"From Classroom to Ivory Tower: Dr. Abdulahi Olawale Yisa's Inspiring Journey"

Meet Dr. Abdulahi Olawale Yisa, a testament to determination and perseverance. After his exciting PhD journey, he recently  secured appointment  as a Lecturer at the Tai Solarin Federal  University of Education  where he incidentally  bagged his PhD.

From humble beginnings as a secondary school teacher with an HND, he defied odds to earn a PhD in English Language Education and Applied Linguistics. His remarkable journey serves as a beacon of inspiration for educators and individuals pursuing higher education. 

With a story of overcoming financial challenges, balancing family responsibilities, and staying motivated, Dr. Yisa's achievement is a shining example of what can be accomplished with hard work, dedication, and divine grace. 

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Q:  What inspired you to pursue a PhD degree as a secondary school teacher with an HND?

A:  Two circumstantial factors inspired me, against all odds, the two of which were inadequate funds and time. The first one is antecedental result factor. The excellent academic result I recorded, by God's grace, was a major factor. My second degree (Master) result, just like my B.A. (Ed.), was an impetus. The uncommon 'proceed to Ph.D' result gave birth to the optimism that I could continue to succeed academically. Secondly, numerous expressions of possibility and confidence about me from my bosses, and constant encouragement to obtain the Ph.D admission form, coming from some of my lecturers complemented the attained success-inclined factor.

Q:  How did your teaching experience shape your decision to become an academic staff?

A:  The simple response to this is common 'sensically' simple. A Yoruba adage says "owo t'oba f'aso ma n mo" meaning that 'the hands that wash clothes clean will also get cleaned '. My dedicated and rigorous classroom garnered experience was but a substantial part of the foundation, upon which my Ph.D programme was solidly built.

Q: What were the biggest challenges you faced during your PhD journey?

A:  The biggest challenge I had was inadequate funds to run the programme. This was very pronounced during my field work, which required travelling from Abeokuta South to Ifo,  Obafemi-Owode and Odeda local governments for weeks when transport fare was at its peak, an aftermath effect of subsidy removal on premium motor spirit. What a gory experience that led me to go borrowing indiscriminately! Another one, among others, was the need to travel virtually every week, regardless of either the condition of my purse or the need to discharge other pressing obligations, as a family man. 

Q:  How did you overcome obstacles and stay motivated?

A: Simply put, I overcome the encountered obstacles by divine grace and understanding posture, exhibited by my dear wife. Glory be to God, the Almighty.

Q: What was the most rewarding moment in your PhD journey?

 A: The most rewarding moment was the day I was pronounced a Doctor of Philosophy in English Language Education and Applied Linguistics.

Q: What advice would you give to teachers or HND holders considering a PhD?

A: My advice, summarily put, is: anything that is worthy to be done should be done well, with good intention and prayer. Being consistently focused pays a lot.

Q: How has your PhD degree impacted your career and personal growth?

A: There is no doubt, the discoveries from minor and major researches I carried out during my Ph.D programme have specially impacted my career, on one hand, and generally on my personal growth, on the other hand.

Q:  What message would you like to share with others pursuing higher education?

A:  Doctoral students must, at least, be averagely good in the areas of academic and resilience. They must be ready to heed every correction and instruction from their lecturers. Arrogance must, at no time, be exhibited most especially in the presence of their lecturers. Funding of the programme must not be relegated to the background. There must be a regular source of funding. Health is wealth. Failing health can be a serious glitch. It must be avoided, at all costs. Above all, they must be ready to persistently sacrifice in all ramifications, related to the programme and always be prayerful, not limiting the power in 'I can make it' , which will naturally develop into 'I will make it' and finally to 'I have made it'.

Q: What are your research interests and areas of specialization?

A: My specialisation is English Language Education and Applied Linguistics with emphasis in phonetics and phonology, reading, and language instructional methods.

Q: How do you plan to contribute to your field and institution?

A: I am seriously planning to contribute my quota to my field by filling discovered lacunae through thoroughly bred researches. I will contribute to the projection of my institution in the areas of  drawlling out my students' potentials pedagogically, carrying out worthwhile researches and engaging in the institution's community development among others.

Q: What are your future plans and goals?

 A: My future plans are to become an educationist of international repute and a globally renowned language theorist. My ultimate goal is to become an emeritus professor.

Q: How many years did you put into teaching in secondary school and where did you teach?

A: Altogether, I have taught for 19 years plus.

      

Q: Now from Classroom Teacher to Academic staff, what has changed and what would likely change?

A: Now, my status has changed. The time for myself will change. Exposure to academic-inclined activities will also change. For instance, I could not partake in a five-day academic conference, early this month, because I was a secondary school teacher. There were many studies I had intended to carry out but could not because teaching periods in secondary school were very rigid.  All of these would change as I get fully integrated into academic my area of interest.