Although he started his career as a journalist, Mr Bode Olanitori, who turns 60 on June 10, 2026, is now the Deputy Registrar and Institute Secretary at the Distance Learning Institute, University of Lagos.
In this interview with Lekan Otufodunrin, Olanitori reflects on attaining the golden jubilee age, his fond memories of being a journalist, his work at the university, and other issues.
Clocking some milestone age comes with some feelings. For you, what does clocking 60 mean?
Clocking 60 means a lot to me. The gift of life is not a right; it is a privilege from God Almighty. I look back and discover that many people, especially those with whom we grew up in primary, secondary and University have passed to the great beyond.
I’m alive today not because I’m righteous, not because I have access to good medical care, but I’m alive because God Almighty is merciful and kind to me. Clocking 60 to me means the transition into a new chapter focused on self-fulfilment and self-actualisation. It also means to me the culmination of a full life cycle and the beginning of a vibrant new era of inner freedom.
Looking back, have you been able to accomplish the dreams you had about growing up?
I came from a polygamous family where everyone was to himself and God to us all. I have fulfilled most of the things a man is expected to achieve, such as spiritual growth and development, having a roof over one’s head, a good family and a sound education. Currently, I’m a doctoral student at the University of Lagos.
What principles have guided you in coming this far in life?
The fear of God, personal accountability, an unwavering moral compass, a clear sense of purpose, integrity, respect, and continually striving for growth.
You started as a journalist, and you are today a university administrator. Can you share briefly how the transition occurred?
I started as a journalist after studying Mass Communication at the then Ogun State Polytechnic, Abeokuta, now Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Abeokuta.
I did the mandatory Industrial attachment at The Punch newspaper, Ikeja, Lagos. Thereafter, I was employed as a reporter. I have covered various beats ranging from Education, general, aviation, government houses, business and foreign.
While covering the education beat, the University of Lagos was one of the Institutions I visited to showcase my nose for news. During my visits to the university, I got to know an administrator par excellence, Mr Segun Ogunsolu, who was the then Acting Head of Information Unit.
In the early 90s, ‘Your services are no longer required’ was the order of the day at The Punch. It became a tradition to ask some people to leave on a yearly basis.
I had developed a shock absorber when it was my turn to be shown the way out, and I wasn’t surprised. God had earlier assisted me through destiny helpers to obtain my Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science. I quickly ran to Mr Ogunsolu, who facilitated my employment at the University of Lagos.
I was employed as an Administrative Officer 1 in 2003. I rose through the ranks to become a Principal Assistant Registrar. Presently, I’m the Deputy Registrar and Institute Secretary, Distance Learning Institute, University of Lagos.
What are your fond memories of practising journalism?
My experience as a journalist is unforgettable. Immediately after my employment as a Reporter, I was posted to the Lagos State Governor’s Office, Alausa, where I’m privileged to be in the convoy of the governor anytime there is an event in the governor’s assignment register.
I was with the then Military President Ibrahim Babangida during the commissioning of the Third Mainland Bridge in 1990. I have been a correspondent in Edo, Ekiti, Kwara and Plateau states, where I was privileged to be in the convoys of governors in the states and other top government officials. I also saw the other side of journalism when I covered the Jos crisis in 2001, where over 3000 people were massacred.
Generally, what has been your experience working in the university?
My service at the university is another unforgettable experience. I started with the Information Unit, as a Faculty Officer in three facilities, and I have served as Head of Protocol and Passages Unit of the university.I have been a Quality Assurance and SERVICOM officer. I have gone on sabbatical leave at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State.
While serving as Faculty Officer, I worked directly with academic staff. I learned academic terminologies such as Google Scholar, I ten index, predatory journals, Benchmark for Minimum Academic Standard (BIMAS), and Core Curriculum for Minimum Academic Standard (CCMAS), etc.
What have you had to do to advance your career to get to where you are now?
I developed myself academically through training and higher degrees.
What are your future aspirations as you grow older?
My future aspiration is to get a political appointment. This will enable me to contribute my quota to the development of the country.
What advice do you have for journalists on transitioning to other careers?
There is nothing wrong with being a career journalist, but at the same time, there is nothing wrong with quitting journalism for other careers. It is normal to aspire for greatness, and any journalist who has the opportunity to move to other careers should do so without hesitation. Some journalists have left the profession to occupy prominent positions in industries and public offices.
As a university administrator, what advice do you have for students on succeeding in their academics?
Students should focus on their studies; they should join religious groups in the university instead of joining cult participating in cultism. They should determine to succeed academically the moment they secure admission into the university.