For many students, earning a Doctor of Philosophy degree feels like an almost impossible goal. But according to the Dean of the School of Postgraduate Studies at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Prof Abraham A. A. Osinubi, completing a PhD has less to do with brilliance and more to do with discipline, purpose, and resilience.
Speaking to newly admitted MPhil and PhD candidates during an interactive session at the university, Prof Osinubi offered a frank and practical guide to surviving and succeeding in doctoral education.
“A PhD is not merely about earning a degree; it is about becoming the kind of thinker who changes the world through knowledge,” he told the candidates.
He urged them to begin with a clear and compelling research question, one whose answer could advance knowledge and improve society.
“Research is not about producing volumes of pages. Research is about solving problems. The larger the problem solved, the greater the value of the thesis,” he said.
On writing, he advised candidates not to wait until data collection or experiments are complete before putting pen to paper. Instead, he encouraged them to write throughout the entire research process.
“Write while you research. Write while you analyse. Write while you experiment,” he said, explaining that consistent writing sharpens thinking and reduces the pressure of the final stages.
The dean also warned against sacrificing health and relationships on the altar of academic ambition.
“The PhD journey should be seen as a journey to flourishing and not to perishing,” he said, urging candidates to rest well, exercise regularly and protect their personal relationships throughout the process.
On integrity, Osinubi was direct and firm. He warned against plagiarism, data falsification, and the misuse of artificial intelligence, stressing that while AI can support learning, it must never replace original thinking.
“Your degree may open doors, but your integrity will determine how long those doors remain open. Guard your reputation as diligently as you guard your research, for a scholar’s greatest asset is not merely intelligence, but credibility,” he said.
He also advised candidates to maintain strong communication with their supervisors, describing them as mentors and intellectual partners whose feedback is essential to doctoral success. Submitting work on schedule and receiving criticism with an open mind, he said, were habits every serious researcher must develop.
In a digital age, Osinubi encouraged postgraduate students to be deliberate about their online presence, noting that employers, journal editors, and funding agencies now consider a researcher’s digital footprint when making decisions. He advised them to use social media to share research and build professional credibility rather than for controversy or entertainment.
He reminded candidates that compliance with university regulations, including timely registration, coursework schedules, and obtaining ethical approval before research involving human participants, was not optional and could affect the entire programme if ignored.
His closing message was both challenging and reassuring.
“A PhD is not awarded to the most intelligent candidate; it is awarded to the candidate who remains intellectually curious, resilient, disciplined and committed until the very end,” he said.
Digital Operations Manager at The Students Forum Nigeria.
