comedian of the Year: Mode Men of the Year Awards
Major Career Honors:
- 2009: Appointed United Nations Peace Ambassador
- 2010: Comedian of the Year: Nigerian Entertainment Awards
- 2013: Most Creative Entrepreneur of the Year (Comedy Category): Creative Entrepreneurs Association of Nigeria
- 2018: Best Event (A.Y Live): NELAS Awards, United Kingdom
These international recognitions prove that DELSU graduates can achieve global success and represent Nigeria on the world stage.
AY Makun Wife and Family: Marriage to Mabel Makun
AY’s personal success story also began at Delta State University, where he met his wife Mabel during their university days. They married in November 2008 and have two children together. Their relationship shows that university isn’t just about academics – it’s also where lifelong connections and love stories begin.
Mabel, also a DELSU graduate with a Business Administration degree, has built her own successful interior design company worth hundreds of thousands of dollars. Together, they represent the power couple that Delta State University can produce, proving that DELSU relationships can lead to both personal happiness and business success.
AY Makun Net Worth 2025: How Much is Nigeria’s Comedy King Worth?
Today, AY Makun is reportedly worth $7 million, making him one of Nigeria’s wealthiest entertainers and the richest known Delta State University alumnus. His income sources include:
- AY Live comedy shows – Sold-out events across Nigeria and internationally
- Movie production and acting – Box office hits generating millions
- Corporate World Entertainment – His entertainment company
- Business investments – Including his clubhouse and other ventures
- Brand endorsements – Major companies seeking his influence
- UN Peace Ambassador role – International recognition and opportunities
His $7 million net worth proves that a Theatre Arts degree from DELSU can lead to extraordinary financial success when combined with talent, hard work, and business acumen.
Lessons for Current DELSU Students from AY Makun’s Success
AY’s incredible journey from a Theatre Arts student who spent nine years at Delta State University to becoming Nigeria’s comedy legend offers powerful lessons for current students:
1. Use Your Time Wisely: AY’s nine years at DELSU weren’t wasted – he built skills, relationships, and recognition that launched his career.
2. Get Involved on Campus: His campus awards and event organization experience directly contributed to his professional success.
3. Your Degree is a Foundation: Theatre Arts gave AY the skills for performing, directing, writing, and business management.
4. Network and Build Relationships: Meeting his wife and industry connections at university changed his life trajectory.
5. Think Beyond Your Field: AY used his Theatre Arts degree to succeed in comedy, film production, television, and business.
The AY Makun Legacy for Delta State University
From organizing beauty pageants as a DELSU student to becoming the “King of Box Office,” AY Makun proves that Delta State University students can achieve anything. His story shows that success isn’t about how long you spend in university – it’s about how well you use that time to prepare for greatness.
For every current Theatre Arts student at DELSU, AY represents the ultimate success story. For business students, his entrepreneurial achievements show the possibilities ahead. For any DELSU student with big dreams, AY Makun’s journey from campus to comedy legend proves that your university education can be the foundation for incredible success.
The next time you walk through DELSU campus, remember that you’re following in the footsteps of Nigeria’s comedy king. Your dreams are just as valid, and your potential is just as unlimited as AY Makun’s was when he first stepped onto campus as a Theatre Arts student.
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