82-Year-Old Journalist, Dayo Duyile, Achieves Lifelong Dream by Earning Ph.D. in Journalism 40 Years After Graduation
Duyile, who was among the reporters present at the University of Lagos's official inauguration in 1963, expressed that his ultimate goal is to become a professor of journalism. Despite multiple opportunities to pursue his Ph.D. as early as 1990, he faced hindrances due to work commitments.
AKACHI NOEL 
In a remarkable testament to the adage "it's never too late," Dayo Duyile, an 82-year-old journalist, has fulfilled his 40-year-old dream of obtaining a Ph.D. in Journalism at the University of Lagos, Nigeria, four decades after his initial university graduation.
Duyile, who was among the reporters present at the University of Lagos's official inauguration in 1963, expressed that his ultimate goal is to become a professor of journalism. Despite multiple opportunities to pursue his Ph.D. as early as 1990, he faced hindrances due to work commitments.
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"My intention to have a Ph.D. degree is about 40 years old now. I have been making efforts since I was just between 35 and 45. I had tried to put in for it but unfortunately, one thing or the other would disturb me," he shared.
Duyile recounted instances where prestigious institutions like Michigan State University and the University of London offered him opportunities for a Ph.D. during his active career years, but he couldn't pursue them due to professional obligations.
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Upon retirement, Duyile seized the opportunity to return to the university and pursue his Ph.D., emphasizing that this academic achievement has been a lifelong ambition. With the support of his family, colleagues, and the community, he completed the program, facing challenges such as commuting from Ondo town to Lagos twice a week, a three-hour journey each way.
"My wife has been very supportive. I travel from Ondo to Lagos two times a week for lectures, and I would be the first student to be in the classroom. At times, there would be traffic gridlock," he recounted.
Duyile acknowledged the scarcity of relevant historical materials for his Ph.D. thesis in Nigerian libraries, leading him to travel to the United Kingdom for access. Despite these challenges, he expressed gratitude for good health throughout the program.
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Looking ahead, Duyile aims to become a professor, and he has already taken steps toward achieving this aspiration. He remains grateful for the support received and emphasized that age should not be a barrier to educational pursuits.
