Associate Editor of The Nation Newspaper, Olatunji Ololalde, who recently bagged his Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Media and Communication Studies from Caleb University, Ikorodu, in this interview, shares his experience and other thoughts on Phd studies and media career.
Why did you decide to get the highest academic qualification, PhD, as a practising journalist?
I developed a robust love for academia in my days as an Adjunct Faculty with the Pan Atlantic University and Caleb University – both in Lagos. My decision to acquire a PhD in Media and Communication Studies subsequently, was borne of a personal yearning and professional necessity. First, it allowed me to step back from the daily grind of the newsroom and reflect deeply on the structures that shape media practice, especially in Nigeria. I wanted to interrogate the growing intersection between journalism and external influences, like celebrity culture—how it influences public discourse, media ethics, and the business of news production.
Beyond personal curiosity, I saw the need to engage with academic research in ways that shape policy and newsroom practices. In Nigeria, we often operate in a “fire brigade” manner, responding to media trends without critically assessing their long-term implications. I wanted to bridge that gap—to be a journalist informed by rigorous research and an academic whose work remains rooted in real-world journalism.
Lastly, there’s a certain level of authority that a PhD confers. Journalism often struggles with credibility in intellectual circles, and I wanted to be in a position where my contributions to media discourse were taken seriously—not just by journalists, but by policymakers, scholars, and decision-makers who shape the industry.
How were you able to combine working and studying for the course?
It was brutal. There’s no sugarcoating it. A PhD is a marathon of the mind, and when you’re also chasing deadlines, writing investigative features, and handling editorial responsibilities, it becomes a relentless balancing act.
Time management became a survival skill. I had to learn to compartmentalize—dedicating certain hours of the day strictly to research and writing while ensuring my journalistic work didn’t suffer. Being on the Weekend Desk of The Nation posed a challenge as I had to work through the weekends. I couldn’t even rest on Sunday, which happened to be my only free day. Sunday equally became sacred for academic work, and I had to make peace with sacrificing rest and social engagements.
The key was discipline and consistency. I broke down my research into manageable chunks, set realistic writing targets, and ensured I was always progressing, even if it was just a paragraph a day. Having a solid support system—mentors who guided my research, colleagues who covered for me when necessary, and family who understood the intensity of my schedule—was also crucial.
In the end, it was about mindset. I refused to see my work and studies as competing forces; instead, I viewed them as complementary. What I learned in academia sharpened my journalistic lens, and my newsroom experiences enriched my academic inquiry.
What advice do you have for journalists who want to acquire similar qualifications?
First, be clear about your why. A PhD is not a vanity project or just another title to add to your name. It’s an intellectual commitment that requires deep passion and resilience. If your motivation is weak, you’ll struggle to push through the inevitable hurdles.
Second, choose a research topic that aligns with your professional interests. It makes the journey smoother when your study directly impacts your work, keeping you engaged and motivated.
Third, embrace the discipline of writing. Journalists are used to fast-paced reporting, but academic writing demands patience and structure. Learn to enjoy the process of deep research, citation, and critical argumentation.
Finally, find a good supervisor. A supportive mentor makes a world of difference in navigating the often lonely and frustrating path of doctoral research. And never hesitate to ask for help—academia, much like journalism, thrives on collaboration.
What impact will having a PhD have on your practice and overall career development?
The biggest impact is depth. Journalism thrives on immediacy, but a PhD trains you to think long-term, to interrogate issues beyond surface-level analysis. Storytelling becomes much more nuanced, arguments more robust, and my investigative instincts sharper.
A PhD elevates a journalist’s career in multiple ways. I now approach journalism with a research-driven mindset, making my reporting more analytical, evidence-based, and insightful.
It also opens doors beyond the newsroom. With a PhD, I even can influence media policies, shape journalism curricula, and contribute meaningfully to discourse on media ethics, press freedom, and the impact of technology on news. It also positions me as an authority in media practice, which creates opportunities for consultancy, fellowships, and global speaking engagements.
Most importantly, it future-proofs my career. The newsroom is evolving—AI, digital media, and shifting audience behaviours mean traditional journalism jobs are shrinking. Having a PhD gives me leverage to work across multiple spheres—academia, policy, media development, and international research.
How can more journalists having a PhD enhance the town-and-gown relationship between the newsroom and the classroom?
There is a historic disconnect between academia and newsroom practice. Many Nigerian journalism curricula are outdated, teaching theories that have little relevance in today’s digital-first media landscape. Meanwhile, many practising journalists dismiss academics as detached theorists with little real-world experience.
When journalists pursue PhDs, they become bridges between both worlds. They ensure that classroom teachings remain grounded in real-world newsroom dynamics. Likewise, they bring academic research into the newsroom, encouraging evidence-based journalism rather than intuition-driven reporting.
Moreover, PhD-holding journalists can push for industry-academia collaborations—media houses partnering with universities for research projects, journalism students getting hands-on newsroom training, and news organizations funding academic research that informs media policies.
The more journalists pursue higher education, the more the walls between theory and practice collapse, enriching both sides.
Any other comments on the benefits of higher qualifications for media practice?
Journalism is not a profession that should resist knowledge. In an age where misinformation is rampant, media literacy is low, and press freedom is under constant attack, journalists must be more than just passive conveyors of news—they must be thinkers, analysts, and scholars.
Higher education gives journalists a broader worldview, sharpens their critical thinking, and equips them with methodologies to interrogate issues deeply. A journalist with advanced training is less likely to be swayed by propaganda, less prone to mediocrity, and more capable of producing journalism that holds power accountable.
In the end, a journalist with knowledge is a journalist with power—the power to inform, educate, and transform society. A PhD is not just an academic title, it is a timeless intellectual and practical resource for those who know its worth.