University of Lagos, UNILAG, Akoka has on Wednesday released 2, 251 post graduates at its 53rd convocation among who is a renowned Journalist, Dayo Duyile with a PhD in Mass Communication at the age of 83 years.
The convocation which was an all post graduate convocation also marked the 60th anniversary of the institution
The graduating students include 67 postgraduate Diplomas, 2,119 Masters and 65 Doctorate Degrees as well as the University of Lagos Gold Medal Honorary Awards.
Among the graduates also is the oldest student (Female) OKONJI, Bridget Obiageli who obtained her M.Ed. in Guidance and Counselling at the age of 82 years.
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Incidentally, Dr. Duyile, was the Daily Times of Nigeria journalist who covered the Opening Ceremony of the University of Lagos on October 3, 1962.
Speaking to journalists at the event, Dr. Duyile said he has been looking for opportunity to achieve the feat since 1991 but the opportunity came when he least expected.
“I am short of words because I have been looking for this opportunity for over 30 years but for me to still have the opportunity, I give thanks to God.”
Advising young journalists, Duyile said they should be competent, serious, committed to their professionl because the sky is the limit for any good writer in Africa and beyond.
“As I am at 83, I am still a correspondent for oversea newspapers. I make my living from that. I also teach in universities across the country.
On what the degree will add to his students, the octogenarian said it will bring a lot of additions to them in the sense that he is more knowledgeable now in the area of Theory of Mass communication, research methods.
“So, I want to now encourage my students to do research at the higher level and to commit themselves to reach out works and do some social research.
These things have given me opportunity to know more about how to carry out research,” he explained.
Speaking earlier, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Folashade Ogunsola said in the last 60 years, the university has distinguished itself by the excellent caliber of its students, alumni and staff, and its impact on National Development.
“In deed, the strength of the university system and structures built over these years has enabled each Vice-Chancellor till date to sustain the gains of the previous administration while pushing out to find new frontiers in the aspiration to make our institution one of the global best.”
She however added that to achieve these, it requires innovative and visionary leadership that is committed to inspiring and preparing staff and students for this rapidly unfolding future.
“My strategic plan is to make UNILAG Future Ready, yielding inquiring minds, discoveries, sound character and a globally impactful workforce while addressing the developmental needs of today which are centered on 10 core goals.”
She enjoined all stakeholders to come along on the journey. “Let us become the knowledge and innovation hub of Africa and the world with our own distinctive and unique flavor, I believe we will be unbeatable.”
Ogunsola thanked the Federal Government for their support in sustaining the university system and the support and sponsorship of academic research grants, and infrastructural development to the university through its various agencies.
“I must appreciate the Federal Ministry of Education and the Nigerian Universities Commission for providing leadership and developing policies that would advance the frontiers of learning.
“We are also grateful to the government of Lagos State, which has also contributed to the growth of the university.”
The overall best PhD thesis award was given to Dr. Ahmed Yinusa who obtained his PhD in Mechanical Engineering while Rita Kienka who obtained her PhD in Guidance and Counselling has the best PhD thesis in Humanities.
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