Dr. Sunday Zaccheaus Saanu is a shining example of what can be achieved through hard work, perseverance, and purposeful pursuit. He began his academic journey at Ogun State Polytechnic, Abeokuta (now Moshood Abiola Polytechnic), where he studied Mass Communication up to Higher National Diploma (HND) level. He later earned a Masters in Communication Arts (MCA). After practising print journalism for 10 years, he returned to the University of Ibadan (UI) for a bachelor’s degree, citing certificate discrimination as the key reason, immediately after completing the professional master’s degree. In this interview by Kingsley Alumona, he speaks on the reality of the HND–BSc dichotomy and his long academic journey.

Congratulations on your attainment of a PhD. How does it feel becoming a PhD holder after starting with an HND?

The feeling is good and deeply fulfilling. This is a glorious harvest of consistent hard work, self-discipline, and commitment to a worthy pursuit. It is an achievement made possible by single-mindedness, purposefulness, doggedness, and the grace of God. My intellectual curiosity and passion for knowledge have been satisfied. I dared the odds, and today the grimaces of yesterday have given way to beautiful smiles. My ugly caterpillar has become a butterfly. This PhD is a celebration of perseverance—proof that believing comes before becoming.

What do you mean by creating a recovery plan? Recovery from what?

I speak from my academic background. I started at Ogun State Polytechnic, Abeokuta, unaware of the deep discrimination against Polytechnic graduates. After graduation, I saw how HND holders were treated—as if their qualification were inferior. People derided Polytechnic education, even though it is practically oriented and professionally relevant. The discrimination is real; many HND holders face barriers that hinder them from reaching their full potential, especially in academia and corporate environments.

I dislike playing second fiddle, particularly to people who are less capable but privileged by their university degrees. That is why I charted my recovery plan by returning to school. After my MCA at UI in 2002/2003, I took a Direct Entry admission into 200 level for a BA (completed in 2007), followed by an MA in 2009. Eventually, UI offered me a contract appointment—later regularised in 2012 under Prof. Isaac Adewole.

What inspired and motivated you?

I was tired of the condescending attitude toward HND graduates. I became intensely motivated, knowing that nothing worth achieving comes without a price. My belief in myself is my greatest asset, while God remains my constant confidence booster.

My motivation grew from knowing that a PhD from UI requires commitment and intellectual discipline. I refused to allow one cloud of HND to obscure the sky of my life. I focused on healing, growing, and learning. Above all, I approach life with intentionality, authenticity, and consistency.

What challenges did you face along this academic journey?

The path was not easy, but the impact has been remarkable. This PhD came with a heavy price tag. I endured humiliation, malice, vendetta, paucity of funds, and joblessness for seven years. I faced hostility from certain individuals who disliked my courage and ambition. Yet, I persisted with the discipline of an ant colony.

Through it all, God proved faithful. He raised men and women who supported me. Otunba Olusegun Runsewe sponsored my first degree. Chief Wole Olanipekun awarded me two scholarships. Mr. Niran Olayinka, former MD of Keystone Bank, and Barr. Chima Nnaji also supported me financially. Many schoolmates and senior media colleagues helped. I remain eternally grateful to them all.

What is the significance of your doctoral research?

My thesis, “Survival Strategies of Selected Newspapers in Nigeria,” examined the shifting dynamics and emerging trends affecting the print media. It studied how Nigerian Tribune, The Punch, and The Guardian—the three oldest Nigerian newspapers—adapt to technological disruptions and economic pressures.

The study fills a research gap on newspaper survival strategies. Among the recommendations is diversification into other businesses such as real estate, hospitality, or banking. Journalists must also continuously update their skills to adapt to an evolving technological landscape. The work is a useful contribution to media scholarship.

What has life taught you?

Life has taught me that valuable achievements demand self-discipline, struggle, persistence, and the God factor. The road to victory is never easy, but the triumph is undeniable. My 14-year journey taught me that what gives light must endure burning. I learned resilience, emotional intelligence, and spiritual strength.

There is a difference between interest and commitment. Interest acts when convenient; commitment demands results. My PhD taught me to distinguish facts from fantasies, knowledge from illusions, and to value wisdom as true wealth.

What is your advice for today’s youth?

Many youths expect success without sacrifice—rewards without work. Life does not function that way. Success is not an overnight creation. Too many young people expend energy without direction.

They must read; reading nourishes the mind and sharpens thinking. They must understand that there is always a process before prosperity. With passion, preparation, perseverance, and persistence, anyone can make a meaningful mark in life.