I understand the notion behind the policy, as academic ability alone does not necessarily equate to readiness for the rigours of campus life. Emotional and social maturity are equally important considerations.
I got into the university at age 15, and despite being young, I finished with outstanding results. Worthy of note, however, is that what made this possible was discipline and a strong support system. Surviving the first few months of university was not as difficult as some might have thought. Having attended a boarding school, I was already familiar with being away from home and managing a degree of independence.
More importantly, I understood my primary assignment at the university and remained focused on it. My experience taught me that while age can be a factor in determining readiness for university life, it is not always the defining one. The presence of maturity, discipline, and the right support structure can make a significant difference.
How did you come to study mass communication? And why study it at Babcock University?
I have always been arts-inclined, with my interests growing up centred around speaking and writing. I represented my secondary school in essay writing competitions, which further strengthened my passion for communication and expression.
While exploring the various career opportunities within the arts, mass communication felt like a course I would genuinely enjoy, especially considering my strengths in writing. During the initial stage of university selection, I considered some public universities. However, after factoring in the distance, age requirements, and the unending ASUU strikes at the time, I opted for a private university, and Babcock was a good choice.
I also had family friends who were alumni of Babcock, and their testimonies about the conducive learning environment convinced me that it was an option worth exploring.
Many students start university with the dream of graduating with a First Class, but do not achieve it. How do you feel graduating with a First Class? And what did you do differently to attain the feat?
I feel fulfilled graduating with a first class. For me, it is proof that I can commit to excellence and achieve it. Students who graduate with outstanding results are those who understand that smart work often beats hard work.
I think it is important to mention that I did not aim for a first class from the get-go; I just wanted a 4.0 on a scale of 5.0, but getting a perfect GPA in my second semester of 100 level mirrored that excellence could be achieved. So, it was left to me to sustain it. I did not rely on just materials given by lecturers alone. I would download course materials from other universities, combined with what I was given in class, to give myself a wider perspective on a topic.
There are strategies to get a first class. You have to understand what works for different lecturers and different courses, and also rely on a divine source. I worked hard like there was no God, and I prayed hard like I never studied. My advice to students is to aim for one good result. Once to aim for it and get it, you will be encouraged that academic excellence is possible.
What aspects of mass communication interested you more, and why? Which of the courses did you do well in?
I majored in broadcasting because I was fascinated by the camera and interested in the process behind TV production. I did well in all my courses, exceptionally well in news writing and reporting, film criticism and appreciation, and international communication.
What was your final-year project work about, its findings, and its relevance to society?
My final-year research work is titled ‘Influence of Social media activism on knowledge, attitudes, and involvement in the #EndBadGovernanace protest among youths in Ikeja, Lagos’. Social media has become deeply integrated into our lives, influencing people’s social, economic and political behaviour.
Findings from my study revealed that Ikeja youths were exposed to social media activism content on Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) regarding the protest, with their exposure to X being specifically higher. They showed some level of digital activism. However, their involvement did not extend to direct offline engagements.
The study concluded that the media performed its surveillance function by serving as our eyes and ears – helping us see what is happening and keeping us abreast of societal issues. Also, while digital activism offers new opportunities for participation, the effectiveness depends on various factors, including sustained offline engagements, among others.
Would you consider social media platforms and their content as a form of mass communication? And, do you see artificial intelligence (AI) as a threat to mass media content and business?
When we define mass communication, we describe it as the transmission of information through a channel to a large audience simultaneously. Drawing from this definition, social media platforms rightly fit within the scope of mass communication.
As for artificial intelligence, any form of technology has the potential to become a threat when used irresponsibly. AI is helping to detect cancer cells and streamline rigorous processes in business. However, my major concern with the use of AI in the media is the rise of deepfakes. It has become increasingly difficult to simply look at a piece of content and determine whether it is true or false, making stricter fact-checking more necessary than ever.
Individuals will also need to understand that media literacy is their responsibility. In an age where information can be easily manipulated, the ability to critically evaluate content is no longer optional – it is essential.
In your bio, you stated that, ‘I bring a unique blend of skills to the broadcasting and media industry.’ What are these unique skills that you bring to the media industry?
Having garnered experience in stage play productions, TV production, and presenting for radio, I have developed essential skills in content writing, creative fiction, storytelling, research and leadership. I understand that brands and broadcasters do not just need content; they need stories that stick, scripts that resonate, and productions that captivate.
Tell us about Student Evolve and why you founded it. You recently organised a webinar tagged ‘Mastering the attitude of excellence: Achieving a first-class mindset’. What are the major highlights of this programme?
After my convocation in July of 2025, I publicly documented my academic achievement, and that led to many students reaching out to ask how I achieved a first class. Through those conversations, I saw a deep hunger for excellence. I encountered students who genuinely desired academic success but lacked the mindset, strategies, and discipline required to achieve it.
Those interactions opened my eyes to a need that could not be ignored. In April 2026, I founded Student Evolve to help students develop the habits, mindset, and tools necessary for excellence. It was born from the conviction that every student has the capacity to excel when given the right guidance and support.
The highlight of the debut webinar was execution, as this was a vision I had long delayed from actualising.
If you were given a fully funded postgraduate scholarship to study in any university in the world, which course would you study and at which university?
The University of Southern California (USC) School of Cinematic Arts, to study film and television production.
What are your career aspirations after graduation? And where do you see yourself in five years?
This is a particularly interesting question. It is very hard for me to see myself as one thing. I have many interests – literature, filmmaking, journalism, etc.
In the next five years, I envision myself winning an award for best documentary film. One thing is certain: in the next five years, I would be among the global storytellers shaping the narrative about Africa. If we do not tell our own stories, then people would do it for us, but from a distorted lens.
You said the best advice you were given was when you were 15 years old. What was this advice, and how do you think it can impact young people and their studies and future?
The advice I got as a 15-year-old fresh undergraduate was to ask questions. There is a proverb my elders say: If you ask for directions on the road, you will get to your destination. Asking questions from my peers, seniors, and lecturers contributed to my academic success. It helps you avoid costly mistakes.
The bigger advice here would be: To be curious: do not lose your wonder. Be curious to know what would happen if you consistently invest in yourself. Be curious about what systems make successful individuals and countries.