Dr. Dayo Duyile is a living legend in the field of journalism in Nigeria. He has over six decades of experience as a reporter, editor, manager, trainer and lecturer in various media organisations and institutions. He has also authored several books on the history and development of Nigerian press. But his most remarkable achievement came in January 2023, when he became the oldest person to obtain his doctoral degree from the University of Lagos (UNILAG) at the age of 82.
His Journalistic Journey
Duyile’s passion for journalism started from his childhood, when he used to read newspapers and magazines avidly. He was inspired by the writings of prominent journalists like Ernest Ikoli, Anthony Enahoro, Babatunde Jose, Alade Odunewu and others. He decided to pursue journalism as a career after completing his secondary education at Ilesa Grammar School in 1959.
He began his journalistic journey as a trainee-reporter at the Southern Nigerian Defender, one of Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe’s newspapers, in Ibadan. He later moved to the Nigerian Tribune, where he worked as a crime reporter from 1960 to 1963. He covered many sensational cases and earned the praise of his editor, Alhaji Lateef Kayode Jakande, who predicted that he would go very far in his chosen profession.
In 1963, he joined the Daily Times in Lagos, where he continued to report on court cases and tribunals, including Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s treason trial in 1964-65. He also had the opportunity to travel abroad and attend international conferences and seminars on journalism.
In 1966, he left the Daily Times and joined the Western Nigeria Television (WNTV-WNBS) in Ibadan as a reporter/sub-editor. He worked there for nine years, covering various events and issues of national and regional importance. He also participated in the training of young journalists at the station.
In 1975, he became the deputy editor of DRUM Magazine, a popular publication that focused on entertainment, sports and social issues. He worked there for a year before he was appointed as the editor of Daily Sketch Newspapers in Ibadan in 1976. He rose to the position of acting general manager of the newspaper company before he left in 1979.
He then joined Concord Press Limited, publisher of National and Sunday Concord Newspapers, as a training manager in 1980. He was responsible for organising workshops and seminars for journalists and other staff members of the company.
In 1986, he became the assistant director of the Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ), Ogba, Ikeja, Lagos. He was later promoted to the director of the institute in 1989. He served in that capacity until 1995, when he retired from active service.
His Educational Timelines
Duyile did not let his busy career prevent him from pursuing further education. He obtained his Advanced Level Certificate from Rapid Results College, London in 1968. He then enrolled at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) for his Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication, which he completed in 1974.
He proceeded to obtain his Master’s degree in Mass Communication from UNILAG in 1981. He also obtained a Postgraduate Diploma in Education from UNILAG in 1983.
He had always dreamed of earning a Ph.D. in Journalism, but he faced some challenges along the way. He first registered for his Ph.D. programme at UNILAG in 1982, but he could not complete it due to some personal and professional reasons.
He later registered for another Ph.D. programme at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State in 2006, but he also encountered some difficulties that hindered his progress.
He did not give up on his dream, however. He re-registered for his Ph.D. programme at UNILAG in 2017 under the supervision of Professor Ralph Akinfeleye, a renowned scholar and former head of department of Mass Communication.
He successfully defended his thesis titled “Developing Research in Newspaper Journalism as Distinct from Mass Communication” on December 15, 2022. He graduated with his Ph.D. degree on January 11, 2023 during the 53rd convocation ceremony of UNILAG.
He became the oldest person to obtain a Ph.D. degree from UNILAG and one of the oldest persons to obtain a Ph.D. degree in Nigeria.
His Contribution to Journalism in Africa
Duyile is not only a veteran journalist, but also a scholar and an author. He has written several books on the history and development of journalism in Nigeria and Africa. Some of his books include:
- Makers of Nigerian Press: An Historical Analysis of Newspaper Development, the Pioneer Heroes, the Modern Press Barons and the New Publishers from 1859-1987 (1987)
- Nigerian Media Leaders: Voices Beyond the Newsroom (2014)
- Nigerian Media Pioneers: Builders of Modern Journalism (2016)
- Nigerian Media Law: A Handbook for Journalists, Students and Media Practitioners (2018)
- Makers of Nigerian Press: An Historical Analysis of Newspaper Development, the Pioneer Heroes, the Modern Press Barons and the New Publishers from 1859-2020 (2020)
He has also contributed to several journals and publications on journalism and mass communication. He has presented papers at local and international conferences and seminars on journalism and media issues.
He has also received several awards and honours for his outstanding contribution to journalism and education. Some of them include:
- Fellow of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (FNGE)
- Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (FNIPR)
- Fellow of the Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria (FAPCON)
- Fellow of the African Council for Communication Education (FACE)
- Member of the Order of the Niger (MON)
- Doctor of Letters (D.Litt) honoris causa from Joseph Ayo Babalola University, Ikeji-Arakeji, Osun State
- Doctor of Letters (D.Litt) honoris causa from Wesley University of Science and Technology, Ondo
He is currently a senior lecturer in Journalism and Mass Communication at Elizade University, Ilara-Mokin, Ondo State. He is also a member of the Association of Communication Scholars and Professionals of Nigeria (ACSPN), which honoured him as an eminent person in its series in August 2023.
His Inspiration and Advice
Duyile is an inspiration to many journalists, students and scholars in Nigeria and Africa. He has demonstrated that age is not a barrier to achieving one’s dreams and goals. He has also shown that journalism is a noble profession that requires passion, dedication, integrity and excellence.
He has advised young journalists to uphold the ethics and standards of journalism and to always seek the truth and report it accurately and fairly. He has also encouraged them to pursue further education and research in journalism to enhance their knowledge and skills.
He has also urged them to read widely and learn from the experiences of other journalists, especially the pioneers and heroes who shaped the history and development of journalism in Nigeria and Africa.
He has also expressed his gratitude to God, his family, his mentors, his colleagues, his students and his friends for their support and encouragement throughout his life and career.
He has also declared that he would not retire from journalism until he dies, saying that journalism is his life’s purpose and passion.
Duyile is one of the many Africans who are making a positive impact in journalism and beyond. We at Rising Africa are honored to showcase their remarkable journey and success. Let’s applaud them for their courage, creativity, and excellence.You are truly a Rising African and an able role model for the new African. Rising Africa is a dynamic platform that highlights the remarkable achievements of Africans worldwide and provides up-to-date information on scholarships and sponsorships available to African youth. Our vision is to inspire and empower the next generation of African leaders by showcasing the diverse accomplishments and talents of Africans across different fields, including technology, business, arts and culture, and social activism.
Through our Success Stories portal, we celebrate Rising Africans of all ages and sectors who have risen above challenges and made impactful innovations. Our Wonder Kids section features young achievers aged 1-12, while the Super Teens category highlights those aged 13-19, and Young Achievers profiles those aged 20-30. We also have dedicated portals for Women in Africa and persons living with disabilities.
In addition to celebrating African achievement, our Opportunities portal connects African youth to the latest sponsorship, scholarship, awards, and other life-changing opportunities. By providing access to these opportunities, we aim to empower African youth to pursue their dreams and make a positive impact in their communities.
At Rising Africa, we believe in the limitless potential of Africans to create a prosperous future for the continent. Join us in celebrating African excellence and building a brighter future for Africa.
