Joyce Mmereole Okoli
In a remarkable stride in both his academic and professional journey, renowned maritime journalist and broadcaster, Joshua Yousouph, has successfully completed a Master of Science (MSc) Degree in Communication Studies from Lagos State University (LASU).
Yousouph, a prominent figure in Nigeria’s maritime media space, currently serves as a News Reporter with Shipping Position Daily, the country’s first and only daily publication dedicated exclusively to the maritime sector. He also brings his expertise to the airwaves as an On-Air Personality on Shipping Position Live, a popular maritime-focused radio programme that airs three times weekly on Star FM 101.5, Lagos.
A graduate of Mass Communication from Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in 2019, Yousouph pursued his postgraduate studies driven by a passion for advancing his craft and contributing meaningfully to maritime journalism.
His academic efforts culminated in a thought-provoking dissertation titled “Maritime Reportage in Some Selected Newspapers in Nigeria”.
Through a meticulous content analysis of three major Nigerian newspapers, he examined the scope and quality of maritime reporting, shedding light on its impact on public awareness, sector development, and policy engagement.
The study is already being lauded as a valuable addition to the ongoing efforts to enhance the visibility of maritime affairs in mainstream media.
Beyond his journalistic endeavors, Yousouph is an active member of the Maritime Reporters’ Association of Nigeria (MARAN) and serves on the editorial board of MARAN News, a bi-monthly publication focusing on maritime issues.
He is also an Associate Member of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), a testament to his growing influence in the broader communications field.
Reflecting on the journey, Yousouph described balancing full-time journalism with the rigors of postgraduate studies as a formidable challenge. “Combining a full-time career in maritime journalism with the academic demands of a full-time Master’s degree was not a walk in the park.
There were long nights, tight deadlines, and countless sacrifices. But I’m incredibly grateful for how far I’ve come and the support system around me,” he said.
He dedicated the achievement to his family, mentors, colleagues, and young journalists striving to advance despite challenges. “This degree is not just a personal achievement, but a symbol of what is possible when passion, perseverance, and purpose align,” Yousouph noted.
