The Olu of Imasayi, Oba Lukman Adeleke Kuoye, was among the 11,195 graduates at Lagos State University’s 27th convocation, having earned a PhD in Social Work. In this interview with OLUFEMI ADEDIRAN, he discusses the challenges he faced while pursuing his PhD

You recently earned your PhD, can you tell us how you accomplished this significant achievement?

I achieved it through focus, endurance, and perseverance. I was determined to earn a PhD, and I dedicated myself to pursuing the programme.

What motivated you to return to academia despite your responsibilities as a traditional ruler?

Yes, I have the vision of being a renowned scholar right from my childhood days, about 57 years ago. And I was happy to pursue the dream.

What challenges did you face during your academic journey, and how did you overcome them?

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 until around 12 am or 1 am. However, I did not let that discourage me. Also, during my first session, while I was in class, I would often receive calls from the palace about various matters. 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. With God on my side, I was able to balance both responsibilities without any issues.

How did you balance the demands of your PhD studies with your responsibilities as a monarch?

It was not an easy task, but due to my focus and vision, I surmounted the hurdles. At times, the paramount ruler would ask me to go and represent him at public functions. In my timetable, I would also have classes. What I did when there was a clash like that was to revisit my economics class and apply the ‘scale of preference’.

Now that you have attained your PhD, what are your plans for its use? Do you intend to pursue a career in academia?

Yes, I will pursue it if I can secure a lecturing job or consultancy position within an organisation. I am a registered social worker, and my thesis focused on “social support services available to people living with mental disorders in Ogun State, Nigeria.” During my research, it was observed that the prevalence of drug and substance abuse is increasing. Without adequate measures, we may witness a rise in severe mental disorders among people on the streets within the next three years. Currently, what is needed is advocacy and government support, including the enactment of laws with stringent penalties for drug abuse.

Moreover, depression is also rising due to unfavourable policies such as fuel price hikes, unemployment, increased cost of living, and insufficient social support, among other factors.

What kind of impact do you aim to have on your subjects now that you have earned a PhD?

The impact I aim to have on my subjects is to change the narrative about education. I intend to make sure they know that there are no barriers to education. I want them to understand that even if they have their certificates and no jobs available, their education will guide them on the way forward.

Did you receive preferential treatment from lecturers or fellow students during your PhD studies?

They tried to, but I told them that whenever I came to classes, I left my Obaship paraphernalia at the school gate and related with them as a student and not as an Oba. The same applied to my colleagues. The lecturers respected me because I had set aside the ego of being an Oba. I was not given special treatment, but I respected them and they also respected me.

When I needed to choose my supervisor, many lecturers were interested. I carefully selected a disciplined and brilliant supervisor who could guide and correct me when necessary.

During my 169-page thesis, I was given only 20 minutes to summarise all pages from the introduction to references, which I did satisfactorily. Although no research is 100 per cent perfect, My Internal-External examiner, Dr. Ramon Saka from FSS, and Prof. Okoro from the University of Ibadan praised my work.

How did your family react when you informed them of your decision to return to school?

Their reaction was positive because they knew I had a special affection for education.

Were people in school still respecting you as a traditional ruler?

 Yes, but at times, I don’t accept the traditional salutations from them. I want everyone to see me as a student.

What is a memorable experience that you will never forget as a PhD student?

That was when one of my lecturers volunteered to be my supervisor, and I declined her offer, which nearly tore the Sociology Department apart before it was resolved.

Yewa youths have been perceived as lagging in education. How do you plan to address this issue, sir?

That notion is changing now. Things have improved. However, as a registered Social Engineer, a holistic approach to addressing this issue will be introduced, which will help tremendously.

What message do you have for youths and the government regarding education?

My message to the youth is that they should remain focused on obtaining education to prepare themselves for the challenges of the future. My message to the government is that they need to pay closer attention to education, as is done in other developed nations. Scholarships should also be a priority for the government, particularly for less privileged but brilliant students who deserve encouragement.

Did you ever plan to become a traditional ruler, and how did your wives and children react when you were chosen as the Olu of Imasayi?

No, I never planned or dreamed of it, but what I know is that paternally and maternally, I am from the Kuoye Royal family of Oyesokun ruling in Imasayi-Yewa and the Elumuniwaye royal family of Okewaye ruling house, Ado-Odo. Initially, my wives, children, and siblings did not support it because of my religious beliefs (I am a member of the Shams-Ud Al-Islamiy worldwide). There was a time we visited an Oba in Ado-Odo/Igbessa; he told me I would need to join a cult to become a king. I replied that if refusing to join a cult would prevent me from becoming king, then so be it.

What particular day will you also never forget as a traditional ruler?

As a traditional ruler, it was the day I was officially installed by the Ogun State Governor, with all the documents confirming my appointment as the 16th Olu of Imasayi, despite opposition.

What would you like to be remembered for?

I aim to leave a legacy that future generations will find challenging to surpass after my God-appointed tenure on the throne.