The Making of Dr Waheed Ogunjobi: A Journey of Scholarship, Strategy and Excellence, By Ayo Arowojolu

The conferment of a Doctor of Philosophy degree on accomplished media professional, author and communication strategist, Dr. Waheed Abiodun Ogunjobi, by the Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo, has continued to attract a flurry of congratulatory messages and goodwill from professional bodies, media organisations, institutions, colleagues and friends.

Dr Ogunjobi, a respected journalist with over two decades of professional experience, earned his PhD in Policy and Strategic Communication, crowning years of rigorous academic research, intellectual inquiry and a sustained pursuit of excellence in the media and communication profession.

The academic milestone, which was formally marked with his hooding at the Lagos State University on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, represents another significant chapter in the career of the seasoned communicator whose professional journey has traversed journalism, public relations, strategic communication, public discourse and intellectual engagement.

Among the organisations that have celebrated the new PhD holder is the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ogun State Broadcasting Corporation (OGBC) Chapel, which described the achievement as a natural outcome of Ogunjobi’s exceptional dedication, discipline and commitment to excellence.

In a congratulatory statement jointly signed by its Chairman, Comrade Chris Ogbu, and Secretary, Comrade Elizabeth Kuforiji, the NUJ OGBC Chapel felicitated Ogunjobi, describing him as one of its own whose latest academic accomplishment has brought pride to the Chapel and the wider media community.

The Union noted that Ogunjobi’s emergence as a doctoral degree holder did not come as a surprise, considering his remarkable professional pedigree and long-standing commitment to knowledge and self-development.

According to the statement, the new academic feat reflects the character of a media practitioner who has consistently combined professional practice with intellectual development.

“As a dedicated journalist for over two decades and author, Dr Ogunjobi’s accomplishment did not come to us as a surprise but reflects his exceptional dedication, discipline and sustained commitment to scholarly excellence,” the statement said.

The NUJ OGBC Chapel further observed that the doctorate degree was the culmination of years of sustained research and study, driven by Ogunjobi’s strong desire for advanced knowledge and deeper expertise in the interconnected fields of policy, strategic communication and public discourse.

The celebration of Ogunjobi’s academic accomplishment also received a strong endorsement from the Nigeria Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Ogun State Chapter, where he serves as Vice Chairman.

In its goodwill message, the NIPR Ogun State Chapter described the conferment of the doctorate degree as a remarkable achievement deserving of celebration, while expressing pride in the accomplishments and contributions of its Vice Chairman to the public relations profession and beyond.

The Institute via a message issued by the NIPR Chairman, Mrs Oluseun Boye, stated: “We proudly celebrate our Vice Chairman, Dr. Waheed Abiodun Ogunjobi on the conferment of his Doctorate degree from Lagos State University.

“We celebrate this remarkable achievement and the impact you continue to make in the public relations profession and beyond. Congratulations once again. We are proud of you.”

For many professional colleagues and associates, Ogunjobi’s doctoral accomplishment is particularly significant because it further illustrates the growing importance of combining practical media experience with advanced scholarship in an era where communication increasingly shapes governance, public policy, institutional reputation and public perception.

As a practitioner who has spent more than two decades within the media industry, Ogunjobi’s progression into the highest level of academic attainment is being viewed as an inspiring example for younger journalists and communication professionals that professional experience and academic advancement can complement one another.

His doctoral specialisation in Policy and Strategic Communication is also expected to deepen his intervention in the growing conversations around the role of communication in public policy formulation, implementation and evaluation.

Strategic communication has increasingly assumed a central position in the management of public institutions, corporate organisations and democratic governance, making the acquisition of advanced knowledge in the field a significant addition to Ogunjobi’s already extensive professional background.

Colleagues believe that the combination of his practical journalism experience, public relations exposure, authorship and scholarly training places him in a unique position to make further contributions to public discourse, communication research and professional development.

The outpouring of goodwill messages from across professional circles was therefore not merely a celebration of the acquisition of another academic certificate, but also a recognition of years of discipline, resilience and investment in personal and intellectual growth.

From the newsroom to professional communication circles and the academic environment, Ogunjobi’s journey has reflected an enduring commitment to knowledge and the continuous search for excellence.

The latest achievement also reinforces the increasing convergence between the media profession and the academic world, where practitioners are expected not only to report and interpret developments but also to understand the theoretical, policy and strategic frameworks that shape communication in society.

For Dr Waheed Ogunjobi, the doctoral hood from Lagos State University represents the culmination of an important academic journey, but the warm reception from colleagues, professional institutions and friends suggests that many see it as the beginning of another phase of greater service and contribution.

With the conferment of the doctorate degree, the accomplished journalist, communication strategist and public relations professional has added another defining credential to an already distinguished career, opening what colleagues and admirers believe will be an even more impactful chapter in his contributions to journalism, strategic communication, public discourse and the development of the media profession.