In this deeply reflective piece, James Ayo-Akinola shares insights from his recently completed doctoral journey at Michigan Technological University. Drawing from his contrasting experiences in two PhD programmes, he highlights the transformative power of mentorship grounded in respect, empathy, and academic integrity, while calling for a more humane approach to postgraduate education.
Last Friday, November 7th, 2025, I defended my dissertation at the intersection of communication, culture, digital humanities, and tourism studies. This long post is a reflection of that experience.
Pursuing and completing a doctoral degree may not necessarily be entirely new to me but this present experience has been remarkably distinct.
My doctoral journey at the Department of Humanities, Michigan Technological University was not the give-and-take type that is often associated with supervisor–student relationships in some places. The mentoring I received was genuine, profound, and deeply transformative. I did not have to perform errands or engage in known or unknown transactional expectations before my drafts were reviewed, discussed, and constructively critiqued. Through this process, I truly learned the art of becoming a well-rounded scholar.
Every interaction with my advisor and committee members was a moment to anticipate with excitement. Each meeting was memorable, characterized by mutual respect, intellectual engagement, and encouragement. The academic rigor, though very demanding, became a pathway to refinement rather than a source of fear. There was no room for trepidation, flattery, or pretentious hero worship. I never felt the need to rehearse my words or censor myself to avoid offending my “almighty supervisor” prior to any meeting on my draft. Even when I tried considering my advisor was doing me a favor by working with me on my dissertation, she helped me understand that such a relationship is not a favor or privilege extended to a student, but a responsibility built on respect, guidance, and shared purpose.
I am, therefore, grateful to Prof. Stefka Hristova Stef Stef, whose responsiveness, sense of duty, and intellectual grace embody the finest spirit of academia. Her quiet strength and personal commitment to truth and knowledge continue to inspire me, reflecting what it truly means to ascend the highest rungs of the academic ladder with humility, brilliance, and heart.
My heartfelt appreciation also goes to my committee members, Drs. Rich Canevez, Jason Archer, and Soonkwan Hong, for their intellectual generosity and support. Indeed, it takes a community to raise a scholar. I am equally thankful for the support system and the environment for academic excellence provided by the Michigan Tech Department of Humanities, Houghton.
I’m thankful to Profs. Adenike Akinjobi, Bosede Osungbogun, Tunde Opebi Ope-Davies, Obododimma Oha, Chinedum Peace Babalola, and Niyi Osundare for their unwavering encouragement from the moment I received the offer for another doctorate pursuit.
I thank the Department of English of the University of Ibadan, Nigeria for the theoretical rigor despite the scarce resources. Those foundational training cannot be taken for granted.
Thanks to Dr. Alex Gil (at Yale University) and Dr. Barbara Bordalejo (of University of Leithbridge, Canada) for their critiques of my infant ideas on the dissertation. Their suggestions guided toward a winning direction.
To my beloved wife, Titilayo Joy Ayo-Akinola, I owe immeasurable gratitude for your unflinching love, patience, and immeasurable support. To my amazing children, Ayolayomi and Ewaoluwa, thank you for being part of this joyful story. Surprisingly, Ayolayomi criticized my final presentation slides and suggested design improvements. Those suggestions were indeed invaluable.
And my friends and brothers, Samuel Aina, Sunday Adegbenro, Ogungbemi Rotimi Daniel, John Oluwaseye Adebayo, Felix Oke, Adeyinka Adekunle, Oluwafemi Ajayi, Tosin Gbogi, Frank Onyeka Onu, Oluwatosin Imoleayo Oyeniran, Tayo ‘newbreed’Oso, Kazeem Kareem, and many others too numerous to mention, thank you for being the garments that I wear. May you never be unclothed.
To my parents, especially Mummy Joy Omene-Yusuf, Pastor ‘Tunde Akinola, and Abdighaniy Edwin Adeniyi, I thank God for the priceless gift of you.
In my worldview, one’s parents are not only those from whom one inherits DNA. As the Yoruba would say, “Ọmọ tí ó ní ọ̀pọ̀ òbí kì í ṣìnà.,” (a child with many parents does not lose direction). I have been nurtured, shaped, and guided by numerous people whose love, counsel, and belief in me have built the person I have become. To all such elders, mentors, and guides, I offer my gratitude!
To my spiritual family at Glad Tidings Church and Chi Alpha Christian Fellowship, thank you for being a haven of faith. Thanks to my God-given Aunt, Darnisha L. Morris.
I also extend my heartfelt appreciation to the African Students Organization (ASO) at Michigan Technological University.
And to all of you who relish in this joy; may you also be celebrated.
Let me close by reiterating that the pursuit of a PhD should never be an endeavor that strips students of their self-worth. It should not be a demoralizing experience or an instrument of subjugation. No PhD student deserves to be enslaved, manipulated, or emotionally broken in the name of academic training. Without mincing words, all of these were part of my previous PhD experience. Yes, I finished it with gratitude but without joy.
Contrarily, the journey to my new doctorate teaches what the process ought to look like: it should be a journey that refines intellect, builds confidence, and preserves human dignity while nurturing independent thought. True scholarship thrives in environments where compassion and mentorship coexist with rigor and discipline.
Don’t get it twisted! It’s not about the location, instead it’s about the mindset and values of those who lead the process, whether they uphold or compromise the ethics that define true academia. Some of them, and even the new PhDs they “produced”, indeed feel that that abnormality is the norm.
This journey has also taught me a lasting lesson: that whenever a system, tradition, or practice becomes abnormal and degrades human dignity, no achievement within it should ever justify its continuation. That you experienced the “blood-gulping” process to getting your doctorate should be the reason you should want to right the wrongs, not to foster or further it! We all must commit ourselves to ensuring that the wrongs of the past do not persist, and that we consciously build a future founded on excellence, fairness, respect, and compassion.
As for me, and justifiable so; I will continue to work for the good of others and for everyone God brings under my advising or mentorship. Those in my care would not have to endure the painful experiences I once knew; rather, they will inherit the good that I have recently found in line with institutional policy. This I promise, and may God help me.
