In recent weeks, conversations across Nigerian social media have centred on who deserves the title of “best interviewer” in the country. The debate gained momentum after popular American streamer IShowSpeed, widely known as Speed, was interviewed by a Nigerian influencer who boldly claimed to be the nation’s best interviewer. Clips from the session circulated widely, prompting Nigerian audiences to compare local interviewers and debate what truly defines excellence in the craft.
Against this backdrop, BusinessDay’s February 2026 Gen Z pick poll examines the issue more closely. Rather than focusing on hype or trending moments, the poll asked young Nigerians to identify the standards that should guide interview culture and determine who can genuinely be regarded as the “best interviewer” in the country.
When asked what makes an interviewer truly “the best” in Nigeria, 60 per cent chose “Depth and originality of questions”. Professionalism followed at 26.7 per cent. Only 6.7 per cent selected “Ability to attract high-profile guests”, while the same number chose “Entertainment value and virality”.
The findings suggest that for this demographic, the core of a strong interview lies in the questions asked and the conduct displayed, not the fame of the guest or the size of the audience.
On what most influences public perception of interviewers, 73.3 per cent pointed to “Quality of content”. Social media hype and consistency over time both recorded 13.3 per cent, while celebrity endorsements received no votes.
This pattern continues in views on credibility. When asked whether self-proclaimed titles such as “best interviewer” help or harm, 40 per cent said such labels “have little impact—the audience decides”. Another 40 per cent said it “Depends on the person’s track record”. Only 20 per cent believed such titles help by boosting visibility, and none said they harm credibility by seeming arrogant.
The message from respondents is that reputation must be earned. Labels alone do not determine public trust.
When asked how Nigerians should evaluate interviewers in the entertainment space, responses were split. Forty per cent said evaluation should be based on “their ability to challenge guests intellectually”. Another 40 per cent chose “their professionalism and ethics”. “Contribution to cultural awareness” recorded 13 per cent, while “ability to entertain and go viral” stood at 6.7 per cent.
The biggest challenge facing Nigerian interview culture, according to respondents, is “Lack of journalistic standards”, which received 53.3 per cent. “Audience preference for entertainment over depth” followed at 33 per cent. “Limited platforms for serious discourse” recorded 13.3 per cent, while “Overemphasis on celebrity hype” received no votes.
In open-ended responses, participants expanded on what should define Nigeria’s “best interviewer”. Several emphasised integrity and courage. One respondent said the best interviewer should ask “Most in-depth questions that point out the lies the person being interviewed has told in the past.” Another highlighted “Ability to stay unique and be professional while interviewing guest no matter how the interview turn out to be.”
Others focused on ethics and knowledge. Responses included “Professionalism and Good Ethics”, “Adherence to professional ethics”, “Intellectual engagement”, “Education/intellectual capacity, professionalism” and “Non partisan and current.” One participant stressed “Sincerity. There should sincerity in the topic been discussed.”
A detailed contribution stated: “The best interviews are structured, Goal-driven, and conversational, fostering a mutual exchange of information in a comfortable, professional atmosphere. Key qualities include active listening, objective evaluation of skills and culture fit, clear, open-ended questions, and timely, respectful communication.”
On how Nigerian interviewers can balance entertainment with intellectual depth to improve global perception, views were mixed. Some rejected the idea of balance, arguing that “There is no balance needed, it is only intellectual depth that matters.” Others proposed a combined approach. One response called for “adopting high journalistic standards” and maintaining “best global practices or standards”.
Another participant suggested that interviewers should integrate “rigorous, evidence-based questioning with engaging, personality-driven conversations, moving beyond mere celebrity gossip” and adopt international media standards such as those of CNN and BBC.
When asked which interviewer they listen to and how they would rate them, one name appeared repeatedly: Seun Okinbaloye. He received ratings of 7/10 and 8/10 and was described as “an ethical professional.” Nancy Illoh-Nnaji was rated “excellent”, while Babajide Otitoju was also mentioned.
Overall, the survey reveals a generation that values substance over spectacle. For these respondents, the “best interviewer” is not defined by hype, titles or celebrity access. Instead, they point to depth, ethics, knowledge and the courage to ask difficult questions.
