Nigerian rapper Ycee has stirred debate on social media after claiming that the country is gradually shifting away from celebrating academic excellence and embracing what he described as "Peller culture."

Speaking during a recent interview, the rapper expressed concern over what he sees as a growing disregard for education and intellectual achievement among young Nigerians. He argued that academic success no longer receives the recognition it once enjoyed.

According to Ycee, the trend goes beyond the era when internet fraud was often glorified online. He said a new culture has emerged where ignorance is increasingly rewarded, while education and critical thinking receive less attention.

The music star also warned that the development could have serious consequences for future generations, especially at a time when Nigeria's education sector continues to face challenges ranging from insecurity to declining learning standards.

Ycee further lamented what he described as an "Olodo uprising," arguing that society appears more willing to accommodate ignorance than encourage learning and knowledge acquisition.

His remarks have since generated mixed reactions online. While some Nigerians agreed with his concerns about the declining value placed on education, others argued that social media has created alternative paths to success that do not necessarily depend on academic qualifications.

The comments come amid renewed conversations about the place of education in modern Nigerian society, with several organisations and institutions recently recognising outstanding academic achievements and calling for greater investment in learning and intellectual development.