Oba Kuoye Charges Youths Not To Rely On Minimal Qualifications, Says, “My PhD Is An Encouragement To Other Monarchs”(+photos)

BY ABU-SATAR HAMED

LAGOS, NIGERIA – The Olu of Imasayi-Yewa, Oba (Dr.) Lukman Adeleke Kuoye, has declared that his achievement of a doctorate degree in social work from Lagos State University (LASU) serves as an inspiration to other monarchs.

Oba Kuoye was one of the 11,195 graduates at the 27th Convocation Ceremony held on Thursday, June 6, 2024, at the Buba Marwa Auditorium on the LASU campus in Ojo, Lagos.

In an interview with the newsmen, Oba Kuoye explained that his motivation for pursuing a PhD was to establish a strong foundation for the traditional institution, emphasizing that being a monarch should not prevent one from achieving academic success.

He urged youths not to rely solely on their basic qualifications, emphasizing that everyone has a significant purpose to fulfill on Earth, saying, “Don’t rely on the small certificates you have; you are here for a purpose.”

Sharing his educational journey, Oba Kuoye discussed the focus of his thesis and cautioned the government and society against taking the issue of mental health lightly.

“When I ascended the throne, I was already working on my PhD. Despite the challenges, I remained focused and determined to complete it. Now, I plan to pursue another Master’s degree because my journey is far from over,” he revealed.

Oba Kuoye aims to demonstrate that being an Oba does not hinder academic achievements. “The passion I have for education cannot be undermined,” he asserted. “I hope other monarchs see that being an Oba doesn’t prevent one from achieving their goals.”

Kabiyesi encouraged young people to view their current qualifications as just the beginning, stressing that, “A Master’s degree is small; a PhD holder will tell you a Master’s is small, and a Master’s degree holder will say the same about a first degree. So, my message is clear: aim higher and fulfill your purpose.”

Highlighting the importance of education for leaders, Oba Kuoye stated, “An educated Oba governs differently from one who is not. It’s not just about obtaining a certificate but understanding the core issues.”

Kabiyesi’s research on individuals living with mental disorders revealed alarming trends “In the next 3-4 years, if we don’t take action, drug abuse will lead to an increase in mental health issues. Many cases of mental disorders are due to depression, not curses or spells,” he warned.

Oba Kuoye’s journey and insights emphasize the transformative power of education and the crucial role of informed leadership in addressing societal challenges.

“When I ascended the throne, I never knew I would continue my education. I was already struggling with my PhD, but with focus and determination, I finally accomplished it,” Oba Kuoye recounted.

Oba (Dr.) Lukman Adeleke Kuoye, responding to a question, emphasized the significant difference education makes in governance, particularly for monarchs.

“If you see an Oba that is well educated, the way he governs his kingdom will be different from those who are not educated,” Oba Kuoye asserted. He underscored that education goes beyond mere certification; it involves understanding the root causes of issues.

Sharing insights from his research, Oba Kuoye revealed, “My focus was on people living with mental disorders.” He expressed concern about the potential rise in mental health issues due to drug abuse in the next few years.

Having conducted fieldwork, Oba Kuoye observed firsthand the correlation between drug abuse and mental disorders. He emphasized that not all cases are attributed to curses or spells but often stem from depression.

Oba Kuoye’s remarks shed light on the crucial role of education in effective governance and mental health awareness, advocating for a holistic approach to address these societal challenges.