I am delighted to announce that today, April 16th, 2025, I successfully defended my PhD thesis, “Assessment of Internal Communication and Employee Relations Management in the Nigeria Customs Service.
This accomplishment marks the culmination of a challenging yet deeply fulfilling journey. It is important to acknowledge that this milestone is, first and foremost, due to the will and mercy of Allah (SWT).
It was a significant undertaking to shift academic focus after earning a first degree and a master’s degree from Bayero University Kano in a different field, embracing Mass Communication from its foundational levels (BSc (Hons), MSc Mass Communication, and now a PhD in Media Arts). This was achieved while concurrently managing the demanding responsibilities of superintending the Public Relations Unit of the Nigeria Customs Service.
My acknowledgment would be incomplete without recognizing individuals crucial to this success. Firstly, my mother, and secondly, my late father, to whom this thesis is dedicated. Thirdly, the deeply supportive Head of the Department of Theatre Arts, University of Abuja, Dr. Roseline Yacim; and finally, the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR. I also sincerely appreciate the invaluable guidance, support, and constructive criticism provided by my supervisor, Prof. Barth Oshionebo, and all the dedicated academic staff within and beyond my department.
Finally, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to my wife, Aisha Musa Auyo (PhD in view, InshaAllah), Dr. Sadiq Mukhtar, and Dr. Eric Andover, for their significant contributions to the success of this work. To all my loved ones, teachers, colleagues, and friends, I thank you very much for your unwavering support and encouragement. May Allah (SWT) bless you all abundantly. Ameen.
Finally, I am thrilled and humbled by the comment of the external examiner, Prof Irene Agunloye, stating that this is the second time she is examining a PhD thesis that has been almost flawless in the last 35 years of her career. Another interesting episode is the graduation of an 85-year PhD candidate along with us (a lecturer with Baze University). This is a testimony that you cannot be too old to start learning and you cannot be too young to aim high and achieve great things.
