After more than thirty years of relentless dedication, tireless learning, and unwavering pursuit of excellence, Rotn Dr. Sola Akinsiku has reached a milestone that marries perseverance with purpose. On a significant note, the President of the Out of Home Advertising Association of Nigeria (OAAN) and Publisher of Brand Visibility Magazine formally received his PhD in Mass Communication from the University of Lagos during the institution’s 56th Convocation Ceremony, adding a crowning academic achievement to a career that has shaped Nigeria’s media and advertising landscape.

Indeed, it was a moment of shared joy, as colleagues, students, and industry peers joined in celebrating a career now formally recognised at the highest academic level. Importantly, the achievement went beyond personal fulfilment. Rather, it marked the culmination of decades spent climbing professional peaks, mentoring young talent, building institutions, and navigating the evolving currents of journalism, advertising, and public relations.

A Career Forged in Dedication

Born in Ondo State, Dr. Akinsiku began his professional journey in media in 1989 at Punch Newspapers. He later earned a Master’s degree in Mass Communication from the University of Lagos in 1992, laying a strong academic foundation that would support a lifetime of professional practice. Over the years, he has consistently worked across journalism, public relations, and advertising, earning respect for integrity, strategic foresight, and steady leadership.

A Fellow of the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON), Dr. Akinsiku has held pivotal industry roles, including Senior Client Service Executive at Rock Forte Advertising Limited, before venturing into private practice in Out of Home advertising. He co founded KOK Visibility Edge and later established Landmark Media Limited, both of which grew into prominent OAAN member companies under his guidance.

Leadership, Mentorship, and Advocacy

As OAAN President, Dr. Akinsiku has played a visible and steady role in shaping Nigeria’s outdoor advertising sector. He has consistently championed innovations that merge technology with traditional media, while firmly advocating a balance that preserves the irreplaceable value of human creativity. Through this approach, he has influenced industry policy, mentored emerging professionals, and strengthened national conversations around regulation and innovation.

His thought leadership has reached audiences at several high level platforms, including the MARKETING EDGE Annual Summit and the National Advertising Conference, among others. Across these forums, he has continued to emphasise collaboration, strategic planning, and ethical practice as essential drivers of sustainable industry growth.

Academic Triumph and Personal Fulfilment

Reflecting on the achievement while speaking exclusively with MARKETING EDGE, Dr. Akinsiku described the PhD not as a title to be worn, but as a responsibility to be lived. He explained that the pursuit was never driven by prestige, noting that he had declined several honorary doctorate offers over the years, choosing instead the more demanding path of earned scholarship.

According to him, true fulfilment comes not merely from attaining a new height, but from the discipline, sacrifice, and intellectual rigour required to get there. He stressed that education at this level compels deeper self interrogation, continuous industry evaluation, and a commitment to asking difficult questions about progress, performance, and obstacles.

Dr. Akinsiku also acknowledged the emotional, financial, and time demands of the journey, from investing in books and research materials to balancing academic responsibilities with professional obligations. He described the process as one that required patience, resilience, and faith, noting that completion alone was not the reward, but the endurance that shaped the journey.

Expressing gratitude, he attributed the successful conclusion of the programme to divine grace, emphasising that human effort alone is never sufficient. He described himself as privileged to be an instrument of accomplishment and appreciated those who supported him through the demanding phases of the academic pursuit.

Legacy in Motion

Beyond the personal milestone, Dr. Akinsiku continues to invest in mentorship, advocate ethical practice, and foster innovation across Nigeria’s media and advertising ecosystem. As Publisher of Brand Visibility Magazine and a prolific writer and reader, he remains committed to shaping narratives, strengthening professional standards, and inspiring a new generation of practitioners.

This PhD, now formally added to a career of extraordinary consistency and contribution, stands as a testament to resilience, vision, and lifelong learning, a fitting recognition of a professional journey that continues to leave a lasting mark on Nigeria’s media and advertising landscape.