I regret going for studies abroad- The man behind viral ‘Mbugua’ recalls his campus years

Mike Muthiga is the creative and the director of Fatboy Animations. He grew in popularity after his creations ‘Faiba’ and ‘Mbugua’ animated ads went viral.

Which university/college did you attend?

I attended Mank and Tank College in Nairobi before it was closed where I studied graphic design and some animation. Then I went to Nottingham University in Malaysia for my undergraduate.

What did you major in?

Engineering. I did it out of pressure and fear of never making it in life. That is how I was raised that to make it in life you have to do a proper course like medicine, law etc. Also considering I come from a somewhat family of high achievers I decided to do engineering.

Your worst class was....

Calculus. I think we all know why. It is too difficult.

What was your best campus experience?

I got to meet so many new people, experience different cultures and travel.

Most embarrassing campus experience...

None that I can recall. It was really nice there.

How were your dating experiences in college?

Mike: Terrible. I definitely remember them. I would rather not divulge more.

Worst lecturer....

There was one Chinese math teacher I couldn’t understand a single thing she said except “I not repeat myself!’’

Which hangout joints did you go to after classes?

I can’t remember the names but we would go to Kuala Lumpar and hang out there. Some islands in Malaysia and some nice restaurants outside school.

A: The hottest girl in campus was....

There were so many, very many. I don’t know which one to mention. There was Mariam, Fifi, Rhoda, Alice, Janet, those are the few names I can recall considering this was years ago. But Mariam was number one.

Biggest regret...

Studying abroad for my undergraduate. At the end of the day you have to come back and when you do you notice a gap with your friends, the system, life and all. That interaction with people in your everyday campus life is valuable and you don’t get to experience it.

What do you know now that you didn’t know then?

That Kenya is the best place to be.

If you could go back to college what would you do differently?

Mike: I would study here in Kenya.

First job after campus...

I worked as lead animator on tinga tinga tales then I started my own animation firm.

If I could go back to school...

I would go do my masters focusing in animation.