My PhD Degree is One Year Old: The Journey So Far

By Azeez ADEOYE (Wizard Librarian) Years of dedication, hard work, sleepless nights, and persistent frustration, all focused on a single goal, were ultimately crowned with the award of a doctorate degree, and the legitimate right to place “Dr” before your name and “PhD” after it. Truly, it was an experience worthy of every sacrifice. One year down the line, I have tasted both success and failure. I have received volumes of rejection letters: from journal publishers, conference organisers, postdoctoral fellowships, and job opportunities. Earning a PhD does not make you perfect or flawless; it simply means you are teachable, and that you can stay focused on a task until you achieve results. A doctorate degree is a means to an end. Some call it a magical degree, and often liken it to a passport. But just like an international passport, simply possessing it does not guarantee travel. For example, over 75% of Nigerians who hold a Nigerian passport use it merely as a form of identification, ...