Abdulbaqi lauds UNILORIN Mass Comm. alumni for promoting creativity
By Bashir Dawodu and Bashirat Omotosho
The Dean of the Faculty of Communication and Information Sciences (CIS), University of Ilorin, Prof. Saudat Salah Abdulbaqi, has commended the Mass Communication Alumni Association of the University for creating a platform that encourages students to express their creativity and showcase their talents for self-reliance and job creation.
Prof. Abdulbaqi gave this commendation last Wednesday, (December 10, 2025) at the maiden award ceremony organised by the Association for outstanding students of the Department at the Faculty Lecture Theatre.
The Dean praised the alumni for their commitment to nurturing students’ talents and preparing them to contribute meaningfully to the society.
Prof. Abdulbaqi, who is also a Council Member of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), urged the alumni to sustain the initiative, describing it as a worthy contribution to the development of future professionals and leaders.
She further charged the alumni to remain good ambassadors of the University and to keep the bond with their alma mater alive.
Addressing the award recipients and other students, Prof. Abdulbaqi encouraged them to work diligently towards achieving their goals and to always believe in themselves.
“The sky is your starting point. Strive for excellence and always remember to give back to your alma mater,” she advised.
Also speaking at the event, the President of the Mass Communication Alumni Association, Dr Abdulgafar Arikewuyo, who was represented by Mr Afeez Akewusola, commended the Department and the University for equipping the alumni with the necessary knowledge and skills to thrive in the society.
He urged the Department to continue with its role of grooming future leaders, while also advising students to take their studies seriously.
“Life in school may not be easy, but one day you will understand that the pressure is preparing you for professional life,” he told the students.
Dr Arikewuyo noted that the initiative was designed to bring out the best in the students, adding that although it was the first edition, it would not be the last.
Among the award recipients were Tolulope Amufasaiye, who emerged the best in Documentary; Awoyemi Aderinsola Faheezah, Feature News Story; Adeyemi Ezra Oluwalofifunmi, Investigative Journalism; Azeez Azeezat Taiwo, Environmental Journalism; and Idowu Owoeye, Visual Communication Design (Advertising).
Others are Aishat Olanrewaju, Podcast Production; Ajibade Praise, Digital Creation; Maryam Muraina Akinola, Campus Journalism; Akinleye Akinjuwon Olushola, Innovation in PR Campaigns; and Oyeyemi Treasure, Photojournalism.
Dignitaries at the event included the Head of the Department of Mass Communication, Dr Patrick Udende and other lecturers and students of the Department.
