Monthly Archives: October 2025

Event, News brief

Caleb University Conference: Prof Rotimi Olatunji  highlights ACSPN’s role in advancing Communication and Media Capacity

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The National President of the Association of Communication Scholars and Professionals of Nigeria (ACSPN), Professor Rotimi Olatunji, has reaffirmed the Association’s commitment to advancing Nigeria’s communication and media landscape through stronger collaboration among academia, industry, and government.

Speaking at the 2025 International Conference of Caleb University, themed “Smart Collaboration: Industry–Academic Partnership for Innovation, Technological and Industrial Advancement,” Olatunji emphasised that effective partnerships are key to building a knowledge-driven and innovation-oriented society.

Delivering a lecture titled “Enhancing Capacity Building in Communication and Media through Academic–Industry–Government Partnerships in Nigeria: A Triple Helix Approach,” the ACSPN President said Nigeria’s communication sector must embrace synergy to unlock its full potential.

“True innovation in media is not just about novelty but about creating value and impact through transformation,” he said.

Triple Helix Model as a Framework for Change

Drawing on the Triple Helix Model—which integrates universities, industries, and government agencies within a shared innovation ecosystem—Olatunji noted that such collaborations promote curriculum co-design, joint research, and experiential learning. He called for a shift from conventional classroom teaching to practical engagement, policy-oriented research, and technology-enabled storytelling. He urged the Federal Government to strengthen institutional frameworks for university–industry partnerships, while encouraging the private sector to invest in academic research and innovation.

Meanwhile, a statement issued by Dr Solomon Oyeleye, ACSPN’s General Secretary, further underscored Olatunji’s appeal for a more structured and sustainable approach to capacity building in communication and media education.

Highlighting ACSPN’s ongoing initiatives, Olatunji cited collaborations with the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID), Dataphyte, the Ford Foundation, UNICEF, UNESCO, and the MacArthur Foundation. These partnerships, he said, have produced joint research projects, digital media training, innovation incubation programmes, and fellowships across Nigerian universities.

“Between November 2024 and now, ACSPN and CJID have trained nearly 100 scholars and professionals in mainstreaming AI into communication and media practice in Nigeria,” Olatunji revealed, describing the project as “a continuous one.”

It should be noted taht that since its inception, ACSPN has championed excellence in communication research and professional practice through initiatives such as the Empowerment Series, Eminent Persons’ Strategy Series, Value-Added Conferences, and Mentorship Programmes. These, Olatunji noted, have enhanced research productivity, professional competence, and youth engagement across the sector.

Pioneering Curriculum Reform

Olatunji also traced ACSPN’s pivotal role in the unbundling of the B.Sc. Mass Communication programme into eight distinct degree programmes—a landmark reform in Nigerian higher education.

According to him, the Association initiated the review process with support from UNICEF, organising the first stakeholder meeting at the University of Lagos with participants from the Nigerian Press Council, Nigerian Broadcasting Commission, Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria (APCON), and the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), among others.

Further progress, he recalled, was achieved through MacArthur Foundation grants managed by Professor Umaru Pate, which facilitated nationwide consultations culminating in the National Universities Commission’s adoption of the new communication degree structure.

Championing Media Literacy and Research

Through its partnerships with UNESCO and other development partners, ACSPN has also produced notable resources such as the UNESCO-supported brochure on combating fake news and promoting media and information literacy. These efforts, Olatunji said, highlight the Association’s leadership in evidence-based research, policy advocacy, and innovation in media and communication across Africa.

Despite these achievements, he acknowledged persistent challenges, including inadequate funding, weak research infrastructure, limited access to emerging technologies, and a continuing gap between academic output and industry needs.

Call for Policy Reforms and Technological Integration

In his concluding remarks, Olatunji called for robust policy reforms to position communication and media as strategic pillars of Nigeria’s national development. He also urged communication scholars and professionals to embrace continuous learning and to leverage emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and data-driven journalism to remain relevant in an evolving media landscape.

Participants at the conference commended Olatunji’s lecture for its intellectual depth and practical insights, describing it as a timely and visionary contribution to Nigeria’s pursuit of a knowledge-based, innovation-driven society.

Prof Olatunji, flanked by Dr Kayode Okuande, Dean, College of Communication and Media Studies and on the right by Dr Sunday Ogbonna, Acting Head, Department of  Mass Communication and Dr Solomon Oyeleye Acting Director, Centre for Parents Engagement and Alumni Relations, Caleb University
Prof Rotimi Olatunji surrounded by members of the College of Communication and Media Studies (COCOMS), Caleb University, after the conference

Special report

When honour fosters ambition and development at UNILAG Alumni 55th Anniversary Awards

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The grand ballroom of Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, glistened under the soft glow of chandeliers. Warm light danced off crystal glasses and gold-rimmed plates, while the gentle strains of live music mingled with laughter and the rhythmic hum of reunion. From one table to another, alumni exchanged embraces, reliving fond memories of Akoka days — the network and friendships that shaped their journeys.

This was no ordinary night. It was the 55th Anniversary Awards and Dinner Night of the University of Lagos Alumni Association — an evening steeped in pride, nostalgia, and renewal. More than a dinner, it was a homecoming of dreams and an affirmation of faith in an institution whose impact spans continents.

The Association had gathered not just to look back, but to look ahead — to celebrate excellence, inspire the future, and reaffirm the shared heartbeat of Akoka’s global family. The occasion also featured a roll call of distinguished personalities — top government functionaries, members of the National Assembly, industry giants, entrepreneurs, technocrats, eminent academics, and a mix of esteemed personalities, friends and colleagues. It was a sight to behold — a constellation of achievement under one roof, their presence a living testament to UNILAG’s influence across sectors and generations.

TRACING THE THREADS OF TIME

At the heart of the night stood Engr. IfeOluwa Oyedele, President Worldwide of the Association — a man whose calm confidence belied a passion for innovation. When he took the podium, the hall fell silent; anticipation charged the air.

“This is a historic and epoch-making occasion,” he began, his voice steady yet resonant. “We are not merely celebrating our past — we are defining our future.”

His opening remarks set the tone for an evening that would elegantly blend memory with ambition. Giving a historical perspective, Engr. IfeOluwa Oyedele, FNSE, FNIPE, FRMN, D.Eng. (Honoris Causa), guests that the University of Lagos Alumni Association was born in 1969, just four years after the institution’s first convocation. What began as a modest fellowship of early graduates determined to give back has, over five decades, evolved into one of Nigeria’s most vibrant and respected alumni networks.

“The Association, which has evolved through various stages, has remained visible in the joint task of advancing our alma mater,” he said. “Among our many achievements, today the Alumni Association enjoys a permanent seat on the University’s Governing Council. Indeed, we have made remarkable progress under the able leadership of fifteen past national presidents.”

Oyedele paid tribute to the succession of presidents, trustees and volunteers whose stewardship built the Association’s enduring legacy.

“Their footprints are everywhere — on the Akoka skyline, in classrooms, laboratories and boardrooms,” he noted. “They lit the path we now walk upon.”

That legacy, he said, is etched into structures such as the Erastus Akingbola Postgraduate Hall, D.K. Olukoya Research Laboratory, UNILAG Bus Terminal and Alumni Shopping Complex, Alumni Jubilee House (developed with GTBank), and the Iconic Alumni Building — an architectural landmark dedicated to the late Prof. Oye Ibidapo-Obe.

Other notable interventions include the donation of a Book-Eye 5V2 industrial scanner to aid digitisation of students’ records, scholarships for indigent students, endowed prizes for best graduates, and the development of alumni branches in Nigeria and the Diaspora.

“Every generation of alumni has carried the torch forward,” Oyedele reflected. “The strength of this Association lies in its people — those who remember where they came from and who never stop giving back. Each structure tells a story — of leadership, community and collective pride.”

He added: “The University of Lagos Alumni Association today represents what a true alumni body should be. Our ambition is to position this Association so that, if government ever grants full autonomy to public universities, we will have the financial muscle to sustain our alma mater.”

DRIVING NEW HORIZONS WITH TECHNOLOGY

Demonstrating a forward-looking vision, Oyedele unveiled a customised alumni engagement web and mobile application — a digital innovation designed to connect over 200,000 graduates worldwide and redefine how members interact with the Association.

“With this app, members can now register, pay dues, access events, news, job boards, and even vote electronically from anywhere in the world,” he announced to resounding applause. “To the best of my knowledge, this is the first of its kind in any university alumni body anywhere in the world.”

He further revealed the adoption of a bottom-up administrative model, empowering class sets, faculty chapters and branches to play greater roles in decision-making — a model aimed at deepening engagement and accountability.

BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE: THE 1,800-BED HOSTEL PROJECT

In a major infrastructural announcement, Oyedele revealed plans to construct a 1,800-bed student hostel on the university’s Akoka campus — a project set to ease the pressure on student accommodation.

“I am pleased to disclose that the University of Lagos Alumni Association has secured, from the university, suitable land within the campus to erect the hostel,” he said. “This will go a long way to ease student accommodation challenges. The planning of the project has reached an advanced stage, and we are optimistic that construction will commence before the end of this year.”

The new hostel, he noted, will complement existing facilities and provide a more conducive environment for learning and student welfare.

Additional projects on the Association’s agenda include: Installation of two lifts at the College of Medicine administrative building; Refurbishment and solar power upgrade of the Alumni Secretariat; Restoration of water supply to key faculties; andProvision of new medical equipment at the University Medical Centre.

REWARDING LEARNING AND CHARACTER

To reinforce the university’s motto — Learning and Character — Oyedele announced the institution of annual Character Awards to honour academic and non-academic staff, as well as graduating students who exemplify integrity, discipline and leadership.

“These prizes will be named after some of the distinguished awardees we are honouring today,” he said. “It is our way of building a culture that celebrates both intellectual excellence and moral uprightness.”

He added that the initiative would begin at the next convocation ceremony — a symbolic investment in values that sustain great institutions.

A CALL FOR VISION AND RENEWAL

Concluding his address, Oyedele drew inspiration from thinkers like Machiavelli and Winston Churchill, urging alumni to embrace courage and progress in leadership.

“We must not repeat the mistakes of the past but allow the spirit of progress to triumph,” he declared. “Let us be inspired by the generosity of great patriots like Chief Adebutu and Chief Fanimokun, who embody the spirit of giving and nation-building. Together, we are unstoppable.”

CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE AND SERVICE

As ushers glided between tables serving drinks and refreshments ahead of the dinner with the band’s melodious tunes keeping the mood livid, the evening blossomed into a graceful celebration of excellence, friendship and shared pride.

“This event symbolises what UNILAG represents — excellence, innovation and connection,” remarked one alumnus, smiling as he looked around the hall.

The occasion also included spectacle moments as fourteen remarkable individuals were honoured with Alumni Lifetime Achievement, Platinum, and Distinguished Alumni Awards, each recognised for their exemplary contributions to public good and societal advancement.

The honourees included:
Chief Kessington Adebutu, founder of Premier Lotto Limited;
Chief Tunde Fanimokun, Life Director, Folawiyo Group;
Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun (CJN);
Dr John Momoh, Chairman/CEO, Channels Media Group;
Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN);
Senator (Dr) Opeyemi Bamidele;
Olorogun (Dr) Sonny Folorunsho Kuku;
Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack;
Mr Kayode Egbetokun;
Senator (Dr) Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia;
Chief Christopher Adebayo Ojo (SAN);
Dr Kola Adeshina;
Mrs Folashade Noimat Okoya; and
HRH Prof. Epiphany Azinge (SAN)

“These awards reflect our vision to celebrate excellence and honour men and women who have dedicated their lives to public good,” Oyedele said. “Their stories inspire the next generation to serve with distinction.”

A VICE-CHANCELLOR’S TRIBUTE

The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, congratulated the Alumni Association on its 55 years of partnership and impact, describing it as “the best globally.”

“Alumni associations have the duty to connect, to be our ambassadors, to advocate, and to support the school,” she said.

“In my opinion, this Alumni Association scores 100% on each of these. One of the strengths of the University of Lagos is the seamless transfer of leadership and strong connections with our alumni.”

She expressed gratitude to Engr Oyedele and his team for sustaining vibrant chapters across Nigeria and the Diaspora.

“As we mark your 55th anniversary today,” she added warmly, “I want to assure you that we will continue to partner with you because our institution is secure. To move forward, we must work closely with both alumni and staff in a coordinated fashion — and I believe we already have that.”

Her words drew applauses — a celebration of continuity, collaboration, and the shared destiny between the university and its proud alumni.

And as the final notes of music faded into the Lagos night, amid dancing and more merry-cheers, one truth was clear — the University of Lagos Alumni Association was not just celebrating 55 years of legacy, it was reimagining the future — with courage, connection, and collective purpose to light the way forward. Indeed, the bond that the alumni creates is not merely enduring — it is ever-evolving, ever-inspiring, and beautifully unstoppable.

Pictorial highlights below, courtesy: Unilag Alumni Association

Special report

Service Unequaled as University of Abuja honours Major General Mobolaji Koleoso (Rtd)

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It was a day of heartfelt appreciation and celebration at Yakubu Gowon University (formerly the University of Abuja) as the institution honoured two outstanding personalities whose dedication and generosity have quietly strengthened its academic foundation.

At a ceremony held at the Sultan Maccido Institute for Peace, Leadership and Development Studies (SMIPLDS), Major General Mobolaji Koleoso (Rtd) and Dr Akeem Adedeji were presented with Special Recognition Awards for their selfless and pro bono contributions to teaching and mentorship at the Institute.

For Major General Koleoso, service has never been a passing phase; it is a lifelong calling, guided by a compass that has always pointed towards duty, discipline, and nation-building. Anchored in a life defined by consistent sacrifice, Koleoso, alongside Dr Akeem, has spent the past five years lecturing at the Institute without remuneration, mentoring young scholars and promoting the values of leadership, peace, and civic responsibility. Together, they have helped to strengthen the Institute’s academic base and advance its mission to raise leaders driven by integrity and service.

Presenting the awards, the Acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor Mathew Adamu, praised the honourees for their passion and generosity, describing them as shining examples of selfless contribution to education and humanity.

“We must recognise people who give back to society,” he said. “It is one of the biggest challenges we face as a country — people often think giving back must be about money. But there are intangible contributions that carry far greater value. What Major General Koleoso and Dr Akeem are doing through teaching and mentorship is priceless. They are building a better society.”

In his remarks, the Director of the Institute, Professor Mohammed Yelwa, lauded the honourees’ consistency and commitment, noting that their voluntary service had significantly enriched the Institute’s programmes and enhanced its credibility.

“Your unwavering commitment and the pro bono services you have rendered over the years stand as a testament to your belief in academic excellence, community service, and nation-building,” Yelwa said. “You have strengthened the Institute’s capacity to deliver on its mandate, and your influence continues to inspire others.”

Speaking on behalf of both awardees, Major General Koleoso, who also holds a PhD, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the University and the Institute for the recognition, describing it as both personal and collective — an affirmation of shared values.

“We are deeply grateful for this honour,” he said. “This recognition is not just about us; it reflects the values we hold dear — service, integrity, and nation-building. Teaching here has never been about reward but about impact. Seeing our students grow into responsible leaders is our greatest fulfilment. This gesture reminds us that service truly matters and encourages us to keep giving more of ourselves.”

L-R: Barr (Mrs) Atinuke Oluwole (nee Koleoluwa), Wife of the honoree, Mrs Abiodun Victoria Koleoluwa, Major General Koleoso and Prof Mathew Adamu. Acting VC, Yakubu Gowon University

Koleoso, a seasoned military officer, peace advocate, and leadership mentor has distinguished himself during a stellar career in the Nigerian Army, where he served in key command and administrative positions before retiring with honours. Beyond his military service, he has continued to demonstrate exceptional commitment to education and civic development. As a PhD holder in Strategic Studies, he has contributed to advancing scholarship in peacebuilding and leadership training, helping to shape the next generation of Nigerians with a focus on ethical leadership and national unity.

As the audience rose in applause, it was clear that the moment went beyond ceremony. It was a salute to a man whose journey — from the battlefield to the classroom — continues to prove that true greatness lies not in titles or rank, but in the selfless act of shaping lives and building a better nation.

Event announcement, Special report

Celebrating Excellence: UNILAG Alumni Marks 55 Years with Grand Honours Dinner

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… As Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, Sonny Kuku, Wole Olanipekun, John Momoh, Tunde Fanimokun, Kessington Adebutu, Opeyemi Bamidele, Didi Wilson-Jack, Bayo Ojo, Epiphany Azinge, Kola Adesina, Folasade Okoya receive iconic recognition

When the chandeliers of Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos light up on Friday, October 17, 2025, it will not just be another evening of glitz and glamour in Lagos. It will be a homecoming of greatness — a convergence of minds that have shaped law, governance, media, industry, and national development. As the University of Lagos Alumni Association celebrates a remarkable milestone—55 years of unity, achievement, and impact—with a glittering anniversary dinner, the evening will be one of recognition, reflection, and celebration.

A night to honour excellence, leadership, and service

The 55th Anniversary of the Alumni comes with a unique edge, not just to wine, dine and celebrate, but to also honour some of Nigeria’s most distinguished personalities — alumni and friends whose lives and legacies continue to illuminate the ideals of the University of First Choice.

Leading the roll of honourees is Honourable Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, Chief Justice of Nigeria, whose jurisprudential brilliance and integrity have inspired a generation. Alongside her stands Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN, Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the UNILAG Council, a man whose name is synonymous with legal excellence and institutional leadership.

Also on the honour list are Dr. John Momoh, Chairman of Channels Media Group and trailblazer in broadcast journalism; Chief Tunde Fanimokun, Life Director at Folawiyo Group and development icon; and Sir Chief Kessington Adebutu, CFR, revered philanthropist and business magnate whose generosity has transformed communities.

The recognition extends to other eminent achievers — Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, Senate Majority Leader; Mrs. Esther Didi Wilson-Jack, OON, Head of Service of the Federation; Chief Bayo Ojo, SAN, former Attorney General of Nigeria; HRM (Prof.) Epiphany Azinge, Asagba of Asaba; Mr. Kola Adesina, distinguished entrepreneur, managing director of Sahara Group; and Chief (Mrs.) Folasade Okoya, a symbol of grace and enterprise.

The evening will be graced by the Vice President of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima, GCON, as Special Guest of Honour, while Olor’ogun Dr. Sonny Folorunso Kuku, Ogbeni-Oja of Ijebuland — himself a proud UNILAG alumnus and honouree — will preside as Chairman of the Occasion.

Honour beyond awards

In his remarks ahead of the celebration, the President of the UNILAG Alumni Association, Worldwide, Engr. IfeOluwa Oyedele, described the anniversary as “a tribute to the enduring spirit of excellence and service that defines every true UNILAG graduate.”

“This is more than an award ceremony,” Oyedele said. “It is a reflection of shared values — integrity, innovation, and the courage to lead. The individuals we honour have not only excelled in their fields but have also uplifted others and strengthened the legacy of our great university.”

Honouring Legacies, Inspiring Futures

The 55th Anniversary Dinner will feature the conferment of Platinum, Distinguished Alumni, and Lifetime Achievement Awards — each a symbol of remarkable contribution and lasting impact.

Guests will include royal fathers, academia, captains of industry, and the crème de la crème of Nigerian society. Beyond the awards, the evening promises moments of nostalgia, reconnecting generations of alumni who have walked the same halls, shared the same dreams, and now shape the same nation.

For the UNILAG Alumni Association, this landmark event is not merely a celebration of the past but a declaration of faith in the future — a reaffirmation that the University of Lagos continues to produce leaders who influence policy, drive innovation, and inspire change across Africa and beyond.

As the lights dim and the applause rises, one thing will be clear: the UNILAG Alumni story is still being written — one legacy at a time.

*Special report. Edited by Sanmi Falobi