A 75-year-old Nigerian mornarch named Lukman Adeleke Kuoye has fulfilled his lifelong dream of becoming a scholar after he earned his doctorate at Lagos State University, Southwest Nigeria.
Oba Lukman, the king of Yewaland in Ogun Nigeria obtained his bachelors degree in Social Work at the Lagos State University,Nigeria. He credits the achievement to focus, endurance, and perseverance in an interview with punch.
”I achieved it through focus, endurance, and perseverance. I was determined to earn a PhD, and I dedicated myself to pursuing the programme,” he said.
He stated that he was motivated to by a lifelong dream of becoming a renowned scholar adding that the dream was his driving force since his childhood 57 years ago.
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Oba Lukman said he faced some challenges during his academic journey but the most frustrating was the poor road network between his town and the university, which sometimes delayed his return home until midnight.
He added that juggling academic pursuits with his duties at the palace also proved difficult. However, he managed these difficulties through focus and effective time management, often applying the ‘scale of preference’ from his classes to prioritizing tasks.
”The challenges were many, but the most frustrating was the poor road network from Imasayi to LASU. The roads are so bad that sometimes when I finished lectures around 3 pm, I wouldn’t get home in Imasayi,” Oba Lukman said.
”My mind would be divided in class because, although I was determined to pursue the programme, the palace also needed me. I tried to manage all this during my first session,” he added.
The monarch said now that he has earned his PhD, he plans to pursue a career in lecturing or consultancy. He mentioned that his thesis examined the social support services available to people with mental disorders in Ogun State.
As a registered social worker, he highlighted the rising issues of drug abuse and depression, advocating for government support and laws to address these challenges.
Oba Lukman said he hopes to inspire his subjects by demonstrating that there are no barriers to education. He stated that education is important in guiding individuals forward.
He said he stayed grounded during his studies, refusing special treatment and connecting with others as an equal. Oba Lukman added that through his hard work, he gained respect from teachers and peers and chose a strict supervisor who gave him the guidance and feedback he needed.
Oba Lukman expressed his gratitude to his family for supporting his decision to return to school and understanding his passion for education. He said he aims to leave a lasting legacy, striving to set a high standard for future generations.
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