Against the Odds: Orphaned Broadcaster Graduates with Distinction from UNILAG

By Adebisi Bolarinwa, Akemini Udoh, and Philip Oyekanmi

A broadcast journalist with Voice of the People Television (VOP TV), Matthew Ogunsuada, has graduated with distinction from the University of Lagos, completing his Master of Science degree in Mass Communication, an achievement he describes as a testament to his faith, resilience, and perseverance against the odds.

Ogunsuada is an orphan who lost his mother at the age of seven and his father at sixteen. He hosts the education-focused programme Edu-Dialogue on VOP TV, where he also reports, produces news, and develops broadcast content.

Balancing academics with a demanding broadcast schedule, Ogunsuada combined early-morning television production with evening lectures, strict time management, and active classroom engagement. After earning a Second Class Upper degree from the National Open University of Nigeria, Ogunsuada pushed further, enrolling at the University of Lagos in pursuit of a more rigorous and conventional academic experience.

Speaking with UNILAG Sun, the broadcaster said he began an MSc programme in Public Relations and Advertising, but later made a deliberate and well-considered switch to Broadcast Journalism, aligning his academic focus with his professional practice as a broadcaster. The transition required extra discipline, so he committed to more intensive reading, active participation in group presentations, and timely completion of assignments.

According to him, the distinction has further strengthened his professional credibility, opening doors to academic and leadership opportunities, including selection among top-performing candidates for competitive professional programmes.

Ogunsuada said his story is a message to orphans and young people facing adversity to never give up on God and pursue excellence relentlessly. He believes background should never determine destiny, and that resilience, faith, and good character can turn pain into purpose.