Why I took leave from acting — Nancy Iheme

Nollywood actress, Nancy Iheme, has disclosed that she deliberately stepped away from acting in 2026 to pursue a Master’s degree in Poland, describing the decision as part of her personal growth and a new chapter in her life.

Iheme made the disclosure in a birthday message shared on her Instagram page, where she reflected on her journey and said she had consciously chosen to put her acting career on hold temporarily to focus on education.

“2026 has been a very significant year for me. One of the biggest things I promised myself this year was to take a break from acting and pursue my Masters’ degree in Poland. And today, I can proudly say I’m doing it,” she wrote.

The actress said the decision to leave something she loves, even temporarily, required courage, but added that she was proud of herself for choosing education and personal development.

“It takes courage to step away from what you love, even temporarily, to make room for something greater. I’m proud of myself for choosing growth, education, and a new chapter. I know this decision is part of a bigger plan that God has for me,” she said.

Iheme also expressed appreciation to people who have supported her throughout her journey, saying their kindness, opportunities, encouragement and friendship had reinforced her belief that prayers could be answered through other people.

“As I step into this new age, I pray for greater clarity, divine direction, deeper wisdom, good health, genuine happiness, meaningful relationships and financial abundance,” she added.

Iheme’s decision comes after more than a decade of involvement in the Nigerian film industry. She reportedly began her acting journey around 2013 and has featured in several Nollywood productions, including Evil World, Alobam, Nwa Abakaliki, Blind Affection, House on Fire, My Journey to Lagos, Ladies of High Class, Mother’s Club, Ugo-Eze, Nkoli Nwa Nsukka, Red Scorpion, Sambisa Army, Oga Landlord and Village Liars.

The actress, who is also associated with filmmaking and entrepreneurship, has previously spoken about the challenges that shaped her journey. In an interview with Vanguard’s Potpourri in 2023, she discussed some of the less-publicised difficulties actors face in Nollywood, noting that some experiences are personal and not everything can be discussed publicly.

Iheme has also spoken about her childhood and personal losses. In an account of her upbringing, she recalled growing up in modest circumstances, with her mother running a small restaurant and her father working as a civil servant. She also revealed that she was a twin but lost her twin brother when they were 15.

Her temporary departure from acting, however, appears to be a deliberate career and educational decision rather than an indication that she has abandoned Nollywood. By choosing to pursue postgraduate education in Poland in 2026, Iheme has opted to create room for a different form of personal development while keeping open the possibility of returning to the profession that established her in the first place.