By Dr. Solomon Samuel Gonina
A Plateau-born academic, gentleman and man of faith shares how he rose from little beginnings at Daar Communications, contributed to Plateau Radio Television Corporation (PRTVC) and University of Jos FM – ICE FM, and in a delightful twist says: “Today…I stand at the intersection of practice and theory, experience and scholarship,” after earning a deserving Ph.D.
Every life journey is shaped by a combination of humble beginnings, defining passions, and providential opportunities. Mine is a story that began in obscurity but blossomed through determination, guided by faith, and sustained by an unwavering commitment to growth. It is an odyssey that took me from the quiet landscapes of rural Nigeria to the dynamic world of broadcasting, and ultimately into the intellectually rewarding realm of the academia.
I was born and raised in Jengre town, nestled within the Pengana Chiefdom of Bassa Local Government Area in Plateau State, North Central Nigeria. Life in Jengre was modest, defined by simplicity and the communal values that characterise many rural communities in Nigeria. Resources were limited, but aspirations were not. From an early age, I was taught the virtues of hard work, discipline, and faith in God—values that have become the bedrock of my life’s apparently ever climactic journey.
Dr. Solomon Samuel Gonina, Lecturer of Mass Communication Department in the Faculty of Arts, University of Jos, Nigeria.
It was during my elementary education that I first discovered my passion for broadcasting. While other children were captivated by other attractions, I found myself fascinated by voices on air: the radio—voices that informed, educated, and inspired. I was intrigued by the power of communication: the ability to reach thousands, shape opinions, and influence society. Though I did not yet fully understand the mechanics of the profession, I knew, even then, that I wanted to be part of that world.
The path to becoming a broadcaster was neither smooth nor guaranteed. It required persistence, sacrifice, and an unshakeable belief in my dreams. Through a dint of hard work, propelled and directed by God’s special grace and mercy, I gradually found my footing in the field of broadcasting. Each step forward was a testament not only to personal effort but also to divine favour.
My professional journey took a defining turn when I became associated with Daar Communications, the owners of Ray Power and AIT—two of Nigeria’s most influential broadcast platforms. Working within such a reputable organisation exposed me to the rigours and expectations of professional broadcasting. It was an environment that demanded excellence, creativity, and resilience. I honed my skills, gained invaluable experience, and deepened my understanding of the media landscape.
Beyond Daar Communications, I also had the privilege of contributing to Plateau Radio Television Corporation (PRTVC) and University of Jos FM, otherwise known as ICE FM. These experiences broadened my perspective, allowing me to engage with diverse audiences and refine my craft across different broadcasting platforms. Each station added a unique layer to my professional identity, equipping me with both practical expertise and a nuanced appreciation of communication as a tool for development. While doing that, I also served as the Communications Director at the North East Nigeria Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
Just as my career in broadcasting was gaining stability, providence opened another remarkable chapter in my life—the transition from the studio to the classroom. The opportunity to become a lecturer in Mass Communication came as both a surprise and a calling. Armed with years of practical experience, I stepped into academia with a sense of purpose: to bridge the gap between theory and practice, and to mentor the next generation of media professionals.
Teaching, I soon realised, is an extension of broadcasting in a different form. While the studio allows one to speak to a broad, unseen audience, the classroom offers the privilege of direct engagement—of shaping minds, nurturing talents, and inspiring critical thinking. The transition was not without its challenges, but it was deeply fulfilling. It reaffirmed my belief that knowledge, when shared, becomes a powerful instrument for societal transformation.
My academic journey did not end with teaching; rather, it evolved into a pursuit of deeper scholarly engagement. I embarked on the demanding yet rewarding journey towards a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree at the University of Jos. This phase of my life was marked by intense research, intellectual rigour, and personal growth. It required discipline, resilience, and an enduring commitment to excellence.
No academic journey is complete without the guidance of mentors, and mine was profoundly shaped by two exceptional scholars: Prof. Sarah Benjamin Lwahas and Associate Prof. Francis Sunday Leman. Their supervision went beyond routine academic oversight; it was rigorous, meticulous, and deeply transformative. They challenged my assumptions, refined my thinking, and instilled in me the discipline required for high-level scholarship.
Mere words cannot adequately convey my indebtedness to them. Their academic sagacity, patience, and dedication were instrumental in my successful completion of the Ph.D. in 2025. They did not merely supervise a thesis; they nurtured a scholar. For this, I remain eternally grateful, and I pray that the Lord blesses them mightily. My story is incomplete without a voluminous mention of the great roles played by Professor Godfrey Danaan, Professor Victor Ayedun-Aluma, Dr. James Ashiekpe and Dr. Comfort Bulus. These world-class Scholars created diverse, deep and epic perspectives to my current worldview.
This piece will not be complete without a special mention of the foundational role played by my biological parents – Elder Samuel Wanza Gonina and Deaconess Metal Samuel Gonina. May God continue to bless and keep them. I cannot thank them enough!
Looking back, my journey from Jengre to the studio, and from the studio to the classroom, is a testament to the power of dreams, the value of perseverance, and the grace of God. It underscores the reality that humble beginnings do not define one’s limits; rather, they often provide the strongest foundation for future achievements.
Today, as a broadcaster-turned-academic, I stand at the intersection of practice and theory, experience and scholarship. My mission is clear: to contribute meaningfully to the development of media education, to inspire students to pursue excellence, and to use communication as a tool for societal progress. This odyssey is far from over. If anything, it is a continuing journey—one that reaffirms, with every step, that with faith, hard work, and the right guidance, even the most modest beginnings can lead to extraordinary destinations.
Editor’s Note: Dr. Solomon Samuel Gonina is a Lecturer of Mass Communication in the Faculty of Arts, University of Jos, Nigeria. All photos are courtesy of the scholar.
