Nigerian actor Victor Udochukwu Nwaogu, known as Nkubi, has stated that employment discrimination due to his stature was a key factor in his decision to pursue an acting career. The disclosure was made during a recent episode of the One On One podcast, which he attended with his wife.
Nkubi explained that while he was aware of his physical difference as a child, the full impact of societal stigma became clear after completing secondary school. He recounted his inability to secure what he described as “minor jobs” compared to his peers, a reality that contrasted with his earlier, more sheltered understanding.
The actor noted that this cycle of stigmatisation now affects his young daughter, who has also been born with dwarfism. He stated that internet trolls frequently target her with derogatory comments related to her size. Nkubi and his wife affirmed they were psychologically prepared for the possibility of having a child with dwarfism, but acknowledged that witnessing the unprovoked online bullying remains painful.
His wife provided additional context, revealing that a medical professional had previously advised her to conceive with another man to avoid passing on dwarfism, a suggestion she rejected. She characterised the ongoing public ridicule of their daughter as a difficult but familiar form of prejudice.
The interview highlights the persistent social and professional barriers faced by little people in Nigeria, extending from the workplace into digital spaces and family life. Nkubi’s career shift from seeking conventional employment to the film industry underscores how systemic exclusion can redirect personal trajectories. The family’s experience also illustrates the intergenerational nature of stigma surrounding dwarfism, despite personal preparedness and medical awareness.
