Lawyers address themselves as ‘My Learned Colleague’, seemingly conferring on themselves the toga of champions of learning.Journalism profession, while not conferring on the journalists the envious title of ‘My Learned Colleague’ like lawyers,it places a burden of perceived ‘All Knowing’, certainly not in the class of our ‘Creator, but from the society, especially for the uninformed.
As a journalist, your ‘agbada’ of ‘all knowing’ should flow freely like that of late Okotie Eboh, and becomes even more demanding given your area of assignment as an analyst, anchor, presenter or even correspondent, where you are expected to pull from your well of knowledge on your beat. This development seems to be putting demand on more and more journalists to pursue higher degrees/knowledge to stand out and be competitive in this fast-paced world across all disciplines.
Moreover, a time was when people tend to look down on journalists as the dregs of the society, but today,I doubt how many people live in that palace of ignorance, Not when you see some journalists with degrees and professional trainings across different disciplines.The likes of Dr Reuben Abati, the Valedictorian (Best Graduating Student) at the University of Calabar in 1985, who went ahead to acquire a doctorate degree at the University of Ibadan and later a decree in Law from Lagos State University LASU, Ojy Okpe, Dr Cyril Oleh, Dr Lasisi Olagunju, Stella Din-Jacob, Dr Bimbo Oyetunde,Deputy National President of NUJ, Dr Emeka Odikpo, though retired now, but not tired, Seun Okinbaloye, and Rufai Oseni,are some journalists, with diverse backgrounds and proud of their profession.
It is disturbing when you see people dismiss journalists as just ‘who are they’ or ‘what does he know’?. Interestingly, it’s like a competition in media houses today, as a visit to some newsrooms will shock you,with the number of people with doctorate degrees or multiple disciplinary background. It is therefore annoying and nauseating when you still see some media managers thinking themselves more important than the journalists covering their organisations, especially when they make derisive remark about journalists like ‘press boys’.
It is against this background that I join well wishers and colleagues who are pumping champagne with Arise News’ new star’,Friday Olokor, Ph.D. He is a jolly good fellow, but comes across to many people in different ways. And like Apostle Paul said when in Rome, he behaves like the Romans, and when among the Jews, he becomes Jewish,Friday Olokor, comes across to you, how you see him, but generally he is a good guy.
Olokor is a hardworker and his latest accomplishment is a confirmation of that .It is a retstatement of the obvious that there are some media houses you cannot last beyond few months, if you are lazy or laidback.Olokor is a newsman through and through,who sniff out news from the land of the dead.
If you know his story, and today he stands tall among intellectuals, then you would be happy for him. It is a thing of joy to see Olokor finally qualified to wear the round hat and hood, signposting a rare feat given the demanding task of meeting deadlines, breaking exclusive stories, and still keeping tabs with academic works.This is a toast to hardwork, diligence,perseverance and trust in God. Congratulations.
This is how he summarised his latest feat.
Ph.D Done & Dusted
Friday Olokor BA (Ife)
MA (Lagos)
Ph.D (Jos)
I went to Jos, saw and conquered. To God Be The Glory!
After over seven years of serious academic research, the authorities of the University of Jos (UNIJOS) found me worthy in character and learning. Today, Monday September 8 2025, I successfully defended my Ph.D Thesis, titled: “A Post–colonial Study Of Power In The Poetry Of Tanure Ojaide and Odia Ofeimum”
I’m happy that a journey which started in 2017/2018 ended in praises to God. I thank my Supervisors, Prof. Nesther Alu, Prof Jeff Doki; External Supervisor, Prof Rebecca K.D Irany; Head of Department, Prof Ahidjo Embugushiki, ASUU President, Prof Chris Piwuna, Prof Major Adeyi (Political Science), Prof Taye Obateru (Mass Communication), and all others in UNIJOS, who made this a reality.
I also acknowledge Prof Chris Anyokwu (UNILAG), Prof Chijioke Uwasomba (OAU Ile-Ife), Prof Henri Oripeloye (OAU Ile-Ife), and my former, Deputy Editor of The PUNCH, Niyi Odebode, for their encouragement. Others are my Great Ife teacher, journalism mentor, and scholar in Literature, Prof Adebayo Williams. Also, the push by my Great Ife teacher, Prof Toyin Lakunle Jegede (UI), former DG of NYSC, General Ibrahim Shuaibu and my family members, is not in vain.
To my classmates, Ayo, Chinwe, Fatima, Nenpan, Manta, Abel, I greet. Mummy Nelly Ajodo Dr Priscilla Ajodo , your efforts are not in vain.
Let me also salute my brother and Chairman of THISDAY and Arise Global Media, Prince Nduka Obaigbena, who believed in me and found me competent to add value to Arise News Global brand. You’re one on a million Sir.