Imam tasks KWASUED’s press officers on effective service delivery
By Abubakar Abdulqadir
The Deputy Editor of UNILORIN Bulletin, Mr Abubakar Imam, has tasked press officers of the Kwara State University of Education (KWASUED), Ilorin, to take the task of building, projecting and preserving the image of the new University with adequate professionalism and unflinching seriousness.
Mr Imam gave the advice last Monday (October 12, 2026) while presenting a paper, titled “Crisis Communication, Media Relations and Effective Management of University Public Information.” at a Workshop organised for the personnel of Protocol and Information (Press) Unit of the new University at the institution’s Boardroom.
The Deputy Editor highlighted the importance of timely, accurate and strategic communication in managing institutional crises as he also stressed the need to sustain constructive media relations in order to protect the reputation of the University.
The Deputy Editor also emphasised the critical role of the Protocol and Information Unit in coordinating media engagement, projecting the University’s image and ensuring the professional dissemination of official information.
Mr Imam, who is also a Deputy Director at the Directorate of Corporate Affairs, University of Ilorin, encouraged participants to always update their skills, acknowledge public concerns, demonstrate empathy, provide verified updates and maintain transparency when responding to emerging issues.
He stressed the importance of prompt response during a crisis period, particularly within the first 15 to 30 minutes, which he identified as a critical period for managing emerging situations.
The first 15 minutes, according to Mr Imam, represents the “Golden Window”, during which swift, coordinated and strategic actions must be deployed in order to prevent diffusion of misinformation and minimise reputational damage.
While explaining that public relations is an essential management function, Mr Imam, who is also the immediate past National Secretary of the Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union (IEDPU), emphasised the need to ensure effective collaboration between the Information Unit and the Student Affairs Unit as well as the Security Unit to ensure the prevalence of peace and tranquility needed in every institution of higher learning.
On crisis response, Mr Imam stressed the importance of issuing an official statement that acknowledges the situation, explains the action being taken and expresses concern for those affected.
Such communication, Mr Imam noted, helps reassure stakeholders, build public confidence and reinforce the University’s commitment to responsible information management.
Mr Imam, who commended the management of KWASUED for organising the workshop, thanked the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Medinat Folorunso Salman, for her excellent services to the new University and for ensuring that the University takes after the probity and service delivery that her alma mater and primary employer, the University of Ilorin, is noted for.
