Senior journalist with Arise News, Dr Friday Olokor, has successfully defended his doctoral thesis at the University of Jos (UNIJOS), bringing to a close a research journey that spanned more than seven years.
Olokor, who began his academic pursuit while working at The PUNCH newspapers and completed it during his time at Arise News, was awarded a PhD in Literature after defending his thesis titled “A Postcolonial Study of Power in the Poetry of Tanure Ojaide and Odia Ofeimun.”
Speaking after his defense on Monday, September 8, 2025, Olokor expressed gratitude to God and to the academic mentors who guided him.
“It started while I was in PUNCH but ended in Arise News,” he said. “I went to Jos, saw, and conquered. To God be the glory! After over seven years of serious academic research, the authorities of the University of Jos found me worthy in character and learning.”
Olokor traced the journey of his doctorate back to 2017/2018 and acknowledged the role of his supervisors and colleagues in helping him succeed.
“I thank my Supervisors, Prof. Nesther Alu and Prof. Jeff Doki; my External Supervisor, Prof. Rebecca K.D. Irany; Head of Department, Prof. Ahidjo Embugushiki; ASUU President, Prof. Chris Piwuna; and others in UNIJOS who made this a reality,” he said.
He also extended appreciation to colleagues across universities in Nigeria, including Prof. Chris Anyokwu (University of Lagos), Prof. Chijioke Uwasomba (Obafemi Awolowo University), Prof. Henri Oripeloye (OAU), and his former Deputy Editor at The PUNCH, Niyi Odebode, for their encouragement.
Olokor further described the influence of some of his “Great Ife” teachers and mentors.
“My journalism mentor and scholar in literature, Prof. Adebayo Williams, and Prof. Toyin Lakunle Jegede (University of Ibadan) pushed me to excel. I also acknowledge the encouragement of former NYSC Director-General, General Ibrahim Shuaibu, and my family members,” he added.
He thanked his PhD classmates — Ayo, Chinwe, Fatima, Nenpan, Manta, and Abel — as well as Mummy Nelly Ajodo and Dr. Priscilla Ajodo for their support.
Olokor also saluted the Chairman of THISDAY and Arise Global Media, Prince Nduka Obaigbena, for providing him a platform to grow in journalism alongside his academic pursuits.
“Prince Obaigbena believed in me and found me competent to add value to the Arise News global brand. You are one in a million, Sir,” Olokor said.
With his successful defense, Olokor now joins the ranks of Nigerian journalist-scholars contributing to both the academy and the media industry.
