Miracles and Memoirs: My PhD Masterminded by Mother Mary

When I left the shores of Nigeria on 8 October 2022 to Scotland where the then Fr. Andrew McKenzie (now Bishop of Dunkeld) and Fr. Chiedozie Ezeribe, whom Archbishop William Nolan had detailed to make me welcome at St. Andrew’s Metropolitan Cathedral House, Glasgow, the full picture of successfully defending a viva voce today at the University of Strathclyde, UK, was only in the mind of God.

While at London Heathrow Airport, a dozen questions flooded the mind of this African priest who defied personal circumstances to arrive at the land of “fish and chips” to navigate between doctoral studies and fulfilling priestly duties.  

From the autumn breeze that penetrated the rustic suit I wore, to the black coffee that welcomed me, 1,251 days have vanished like a dream.

These 41 months and 4 days carry with them not only the scars of sleepless nights, personal discomfort, and tales of troubling tuition but a dream come true, through divine grace and favour.

Aboard Scotrail from London Euston to Glasgow on Sunday, 9 October 2022, ahead of my studies

As a pioneer priest from Bauchi Diocese who arrived in the Archdiocese of Glasgow, I could never have anticipated that fully entrusting my life and ministry into the hands of God would lead to such a significant bond between Glasgow, where four priests currently serve, and Dunkeld Diocese, which has two priests working as fide donum.

This journey is truly a testament to the power of faith and the unexpected ways in which it can shape our lives and communities.

The coming of our lastborn, Jane, to undertake studies in Psychology at the University of the West of Scotland, Paisley, further spiced up my coming to this beautiful country of four seasons in a day (spring, summer, autumn and winter), full of opportunities.

With Jane, my sister at Edinburgh Airport in September 2025

Please, indulge me in taking you through the lows and highs of my Ph.D. journey – perhaps it would inspire anyone who feels like giving up in life.

Three failed Ph.D. attempts

In 2011, a priest friend of mine offered me a scholarship for a Master’s in Theological Studies at Notre Dame University, US. When I took the form to the late Bishop Malachy John Goltok for approval, he simply asked, “Who else in your class has a 2.1? The long and short of the story is, he gave out the slot.

The following year, Bishop Goltok sent me to the Catholic Institute of West Africa (CIWA) in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. Upon graduating from the Centre for the Study of African Culture and Communication (CESACC) in 2015, CIWA offered me another scholarship to study a Ph.D. in Institutional Communication at the Pontificia Università della Sancta Croce, Rome. It was the Cardinal Foley Scholarship Fund (CFSF).

The late Prof. Joseph Faniran and the esteemed staff wanted me to return as Head of Research for CESACC. The Diocesan Administrator, at the time, Very Rev. Fr. John Keane, SMA, of blessed memory, declined. He was determined that I stay back to continue serving as the Director of Communications and Editor of Bauchi Caritas Newspaper. Maybe I was too young to pursue a Ph.D. at the time!

Fast forward to 2018, and I secured another admission for a doctorate in Media and Communication Studies at Dublin City University, Ireland. But this was not to be because a new Bishop had just been appointed for my diocese. I lost the admission. While working in a rural parish, St. Dominic’s Inkil, I took my mind off studies and concentrated on parish work, publishing in learned journals, and working as a consultant for The Kukah Centre, Abuja.

Inspired by my parents, both educators, I pursued a teaching career. My father, Sir John Dyikuk (KSM), passed away in 2007 as the Dean of Education at F.C.E Pankshin (now Federal University of Education) and my mother, Lady Martina Dyikuk (LSM), was a primary school teacher who died in 2017. In 2018, thanks to Prof. Sebastian Seddi Maimako, I became an Assistant Lecturer in the Department of Mass Communication (Now a newly created Faculty) at the University of Jos, which reignited my desire for a higher degree.

I miss my parents, Sir John Gofwan Dyikuk (KSM) and Lady Martina Bi Nyam Dyikuk (LSM) and so do my siblings

Tetfund Drama, dashed hope, divine resurgence

I was excited when I secured another admission for a Ph.D. in Media and Communication Studies at Swansea University, Wales, UK. In an unprecedented manner, the University was gracious to have me defer the admission four consecutive times, hoping that the Federal Government’s Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TetFund) scholarship, which I had applied for, would eventually be released for my studies. I was supposed to resume on 1 October 2021. Eventually, I lost the admission.

In 2022, I decided “to give faith a fighting chance” by submitting my application for what I thought would be the last time. I reassured myself, “If this doesn’t work out, it means God wants me to pursue my studies in Nigeria. Studying abroad isn’t meant for me.” With encouragement from my supportive colleagues, Mrs. Ruth Goma and Mr. Baranzan Justine Luka, I applied to the University of Strathclyde. Initially, my prospective supervisor said he could not supervise me. However, after two weeks of intense prayer, I received the wonderful news that he had agreed to take me on board as a new student. Yet, there was a caveat: I would also need a second supervisor. While I was thrilled to have made progress, I still felt a mix of joy and anxiety, as I now faced the challenges of securing both funding and an additional supervisor. I remain grateful to my siblings for their encouragement during this difficult time.

With my siblings – (L-R) Justine, Job, Juliana, Jude, Jonathan, Joy, and Jane on 3 January 2022, our late Mother’s 5th death anniversary at St. Mary’s Jimpi, Toro LGA, Bauchi Diocese, where I was the Parish Priest

Like a deer that yearns for running streams, after fulfilling all requirements and signing a bond, I waited for the TetFund scholarship. Unfortunately, both that desire and the said funds (N62 million) are still chilling in limbo, with no explanation or apology. Feeling like Lazarus, who looked in vain for the rich man to notice him, I resorted to divine assistance. I quickly learnt that where smartness and human connection fail, God directs all effort to Himself.

Devotion to Our Lady came in handy as my one companion. When I reached the end of myself, I found the beginning of Mother Mary’s continuous intercession. Where smartness or human connection failed me, Our Lady came to the rescue. When I ran out of answers, I ran to her, and she came through for me. This is proof that some breakthroughs are not found in the lab, but on altars, pews and chaplet beads.

Perhaps Our Lady guided my examiners in choosing 13 March for my viva. Today is the feast day of Our Lady of the Empress, also sometimes known as the Salus Populi Romani icon in Rome. This devotion is associated with a traditional image which reportedly spoke to Saint Gregory the Great in the year 593, as indicated by Abbot Orsini in his writings. It commemorates the humility and queenship of the Blessed Virgin. I earnestly pray for this gift.

Meanwhile, when I was about to travel to Scotland, like the friends of the paralytic man who took the risk of removing roof tiles to lower him before Jesus at Capernaum, (Cf. Mark 2:1-12 & Luke 5:17-26) when my bosom friends and brother priests, Fathers Joseph Bature, Peter Tari, Innocent Zambua and Jerome Odineze saw my determination to undertake doctoral studies abroad, they contributed to ensure that I fulfil my dream. I remain eternally grateful to them.

Anthony O. Mazeli, an Engineering Student and Mass Server at St. Andrew’s Metropolitan Cathedral, took me to the University for the first time on 15 October 2022

How did I manage to pay my tuition? When things got tough, I had to write a book – a transition from rosary to research. The proceeds from the launch of my book, “Me and My Rosary: Theological Insights and Moving Testimonies,” along with my work as a tutor at Strathclyde and the generosity of the people of God—especially Tony Graham and Tommy Catterson—provided the oxygen that kept the hopes of my doctoral studies alive.

With Helen Border, Chairperson of the Saturday, 1 June 2024, book launch to mark my 15th priestly anniversary, and the then Fr. Andrew McKenzie, now Bishop of Dunkeld

Seminar courses, professional associations, and funds secured

Besides being a tutor, supervising one Master’s student’s dissertation (MEd/ MSc) in the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Strathclyde Institute of Education, the opportunity to pursue a foreign degree allowed me to engage in various academic activities, including taking 60 credit units worth of seminars instead of the usual coursework in Africa. This came with an additional Diploma in Professional Research Development. On the side lines, I did a Diploma in Freelance Travel Journalism from the British College of Journalism/Morris Journalism Academy, Australia. I won an award during the “Finishing Your Ph.D. on Time” seminar and emerged third overall at the University of Strathclyde’s Post Graduate Research Humanities Symposium on 17 September 2025, where I presented a paper, “Marginalised Voices in Boko Haram Discourse.”

Being part of professional associations like the Canadian Association of African Studies, International Association for Media and Communication Research, Media, Communication and Cultural Studies Association, and others has allowed me to connect with professionals globally. This synergy fosters social bonds that promote collaboration and scholarship.

Conferences attended, papers presented during my Ph.D. lifecycle  

I am grateful to God for presenting 9 papers during my doctoral studies at various international conferences and securing one research fund:

1. York University, Toronto,Canada – slated for between 9-12 June 2026 Canadian Association of African Studies Conference: “Boko Haram Messaging and Government’s Counter-messaging: Towards Afro-Multidimensional Strategic Communication Solutions.”
2. University of Toronto Scarborough, Canada – 3 June 2025 Canadian Association of African Studies Conference: “Afro-Multidimensional Strategic Communication as a Catalyst for Reducing Religiously Motivated Violence in Africa: Perspectives from Nigeria and Kenya.”
3. University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK – 17 September 2025:  Post Graduate Research Humanities Symposium: “Marginalised Voices” in Boko Haram Discourse.”
4. Institute for Leadership and Development Communication (ILDC), Abuja, Nigeria – 25 April 2024 International Multidisciplinary Scientific Conference: “Artificial Intelligence, Communication, Development and Sustainability in Africa.”
5. University of Glasgow – 20 May 2024 Migrant Voices Ambassador/UNESCO RILA Spring Reading and Writing Stories of Migration event: “Why We Come Here.”
6. UNESCO, Paris, France – 21 February 2023. UNESCO Conference: “Internet Governance in Conflict-Ridden Democracies: Lessons from Nigeria.”
7. University of Glasgow, UK – 25 April 2024 Post Graduate Research Conference: “Media War: Boko and the Nigerian State in Perspective.”
8. University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK – 14 June 2023 Doctoral School Multidisciplinary Symposium (DSMS): “Boko Haram’s Media Offensive and Government’s Counterinsurgency Efforts: Towards Strategic Communication Solution”
9. Caledonian University, UK – 4 September 2023 International Conference:  Media, Communication and Cultural Studies Association (MeCCSA): “Contending with media safety and privacy in tackling global terrorism in Africa.”
10. Royal Society of Edinburgh – Alongside Emma Bodig from the University of Glasgow, I presented the outcomes of the Scottish Graduate School for Arts and Humanities’ (SGSAH) Cohort Development Fund (CDF) Interdisciplinary Multimodal Analysis workshop with a prominent Scottish audience. Along with our colleague, Dr. Anna Talley from the University of Edinburgh, we secured a £2,500 CDF grant in early April 2025. This funding was used to organise an impactful interdisciplinary workshop for graduate students from across Scotland at the University of Glasgow’s Advanced Research Centre in August.

Published Works During the Doctoral Studies

I was also able to publish 10 papers in learned journals, book chapters, and Festschrifts:

1. Dyikuk, J.J. & Jalo, S. (2025). Communication conundrum in the Catholic Church in Nigeria: Insights from Fr. Prof. Christian Anieke’s 25^th Sacerdotal Sojourn. Achi, B & Obiora, I (Eds.). Exploring the frontiers of knowledge through integral education and human development: A Festschrift in Honour of Rev. Fr. Prof.  Christians Anieke. [408-415]. Enugu: CIDJAP Press.
2. Dyikuk, J.J & Jalo, S. (2025). Faith, Film, and Society in Fr. Prof. Uwah’s Sacerdotal Strides: Faith, Culture and Cinematic Imagination – A Festschrift in Honour of Rev. Fr. Professor Innocent Ebere Uwah [438-443]. Mater Press, Imo State, Nigeria.
3. Chukwuere, J.; Adom, D., & Dyikuk, J.J. (Eds.) (2023). Disruptive social media: Towards a resilient social media ecosystem in Africa. South Africa: Jozac Publishers.
4. Dyikuk, J.J; Higgins, M & Rathnayake, C. (2023). Media, democracy and the rule of law in Nigeria: A Contemporary investigation. Haaga, P.T & Idachaba, P. A (Eds.). Secularism and the Nigerian State: Essays in Honour of Rev. Fr. Dr. Gabriel Terwase Ngbea. [278-289]. Makurdi, Nigeria: Eagle Prints.
5. Okocha, D.O; Okereafor, S.C & Dyikuk, J.J. (2023). Oxygen of democracy: Exploring the status of journalists as watchdogs of good governance in Nigeria. Expoma Journal of Communication (EJoC). Vol. 1, No. 1 [1-26].
6. Dyikuk, J.J. (2023). Social media, COVID-19, the Church and consecrated life in Nigeria. Journal on Media Education and Democracy (JoMED)10^th Edition. Vol.2. No.4 [78-88].
7. Dyikuk, J.J & Egielewa, P.E. (2023). Disruptive social media in elections, governance and politics: Evidence from Nigeria. Chukwuere, J.E., Dickson, A & Dyikuk, J.J (Eds.). Disruptive social media: Towards a resilient social media ecosystem in Africa. [74 – 92]. DO – 10.57040/jp.6.c25. South Africa: Jozac Publishers.
8. Chukwuere, J & Dyikuk, J.J (2023). Personalized healthcare in Africa through social media disruptive social media. Chukwuere, J.E., Dickson, A & Dyikuk, J.J (Eds.). Disruptive social media: Towards a resilient social media ecosystem in Africa. [23 – 38]. DO – 10.57040/jp.6.c25. South Africa: Jozac Publishers.
9. Dyikuk, J.J (2022). Media impact, war ethics and security in Africa. Egielewa, P.E & Ngonso, B.F (Eds.). Ethics, media, theology and development in Africa: A Festschrift in Honour of Msgr. Prof. Dr. Obiora Francis Ike. [323-350]. Geneva: Globethics.net Co-Publications & Others.
10. Dyikuk, J.J & Olebara, C. (2022). Theoretical and conceptual frameworks in social media research. Chukwuere, J.E., Dickson, A & Dyikuk, J.J (Eds.). Social Media Research Methods. [67-78].South Africa. Jozac Publishers.

Research Motivation, Output

On 4 December 2011, I narrowly escaped a Boko Haram onslaught at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Azare, where I was serving as an assistant priest. The insurgents targeted a nearby Police Area Command and two banks, forcing us to crawl through the fence while avoiding gunfire.

This experience led me to reflect on the need for a rigorous ideological response to the asymmetric war waged by the insurgents, emphasising the importance of knowledge and addressing social injustices over military action alone.

My research, Boko Haram Messaging, Government’s Counter-messaging and Strategic Communication, argues that the insurgents use a quadruple-strategy communication approach, utilising environmental, symbolic, human, and social media channels. It states that Afro-multidimensional Strategic Communication is a potential panacea to address these challenges effectively.

After my mock viva on 13 February, I had to test run the D-Day; after all, the joy of every Ph.D. student is to hold their dissertation like a baby

Lessons learnt

Most international students do not know that in the UK, the benchmark for a Ph.D. is a minimum of 3 years plus 1 writing year, making a total of 4 years for Arts and Humanities. If you are considering undertaking a doctoral degree abroad, start publishing in learned journals, be part of research groups, or work as a volunteer in research-based Non-Governmental Organisations, have a strong financial base, build resilience and have enough faith to survive everything. Overall, I have learnt the following lessons:  

1. Prayer and perseverance: As a Christian and priest, I can say that it was Our Lady who made my Ph.D. possible. How else could I have managed to pay £49,000 (N107,800,000) at a time when the exchange rate exceeded 2,200, not to mention living expenses? This experience has led me to invite you to pray your rosary, as reciting 20 decades daily helped me to develop patience and perseverance to face the challenges of living in a foreign country.
2. Commitment and time management: My Ph.D. experience has enhanced my commitment, self-management and time management skills. It has helped me to prioritise important tasks and improve my work-life balance amid various demands from work, family, and friends.
3. Career and professional development: I have learned the importance of career management, professional development, and networking while maintaining my reputation and self-esteem as a teacher.
4. Teaching, research, and community development: It has transformed my teaching, research, and community development to global standards. I am committed to using these experiences to serve God and humanity.

Beyond research, Fr. Ezra Dauda (1st L), Fr. Laurent Bahati Bwambale (4th L), Dr. Ijuptil Joseph, Fr. Innocent Simon and Fr. Sylvester Jalo, joined Very Rev. Emmanuel Ikpa – 2nd L and my humble self, to celebrate our birthday last year

Signposting: Adovocatus Africa, Looking into the future

I am excited to share that I launched a digital media platform, Adovocatus Africa (AA), on 24 January 2026, the memorial of Francis De Sales, Patron Saint of journalists and writers. AA, described as “A media for Africa, by Africans,” is a subsidiary of my Nigerian-registered charity, Media Team Network Initiative (MTNI), established in September 2018. I encourage everyone to support this initiative by donating to help amplify the voices of the voiceless in Africa.

With over 7 years of experience as a lecturer at the University of Jos, plus 2 years at Strathclyde, I have gained valuable skills in teaching and research. My work with The Kukah Centre Abuja as a researcher and facilitator, in collaboration with various organisations such as the Development Initiative of Africa, Tony Blair Foundation for Global Change, Caritas Germany and the Hungarian Government, especially the “Nigerian Atrocities Documentation Project,” has allowed me to make significant contributions to community service.

I have developed a solid research plan and made a conscious effort for digital detox by keeping my phone on mute during work. I know it is essential to prioritise interactions with my supervisors and fellow Ph.D. students over family members, who can be a distraction. I apologise if I was not available. Not watching TV for nearly three years has been a choice aligned with my goals. Overall, my journey at Strathclyde has effectively balanced my developmental needs—ensuring tasks are completed on time, honing my teaching and networking skills, boosting my confidence, and elevating my contributions to teaching, research, and community engagement to a world-class level.

My humble self, with Fellow Bauchi Diocesan priests working in the Archdiocese of Glasgow, Fr. Innocent Simon (2nd L-R), Fr. Gregory Zungdet, and Fr. Sylvester Jalo, at the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum

I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to my supervisors, Dr. Michael Higgins, Dr. Chamil Rathnayake, and Jun Sudduth, who left for America, for their guidance during my doctoral studies. I also appreciate the efforts of my interim reviewers, Prof. Lesley Henderson and Dr. Camila Mont’Alverne. How can I forget the vital contributions of my examiners, Dr. Hayes Mabweazara, Dr. Petya Eckler, and convenor Dr. Esperanza Miyake? I am determined to effect all corrections and look forward to finally graduating.

My thanks to Bishop Hilary Dachelem, CMF, for approving my further studies abroad, Archbishop Nolan for providing a space at St. Andrew’s Cathedral for my priestly ministry, and Bishop McKenzie for his warm welcome. Additionally, I am grateful to Canon David Wallace for his kindness. Acknowledgements to family, brother priests, religious, and fellow students can be found in my thesis.

Backing the Atlantic Ocean, from Berneray, North Uist Island, Outer Hebrides, Scotland, UK, resonates freedom of the mind and expression. Credit: Thanks to Canon Michael Hutson, Vicar General, Argyll & the Isles Diocese & Parish Priest of St. Mary’s, Griminish, Benbecula, my host for 3 weeks

I believe the skills and knowledge I gained—boldness, resourcefulness, data integrity, and community service—will greatly benefit my vocation and profession, now and in the future. My expectations of learning from scholars, interacting with peers, and developing research skills have been fulfilled at the University of Strathclyde, “the place of useful learning.” I am eager to learn anything that enhances my personal life, priestly ministry, and academic career.

As a child, I wanted to become an actor, journalist, teacher, or priest. Happily, I have achieved all three – Although I am not a movie star, as a priest, I have combined all three because I act in Persona Christi Capitis (In the person of Christ the head) and as a teacher. As a kid, when I told my Dad that I would like to become a priest when I grew up, he replied, “Priesthood is for intelligent men.” I never forgot that throughout my minor seminary training. With 16 years of experience in journalism practice culminating in a doctorate in Journalism, Media and Communication, I can only look back at my childhood dream of becoming a journalist with excitement. At 45, studying alongside many energetic Ph.D. students in their 20s seemed like a grandpa insisting on inserting a thread inside a needle when a younger person can do it easily.

In conclusion, Dr. Willie Jolley’s quote, “A setback is a setup for a comeback,” proves that delay is not denial. Though I am dedicating my dissertation to the memory of the victims of the senseless killings of Boko Haram, in a special way, I also honour the memory of my late father, who started his Ph.D. but did not live to complete it. While many aspire to a “Doctor of Philosophy,” I recognise that true fulfillment comes from faith. As Jesus said, “What does it profit a man if he wins the whole world at the detriment of his life?” (Mark 8:36). My ultimate goal goes beyond earning a Ph.D.; it is to secure my place in heaven, and I am most certain that, through Mary Our Mother, we will succeed – See her Son at last. I am sorry if I bored you!