By Daniel Oluwatobiloba Popoola
On a bright convocation day at the University of Lagos, Akoka, Florence Bodunrin Hungbo popularly known as Bodex Hungbo stood tall among thousands of graduands, not merely to receive a certificate, but to crown a journey defined by intentional reinvention, passion, and resilience.
For the media entrepreneur and founder of Bodex Group International, graduating at the 56th Convocation of UNILAG is more than an academic milestone; it is a deeply personal statement of growth. “It means a whole lot to me,” she said, reflecting on the moment. “My first degree was in Industrial Chemistry. Having a second degree one that aligns with what I do is intentional. I want my name attached to every positive success.”
Indeed, Bodex Hungbo’s academic path tells a compelling story of evolution. Trained initially as an industrial chemist, she successfully navigated a career that placed her at the intersection of broadcasting, media consulting, reputation management, and entrepreneurship long before returning to school to formally study Mass Communication. It was a decision driven by self-awareness and foresight.
“I love media, but I didn’t study media in school,” she explained. “I followed a practical path consulting for firms and individuals. But one day, I asked myself: what if someone asks me what I studied? I couldn’t keep saying Industrial Chemistry. So I decided to align education with practice.”
That alignment, she said, has transformed her outlook on leadership, learning, and capacity building. According to her, education is not merely about certificates but about depth. “The more you read, the more passion you get. Reading teaches patience, focus, leadership, and human management,” she noted.
Balancing academic life with an already demanding career, however, was far from easy. Managing multiple businesses while returning to the classroom tested her discipline and resolve. Time, she admitted, was her biggest challenge. “Sometimes I didn’t even want to go to class,” she recalled with a laugh. “You find yourself sitting with people young enough to be your children.”
Yet, she pushed through, driven by passion and adaptability. With the flexibility of postgraduate studies and a sharp sense of time management, she learned to move seamlessly between lectures and boardrooms. “I have passion for everything I do. So I go to school, go back to work, and repeat. I made it work.”
As a leading voice in Nigeria’s digital media ecosystem and convener of the Bodex Social Media Hangout, Hungbo believes education is indispensable in today’s influence-driven world. For her, credibility in digital media must be backed by knowledge. “Education helps you understand alignment, manage misinformation, and avoid fake news,” she said. “You can’t just talk out of point. You must know what you’re saying.”
Looking back at a career that has seen her consult at the highest levels including serving as a PR consultant to a sitting president this academic achievement, she said, completes the circle. “Now, when I introduce myself, I say I’m an industrial chemist and a mass communicator. It fits perfectly into my larger vision.”
Beyond personal fulfillment, Hungbo is keen on impact. She has already begun applying her academic experience to her projects, notably by engaging over 1,200 students at UNILAG during the sixth edition of the Bodex Social Media Hangout. There, she focused on social media for social good, information building, and self-development, while also emphasizing that artificial intelligence cannot replace human creativity.
Her next move is equally ambitious: a nationwide digital media school tour. “We want to go from school to school with experts journalists, influencers, media owners to grow skills from the grassroots,” she revealed. “If we don’t shape them early, it becomes harder later.”
For women, creatives, and professionals who feel time is no longer on their side, Hungbo’s message is unequivocal. “It’s not too late,” she said firmly. “Even if you’re 60 or 70, if that education will help your journey, go for it. Education widens your understanding and builds confidence.”
Standing at the convocation ground, the emotions were unmistakable. “I’m proud of myself,” she said, smiling. “Despite studying Industrial Chemistry, I’ve worked with global organizations. Now, this degree aligns with what I practice. It’s intentional, and it has taken my confidence to the next level.”
