85-year-old graduate visits Neptune Prime, shares inspiring journey of lifelong learning, perseverance
Neptune Prime hosted 85-year-old Dr. Christiana Akpunonu, with an inspiring journey of lifelong learning and perseverance.
Born on December 29, 1940, in Nkwere, Imo State, she overcame early life challenges, including the loss of her mother at age two, to build an impressive career in law enforcement and broadcasting.
Here’s a look at her extraordinary journey.
NP: Congratulations on earning your PhD! How does it feel to achieve this milestone at 85?
Dr. Christiana: Well, thinking about how it feels takes me down memory lane. It feels great. As I said, I retired as Deputy Director of Programmes while working with Radio Nigeria.
NP: What inspired you to go back to school and pursue a doctorate at this stage of life?
Dr. Christiana: My determination and resilience pushed me to return to the University of Abuja to pursue my doctorate. I already had a first and second degree in Mass Communication, and I earned my doctorate in Theatre Arts.
NP: Tell us briefly about your PhD topic and why it was important to you.
Dr. Christiana: It focused mainly on children and women. I had been producing programmes for them for many years, and I even established a non-governmental organisation (NGO) to support and advocate for women and children. In the process, I came to understand that for any nation to develop, women must be empowered and enlightened. There was a program on Radio Nigeria titled “Health Watch,” and I began to wonder: are women really listening to this programme? Initially, I wanted to write on “Let Them Live,” but I eventually focused on “Health Watch” to assess its impact on women.
NP: What were some of the biggest challenges you faced along the way?
Dr. Christiana: Reaching out to women, especially in the northern part of the country, was challenging. Transportation was an issue, my age was a factor, and lack of funding was a major challenge.
NP: You’re also a lecturer. What’s it like teaching students who are generations younger than you?
Dr. Christiana: As long as it’s broadcasting, it’s social in nature. Broadcasting is about relating, so I had to come down to their level to ensure they understood what I was teaching. I also had to become young at heart so they could connect with me.
NP: What has been the most rewarding moment in your journey so far?
Dr. Christiana: The fact that I’m still broadcasting brings me joy. It’s rewarding to maintain good rapport with the audience and continue doing what I love.
NP: Many people believe it’s too late to chase big dreams—what would you say to them?
Dr. Christiana: Chasing a dream at 85 is itself a big dream. I was determined to reach the end, and here I am. So, don’t give up.
NP: What’s next for you? More research, more teaching… or something else?
Dr. Christiana: Not necessarily teaching or research. I’ll decide what’s next. But I encourage both the young and old who face challenges in their careers to keep going. Nothing is impossible. Age is never a limitation if you are determined.
NP: Congratulations, and thank you.
Dr. Christiana: Thank you.
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