Founding Executive Director of the Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) and Chairman of the Abia State Disability Commission, Dr. David Obinna Anyaele, has described the successful completion of his Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programme at Babcock University as a rewarding milestone, despite the numerous academic challenges encountered throughout the journey.
Dr. Anyaele was among the 183 Doctor of Philosophy graduates honoured during the 15th Postgraduate Convocation and Doctor of Philosophy Hooding Ceremony of Babcock University, held on July 21, 2026, in Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State. He said it was a rare privilege to celebrate the achievement in the company of family, friends and fellow scholars.
Reflecting on his academic journey, the disability rights advocate noted that earning a PhD required resilience, discipline and perseverance. According to him, the programme involved rigorous coursework, extensive research, seminar presentations and multiple stages of thesis defence, a process he described as demanding enough to discourage many candidates. However, he added that successfully completing the programme made every challenge worthwhile.
Dr. Anyaele commended the President and Vice-Chancellor of Babcock University, Professor Afolarin Ojewole, the Provost of the College of Postgraduate Studies, Professor Yacob Haliso, and the university faculty for organising what he described as a well-structured, time-conscious and memorable hooding and graduation ceremony.
He recalled that in his convocation address, the Vice-Chancellor reminded the graduating scholars that a doctorate is not merely an academic achievement but a call to greater responsibility. Professor Ojewole urged the graduates to pursue truth with integrity, remain humble in their quest for knowledge, and apply their expertise in addressing societal challenges while mentoring younger scholars and ensuring their research benefits humanity.
Inspired by the message, Dr. Anyaele pledged to dedicate his newly acquired knowledge to promoting justice, kindness and a more humane society free from discrimination against persons with disabilities. He reaffirmed his commitment to advancing disability rights and championing inclusive development through research, advocacy and public service.
Sharing words of encouragement, Dr. Anyaele quoted his personal maxim: “It is more profitable to suffer hopefully than to suffer hopelessly,” and echoed Winston Churchill’s famous words: “Success is not final, failure is not fatal; it is the courage to continue that counts.” He also expressed appreciation to everyone who congratulated and supported him throughout his academic journey.
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