UNILORIN Mass Comm. Dept. honours Azeez, Mahmud, Adedoyin
By Abubakar Abdulquadri
The Department of Mass Communication, Faculty of Communication and Information Sciences (CIS), University of Ilorin, has honoured the immediate past Dean of the Faculty, Prof. Lukman Adesina Azeez; a former Head of the Department, Dr Mahmud Abdulraheem; and the Olori-Ewe of Oro Kingdom, Chief AbdulRaheem Adedoyin; for their indelible contributions to the growth and development of the Department and humanity.
The awards presentation ceremony took place last Monday (February 23, 2026) at the Faculty of Communication and Information Sciences (CIS) Boardroom.
In his opening remarks, the Ag Head of the Department, Dr Patrick Udende, said that the Department has been growing and developing steadily as a result of the imprint of the trio and other stakeholders. He explained that it was for that reason that the Department decided to celebrate the trio.
Dr Udende maintained that the Department would continue to recognise and appreciate those who have contributed in one way or the other towards its progress.
The Head of the Department encouraged everyone to always make an imprint, no matter how small, wherever they find themselves. He said that even if they are not appreciated, Almighty God will reward them for the job done.
In her good will message, the Dean of the Faculty, Prof. Saudat Salah Abdulbaqi, appreciated the Head of the Department of Mass Communication and other staff members of the Department for putting up the programme.
Prof. Abdulbaqi said that she was not surprised by the accolades poured on the trio, noting that to whom much is given, much is expected.
The Dean noted that the three honourees had invested so much into the development of the Department in different capacities.
According to her, the honourees have impacted quality knowledge in the genrations of students of the Department who are doing wonderfully well as she disclosed that four alumni of the Department are currently serving in the Department while others are making their marks elsewhere.
The Dean described Mr Adedoyin as a man who is always ready to impact knowledge on students without expecting a dime. She said that the veteran journalist is always interested in equipping his students with all they need for them to compete with their contemporaries across the globe.
Prof. Abdulbaqi equally appreciated the invaluable contributions of Dr Abdulraheem as she said that Prof. Azeez left an indelible legacy in the Department of Mass Communication and the Faculty, which is making her responsibility, as his successor, easier.
In her remarks, the pioneer Dean of the Faculty, Prof. Omenogo Mejabi, acknowledged the massive contributions of the Faculty and described Prof. Azeez as a man who always does a fantastic job. She also described Dr Abdulraheem as a pioneer staff of the Department whose great impact would continue to be felt.
Also speaking, the Director of Corporate Affairs, University of Ilorin, Mr Kunle Akogun, congratulated the Department for deeming it fit to celebrate the trio who, he said, contributed immensely to its growth, adding that their contributions had taken the Department to greater heights.
In his remarks, the Director General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, said that communication must be deliberately deployed to win peace and development.
Mallam Issa-Onilu, who is also a veteran journalist, emphasised that Nigeria would win its battle against the agents of disintegration with the proper use of communication as a tool for peace. He said that peace can only be achieved through effective communication, interaction, and understanding of the causes of problems.
The NOA’s Chief Executive, therefore, expressed hope that the Federal Government would invest more in the communication sector to rid of the challenge of insecurity confronting it.
Responding on behalf of the honouree, Dr Abdulraheem, who is also the Chief Promoter of Gerin FM, Ilorin, appreciated the Department for the honour conferred on them and attributed his personal impact towards the success of the Department to a former Vice Chancellor of the University, Emeritus Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, whose leadership and hard work attracted him to the University.
Present at the event included the Director of General Studies Division, Prof. Lambe Kayode Mustapha; the Head of the Department of Computer Science, Prof. Hameed Olojowo; an Associate Professor at the Department of Mass Communication, Dr Rasaq Adisa; a member of the Editorial Board of UNILORIN Bulletin, Dr Abdulkadir Laaro and a Lecturer at the Department of Mass Communication, Dr Fatima Iyabo Abubakare.
Others were , the Senior Special Adviser Communication to the Kwara State Governor, Mr Abdulateef Ibrahim, the General Manager of Radio Kwara, Alhaji Comrade Kayode Aremu,was represented by the Director of News and Current Affairs, Unit,Alhaja Kuburat Mashood Mahmud, and the General Manager of The Herald Newspaper, Mr Yomi
