At 27, Moyinoluwa Precious Ajayi Has Written 60 Books, Earned a PhD and Isn't Done Yet

The spotlight is on Moyinoluwa Precious Ajayi, and at 27, she has certainly given us a reason to pay attention.

Ajayi is one of Nigeria's youngest high-achieving PhD graduates. She recently completed her PhD in Mass Communication atBabcock University, graduating as the best PhD student in her department with the highest CGPA.

She also works in university public relations, teaches Mass Communication and Media Studies, conducts research and continues to write.

In an interview with Tribune Online, Ajayi reflected on completing her doctorate at 27, the self-doubt she experienced along the way, her work in public relations and teaching, and the writing career she started as a child.

A Childhood Love for Writing

Ajayi grew up in Ondo State and began writing short stories and novels at eight.

By secondary school, writing had become part of how people knew her. "I have authored over 60 books and over 500 poems," she said, with poetry, novels, short stories and plays among her creative work.

Medicine was initially the career her family expected her to pursue. Her father bought her science textbooks in preparation for that path.

But Ajayi was more drawn to Literature-in-English, Government, English Language and Christian Religious Studies. Her interest in writing also stayed with her, eventually leading her to Mass Communication.

At Babcock, she earned her BSc, MSc and PhD, progressing from foundational study to advanced research.

A Young Scholar With Work Outside Academia

Ajayi was often among the youngest students in her class, including during her undergraduate, MSc and PhD programmes.

She focused on being prepared and contributing meaningfully rather than allowing the age difference to intimidate her.

That same approach has shaped her professional life.

She works in public relations and marketing atAugustine University, Ilara-Epe, Lagos State, and teaches as an adjunct lecturer in the Department of Mass Communication and Media Studies.

Her PR work gives her practical experiences to bring into the classroom, while her academic background influences how she approaches communication professionally.

Her classmates also elected her Public Relations Officer for the Nova Postgraduate Graduating Class.

Research That Looks Beyond the University

For her PhD, Ajayi examined how road safety radio campaigns influence commercial motorists across Lagos, Ogun and Oyo states.

The research focused on the gap between road safety messaging and how those messages are received by the people they are meant to reach. While agencies such as theFederal Road Safety Corps run campaigns to improve safety, transport unions and commercial motorists may sometimes view enforcement as punitive rather than helpful.

Ajayi's work examined that communication gap.

She also wants stronger links between universities, government and industry, with research contributing more directly to public policy and professional practice. Better access to digital research databases, modern research tools and funding for early-career researchers are among the changes she would like to see.

What Comes Next

"For years, I had quietly questioned my own intelligence whenever people praised me," she said in the Tribune interview.

Breaking large tasks into smaller steps, seeking guidance from mentors and accepting honest feedback helped her work through those moments.

Writing has remained part of her life alongside academia and public relations. She founded The Literary Lighthouse, a creative hub where she helps young writers with their work, including editing and publishing.

Her message to young women pursuing academic and professional careers is direct: "Take up space without permission or apology."

She wants young Nigerians to take their ambitions seriously, regardless of where they come from.

Ajayi plans to publish more research, take on broader strategic communication projects and pursue higher leadership roles in education. She also intends to continue writing and publishing creative books.

So, yes, the spotlight is on Moyinoluwa Precious Ajayi.