Bankole Wellington, better known as Banky W, has officially added “Georgetown graduate” to his already impressive list of titles. The Nigerian singer, music executive, and entrepreneur recently earned a master’s degree in policy management from Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., and he’s using the milestone to share a powerful message about purpose, resilience, and reinvention.
The announcement, made via a heartfelt Instagram post, revealed the depth of commitment behind the achievement. Over the past year, Banky W juggled full-time graduate studies, a prestigious fellowship on Capitol Hill, and parenting two young children—all while adjusting to life in the U.S. after relocating from Nigeria.
“It was completely exhausting,” he admitted. “But by the grace of God, the strength of faith, and the support of family, friends, and mentors, we did it.”
In 2023, Banky W made the life-altering decision to leave his CEO role and move his family to the U.S. to pursue further education in public administration. He cited faith, family, and finding purpose as the driving forces behind the shift.
Reflecting on the journey, he wrote:
“Faith gives you the courage, resilience, and power to redefine endings. What many may see as the finish line of a journey can become the starting point of the next chapter of your story.”
He also shared how the experience stretched him in unexpected ways:
“I learned that you can’t pour from an empty cup, and so sometimes, it is necessary to step off the dance floor and onto the balcony… to reflect on how far you have come, who you are, and who you would like to become.”
During his time in Washington, Banky and his wife, actress Adesua Etomi, welcomed their second son, Hezekiah Oluwadarasimi Wellington, adding another milestone to a demanding year. Their first child, Hazaiah, was born in 2021.
Despite the challenges of parenting abroad while navigating academic and professional responsibilities, Banky W says it was a season of growth:
“Success in life and leadership isn’t just about a specific destination or the journey to get there, but about who you become along the way.”
Banky W’s path has always been marked by evolution. After completing his early education in Lagos, he studied at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in New York. In 2002, he co-founded Empire Mates Entertainment (E.M.E) with longtime friend Tunde Demuren, creating a platform that launched the careers of Wizkid, Niyola, Shaydee, and Skales.
He rose to fame with hit singles like ‘Lagos Party”, “Ebute Metta,” “Capable,” and “Yes/No,” and earned numerous awards for his work as both a performer and executive.
In 2017, Banky married Adesua Etomi in a much-celebrated ceremony in South Africa.
