LASU ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT:A PATH TO ACHIEVEMENT

Henry Oladele: The name behind the News

By Marvelous Udoruisi 

        

        

        Henry Oladele, an alumnus of the Lagos State University (LASU), shared his experience navigating his way as a student and how it has shaped him on the right path to achievement in his career as a journalist. Henry Oladele studied History and International Relations at LASU from 2005 to 2009, as part of the 2004/2005 set. He added that his experience at LASU is what impacted and shaped him into becoming who he is today.

  "My experience at LASU was a great one because it taught me a lot of things academically, socially, mentally. By the time I was out of school, I knew I could face any challenge and difficulty at any point in time in life."

       This sense of confidence and preparedness has been a hallmark of Henry's career, and has enabled him to navigate the ups and downs of the journalism industry.

        Oladele's career path to journalism was the biggest turn for him. His career as a journalist was inspired by his grandfather, Chief Olu-Adekoya who was also a journalist. His early stage of career in journalism started with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)2011, where he started as a Reporter and is currently an Editor for the Education beat. 

Green ball event for stakeholders in the environment industry (2024)

        Over the years, he has equipped himself with knowledge and skills to stay ahead in the rapidly evolving media landscape. He has taken courses on media reporting, multimedia, photography, and other related fields, broadening his understanding of the industry.

       With a career spanning over a decade, and has demonstrated remarkable growth and dedication to his career. his impressive track record of promotions, culminating in his recent promotion as an Editor is a testament to his hard work and determination. Oladele's career has been marked by recognition and accolades. 

"To stay ahead, I've pursued ongoing training and development, including courses on Enhancing Nigeria's National Security, New Generation Warfare, and media training from the Nigerian Army School of Public Relations and Information."

Presentation of certificate on a course organised by the U.S Consulate General(2018)

       Oladele has published an astonishing 3,000 stories between 2011 and 2025, showcasing his exceptional productivity and dedication to storytelling. 

" I have published over 3000 stories but one of my notable stories was when I wrote about some police officers creating a nuisance in a particular residential area, they were recalled after the story was published. This showed that everyone can make a difference in their own way." He says. 

HENRY OLADELE'S PUBLISHING RECORD: A 14-YEAR OVERVIEW(2011-2025)

   

        The above graph shows a steady increase in Henry Oladele's published stories from 2011 to 2019, with a significant spike in 2015. This suggests that Henry's career was gaining momentum during this period, with increased opportunities and recognition.
     However, the graph also shows a noticeable decline in published stories during the COVID-19 pandemic (2020-2021). This is likely due to the disruptions caused by the pandemic, including lockdowns, reduced access to information, and changes in media consumption habits.
    Fortunately, the graph shows a strong recovery in 2022-2023, with Henry's published stories surpassing pre-pandemic levels. This indicates that Henry was able to adapt to the new landscape and continue producing high-quality content.
     In 2024, Henry's published stories continued to grow, maintaining the upward momentum. As for 2025, the data is still emerging, and the numbers are just starting to come in. Given the trend, it's likely that Henry will continue to produce a high volume of published stories in 2025.

    WHAT IS NEXT FOR   JOURNALISM? 

        As a journalist, Oladele offers valuable advice to aspiring journalists.  

  "My advice to aspiring journalist is to ensure that they are ready to expand their knowledge by reading and re-reading."

          Oladele's path to achievement serves as a source of inspiration for many young journalists. His story is a testament to the power of hard work, resilience, and determination. "It might take time, but growth is paramount, so long as you take out time to develop yourself while staying true to yourself and your faith," Oladele says.

        This message of hope and encouragement is a fitting conclusion to Oladele's remarkable story, reminding us that with dedication and perseverance, anyone can achieve their dreams.