The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State Council, Akeem Abas, has instituted academic prizes for Mass Communication students of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, as part of efforts to promote academic excellence and encourage outstanding performance among aspiring media professionals.
Abas announced the initiative during the DUET Annual Oratorical Contest organised by the Association of Student Communicators (ASCOM) of The Polytechnic, Ibadan.
The event attracted students, lecturers and communication experts from within and outside the institution.
Speaking at the programme, the NUJ chairman, who is also an alumnus of the institution, expressed delight at returning to his alma mater to contribute to the academic and professional development of students preparing for careers in communication and journalism.
Abas, who chaired the occasion, announced the sponsorship of prizes for the top three winners of the oratorical contest and pledged that the initiative would be sustained annually to motivate students towards excellence and healthy academic competition.
Delivering a lecture on the theme “Communication as an Agent of National Development: Rethinking Voice, Media and Social Change”, Abas underscored the strategic role of communication in nation-building and social transformation.
He urged students to embrace the positive potential of Artificial Intelligence and other emerging technologies, stressing that such innovations could be harnessed to advance meaningful national development and strengthen the media profession.
The NUJ chairman also cautioned students against the dangers of fake news, misinformation and propaganda, urging them to see themselves as agents of positive change and responsible communication.
He further encouraged aspiring journalists and communicators to uphold professionalism, ethical standards and truth in their practice while responsibly utilising modern technological tools for societal development.
In his remarks, the president of the Association of Student Communicators, Ohamuo Frank, commended Abas for his support and commitment to the advancement of students within the department.
Frank described the gesture as a morale booster that would inspire students to strive for excellence and promote healthy competition among members of the association.
Also speaking, the Head of the Mass Communication Department, Dr. Soji Olatunji, praised the NUJ chairman for giving back to his alma mater and investing in the future of young communicators.
He noted that such interventions would complement the institution’s efforts at producing competent, ethical and socially responsible media professionals capable of contributing positively to national development.
