Abdulbaqi urges students to prioritise community development
By Abubakar Abdulquadri
The Dean of the Faculty of Communication and Information Sciences (CIS), Prof. Saudat Salah Abdulbaqi, has urged students to internalise the knowledge and skills acquired during training opportunities to add value to themselves and contribute positively to their community.
Prof. Abdulbaqi gave the charge penultimate Saturday (December 13, 2025) while speaking at the ILM Conference with the theme “Empowering Students for the Digital Future”, held at the Faculty Lecture Theatre (FLT).
The Dean noted that identifying problems is the beginning of good research work and encouraged students to internalise the skills acquired and contribute to their classes, communities, roommates, and apprentices. She stressed that living in a community without making an impact is equivalent to not existing and advised students to make a positive impact.
Prof. Abdulbaqi acknowledged the Founder of ILM Nexus, Mr Bada, a 100-level student at Summit University, Offa, for his ingenuity and encouraged him to continue striving despite challenges. She also urged students to emulate his example to become great in life.
The Dean added that Ghazali Habeebibulahi, Co-Founder of Kolekto, has volunteered to host some students for internship and SIWES programmes at his company.
Also speaking, the Ag. Head of the Department of Mass Communication, Dr Patrick Udende, called on students to take the training seriously, describing it as an eye-opener. He emphasised the distinction between passion and skills, noting that passion without required skills would lead nowhere, and stressed that a combination of both is necessary for success.
The Ag. Head of the Department noted that the training opportunity was not limited to students of the Department of Mass Communication alone but was open to all students across the five Departments in the Faculty with about three hundred students registered.
On his part, the President of the Faculty of Communication and Information Sciences Students Association (CISSA), Sanni Nurudeen Akorede, emphasised the importance of acquiring skills for students. He stressed that graduating with a first-class honour without creative skills would be insufficient and advised students to learn, relearn, and unlearn to prosper after graduation.
The Founder of ILM Nexus, Miqdad Bada Akorede, explained how he discovered his creative talents and followed it with passion and commitment. He disclosed that their presence at the University of Ilorin is to bridge the gap between knowledge and skills.
Also speaking, the President of the Association of Mass Communication Students, University of Ilorin, Victor James, charged students to utilise the training opportunity and maximise the benefits, stressing that such opportunities do not come often.
