In a heartening tale of perseverance and determination, Dayo Duyile, an 82-year-old Nigerian journalism veteran, recently accomplished a lifelong dream by earning a Ph.D. in Journalism at the University of Lagos. This remarkable achievement comes four decades after his initial graduation from university and marks a significant milestone in his illustrious career.
A Journey Spanning 40 Years:
Dayo Duyile, a seasoned journalist, played a pivotal role in the early history of the University of Lagos. He was one of the reporters who covered the university’s official inauguration in 1963. However, it was only in his 80s that he realized his dream of pursuing a Ph.D. in Journalism. Reflecting on this journey, Dayo shared that his aspiration for a Ph.D. had been a 40-year-old dream, and despite multiple opportunities arising between 1990 and his retirement, various circumstances prevented him from pursuing it earlier.
In 1990, Michigan State University offered him admission for a Ph.D. with a teaching assistantship and scholarship. However, due to his role as the Director of the Nigeria Institute of Journalism at the time, he was unable to accept the offer. Similar opportunities at the University of London and a Canadian University were also hindered by professional commitments. It was only upon retirement and returning to Ondo State that Dayo found the opportunity to fulfill his long-cherished dream.
Overcoming Challenges with Determination:
Dayo faced numerous challenges during his Ph.D. journey, primarily related to travel and access to historical materials. Traveling twice a week from Ondo to Lagos, a three-hour journey, proved to be physically demanding. Yet, with unwavering support from his family and a resilient spirit, he overcame these obstacles.
Additionally, the scarcity of relevant historical materials in Nigerian libraries compelled Dayo to travel to the United Kingdom for research. He highlighted the dire situation of libraries in Nigeria, emphasizing the need for improvement to facilitate academic pursuits.
Family Support and Academic Ambitions:
Throughout this journey, Dayo expressed gratitude for the unwavering support of his family, lecturers, and the people around him. His wife played a crucial role in supporting his rigorous travel schedule, allowing him to be the first student in the classroom during lectures.
With the Ph.D. now in hand, Dayo is setting his sights on the next goal: becoming a professor of journalism. He acknowledged the challenges ahead, recognizing the need for significant accomplishments in research and publications. Undeterred, he revealed plans for three upcoming books, adding to the seven already published, showcasing his dedication to scholarly contributions in the field.
A Reflection on Journalism in Nigeria:
Dayo Duyile, with over 55 years of experience in journalism, shared his observations on the evolution of the profession in Nigeria. He lamented the shift towards materialism and emphasized the importance of returning to the ethical foundations of journalism. He expressed concern about the current state of journalism, highlighting the need to uphold professional standards and values.
As Dayo Duyile looks forward to the next chapter in his academic journey, his story serves as an inspiration to aspiring scholars and a reminder that age should never be a barrier to realizing one’s dreams. His resilience, coupled with a passion for journalism, has not only enriched his own life but promises to contribute to the future of academia in Nigeria.
In the grand narrative of Dayo Duyile’s life, the attainment of a Ph.D. at 82 stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of learning and the pursuit of knowledge.
In the realm of exceptional young minds, Fatima Adamu Maikusa, a 15-year-old mathematics genius from Gombe State, Nigeria, has carved a remarkable niche for herself by clinching an impressive seven medals in various international mathematics competitions. This young prodigy, currently an SS3 student at Nigerian Tulip International School (NTIC) in Kano, is gaining widespread recognition for her unparalleled achievements and unwavering passion for mathematics.
Fatima’s journey into the world of mathematics commenced at the tender age of nine. Her innate talent and love for the subject quickly propelled her to international acclaim. Among her notable victories are the American Mathematics Competition (AMC 08), the International Eduversal Mathematics Competition in Jakarta, Indonesia, and the International Math Challenge in Bangkok, Thailand.
Her prowess extended to the Kangourou Sans Frontiers – KSF Mathematics Competitions, Future Intelligence Students Olympiad (FISO), Mathematics Without Borders in Bulgaria, and the Komodo Math Festival in Indonesia. These triumphs have not only brought pride to her school but have also made her a symbol of inspiration for many aspiring young mathematicians.
Unlike many students who find mathematics challenging, Fatima expresses a deep-seated love for the subject. She believes that the difficulty often associated with mathematics arises from a lack of exposure to its enjoyable and fascinating aspects. For Fatima, mathematics is not just a subject but a source of joy and intellectual fulfillment.
