An Ibadan-based Christian movie star, and author, Oreofe Williams has bagged a doctoral degree in Film Studies from the Federal University Oye Ekiti (FUOYE).
Williams, who made this known on social media gave insight into his doctoral journey and how he has been mentoring talented individuals in the film industry.
Titling his piece, “I simply chose not to get distracted”, said, ” Are you aware that I got a form for a Diploma in Theatre Arts for one of my mentees the same year I picked this PhD form? I paid his fees to get that diploma; he got distracted and dropped out. I got my Ph.D. and I have mentees today whom I mentored through Universities and are on their PhDs today.
“I once abandoned a Ph.D. programme because I had a Ph.D. grade from the University of Ibadan and I was asked to start with MPhil/Ph.D. UI? A whole UI gave me a PhD grade and I was being advised to settle for an MPhil/PhD in another school. I left but I never gave up. I got a PhD in Literature and now I have a PhD in Film Studies. I wanted a PhD from the Theatre & Media Arts Department because academically speaking I want to be able to enter any Vice-Chancellor’s office and tell him ‘I AM AN AUTHOR AND AUTHORITY’. I want to be an African actor who would be respected by Universities anywhere in the world. I had no one advising me or counseling me to go pick up the forms. I wanted it and God gave me!
“Here is the truth: You can only be advised and guided if you are willing. Nobody can force success on you, sir. Someone can pay your school fees but no man can study on your behalf. To either drop out or graduate is your own choice. To sit for your WAEC and JAMB and get admission to the University is your choice.
“The first question I ask every talent who comes to THE CITY OF TALENTS is ‘re you in school’? ‘Are you a graduate’? We can sponsor you if interested but we can’t force you. A fellow once told me he was studying Theatre Arts in FUTA. FUTA o: FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF ‘TECHNOLOGY’. Maybe A they just began.
“I am the first Doctor of Film Studies in Nigeria today to have a FILM VILLAGE and a Film School. I simply chose not to get distracted.
“Please I am not Dr OREOFE WILLIAMS. I am OREOFE WILLIAMS Ph.D.
“And big thumbs-up to FUOYE TMA for a thorough job. The Senior-Lecturers and Professors there are highly meticulous and always at their best. The last slide is for JESUS CHRIST the one who sponsored me.”
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