By Giovanni Emephia
A story of determination to succeed against all odds has culminated in the award of a prestigious Doctoral Degree in Mass Communication to a woman who would not take ‘no’ for an answer.
Mrs. Queenett Irori, an employee of the Delta State Ministry of Information, Uvwie Local Government Area field office, on Saturday made history as the first Information Officer since the creation of Delta State to acquire a PhD in Mass Communication from the Delta State University, Abraka.
Mrs. Irori was among the recipients of the 99 Doctor of Philosophy Degrees at the 16th convocation ceremony of the university which was witnessed by the visitor to the university and Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori.
A visibly elated Mrs. Irori recounted the tortuous journey that culminated in the award of the coveted Degree: “I got employed into the Delta State Ministry of Information in 2011 and I was made to start on Salary Grade Level 7, which was one level lower than what graduates of universities got, just because I graduated from a polytechnic and had a Higher National Degree Certificate. The discrimination between BSC and HND degrees did not sit well with me and I concluded that I was going to experience education at a much higher level.
“The wealth of knowledge gathered from my doctoral degree has helped in no small measure to broaden and sharpen my skills in public relations and journalism, skills which are germane as a reporter and a government image builder,” she stated.
She thanked God, her family and all those who supported her through the journey, amidst the struggles and challenges.
“It was exhausting, challenging and sometimes frustrating; But very rewarding in the end. You achieve your goal when your heart is set on it as success does not come cheaply. “
While congratulating the graduates, the Vice Chancellor of DELSU, Professor Andy Egwunyenga, charged graduating students to be good ambassadors of the Institution as the award of their degree was based on character and learning.
“Make us proud and continue to fly our flag high at your various communities as you are expected to impact on their environment positively,” he stated.
The Ovie of Idjerhe Kingdom, HRM Monday Whiskey, who was also among doctoral graduates from the department of Mass Communication, noted that broad academic exposure does not only add to personal value, but helps one to make better decisions.
“The journey of achieving this feat was quite challenging as I had to rule a kingdom and also pursue a doctoral degree. However, I thank God that I have succeeded,” he added.
The Highlight of the ceremony was the formal award of Diplomas, First Degrees, Higher Degrees and Prizes, as well as the Investiture of Professor Chukwuemeke Peter Aloamaka wa Professor Emeritus of the university in recognition of his outstanding accomplishments as an academic scholar and administrator.
