DELSU Scholar, Umukoro Bags PhD In Mass Comm, Reveals Shocking Experience

By Winner Enuma/Great Okafor 

Mr Ese Umukoro, a lecturer in the Department of Mass Communication at Delta State University, Abraka, today, successfully defended his doctoral thesis before a panel of internal and external examiners at University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

Umukoro broke the news to DELSU Echo in a chat shortly after his defence.

“I feel elated and humbled that the academic journey I started in 2018 has come to an end today”, he said with much elation.

“In the journey were COVID-19 lockdown and prolonged ASUU strike, but I have ended the journey today. I give God all the glory.”

He narrated how he had to start his thesis research from the scratch following the demise of his first supervisor, Dr. Alex Ekwueme, in 2021.

“In the course of this programme, my first supervisor, Dr A. Ekwueme passed on (may God continue to rest his soul, Amen).

“So, it became like starting all over again, but I thank God it has ended today in praise.

”The journey was not an easy one but God saw me through.

”Today, I can say thank God for it all.”

The Thesis 

DELSU Echo reports that Umukoro’s thesis, titled “public perception of media messages on climate change issues among residents of South-South, Nigeria” was supervised by Prof  Nnayelugo Okoro and moderated by Prof. Sunny Udeze as external examiner.

The study utilised the survey research to explore the perceived gaps in media coverage of climate change issues in Nigeria, particularly within the prism of the South-south geopolitical zone.

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The findings suggested that despite acknowledging media progress in the fight against climate change, the majority of the respondents felt media coverage of the issue  was inadequate.

Furthermore, the study found that climate change has devastating effects on residents of South-South, Nigeria, with increased flooding having the most devastating effect on climate change.

It, therefore, called on  government at all levels and other partners to shore up efforts aimed at mitigating the effects of climate change.

Umukoro, who specialises in broadcasting and development communication, obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mass Communication from DELSU in 2003, and a Master of Science Degree in Mass Communication from University of Nigeria, Nuskka  in 2012.

Students’ Union React

Meanwhile, the Association of Mass Communication Students (AMASCOS) at DELSU has congratulated Umukoro on the attainment of his doctorate.

In a congratulatory messages signed by AMASCOS President-elect, Comr. Anthony Jennifer, the union described Umukoro’s achievement as a monument of dedication.

“This is such a huge accomplishment, and it shows not only your high mental acumen but also how committed and persistent you have been during this difficult path”, stated the union in the letter made available to DELSU Echo.

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“Numerous hours of study, writing, and introspection are necessary to finish a Ph.D, and your accomplishment is a real monument to your dedication to expanding the body of knowledge in your subject.

“Your efforts and perseverance have not gone unappreciated, and this accomplishment will surely motivate your coworkers as well as the students you have adroitly mentored.

”What may be achieved with perseverance and commitment is exemplified by you.

”I am confident that you will continue to make important contributions to academia and continue to have a great impact on many people’s lives as you embark on this new phase of your career.

“We pray this achievement gives you new chances and that you have even more success and fulfilment in your future pursuits.”