Mass Comm. students launch initiative to enhance employability
By Mustafa Abubakar and Ezra Adeyemi
Final year students of the Department of Mass Communication, University of Ilorin, have launched the maiden edition of Skills Circle, a student-driven initiative aimed at equipping undergraduates with practical and digital skills required to thrive in the evolving media industry.
The initiative, which was convened last Wednesday and Thursday (May 6 and 7, 2026) by a Senior Lecturer at the Department, Dr Oba Abdulkadri La’aro, was designed to bridge the gap between classroom learning and industry expectations through hands-on training in various communication-related fields.
The programme featured sessions on video editing, content creation, experiential marketing, audio and video production, copywriting, creative writing, news writing and photography, among others.
In her remarks, the Dean of the Faculty of Communication and Information Sciences, Prof. Saudat Salah Abdulbaaqi, praised the initiative and described it as a forward-looking platform capable of improving students’ readiness for the job market.
She added that similar programmes should be encouraged across other Departments in the Faculty.
Declaring the physical training sessions open, the Head of the Department of Mass Communication, Prof. Patrick Udende, described the initiative as innovative and timely, noting that it would help students acquire relevant industry skills beyond theoretical knowledge.
Prof. Udende added that the programme also provided lecturers with the opportunity to gain exposure to emerging digital trends in Mass Communication practice.
Speaking during the programme, Dr Laaro stressed the need for graduates to acquire relevant digital and professional competencies before entering the labour market.
According to him, students must be adequately prepared to navigate changing trends and remain competitive in the communication industry.
He explained that the programme began with virtual sessions held between April 27 and May 3 before transitioning to physical training sessions, which culminated in the grand finale held on May 5 and May 6, 2026.
The grand finale featured the presentation of certificates to participants and the official launch of Skills Circle as a legacy initiative for the Department.
Also speaking, the Director of the General Studies Division, Prof. Lambe Kayode Mustapha, who is also a lecturer in the Department of Mass Communication, described the initiative as a strategic intervention that aligns with the current realities of the media industry.
Prof. Mustafa noted that programmes of such nature are essential in preparing students to meet professional demands after graduation.
1Another lecturer in the Department, Dr Aisha Omoloso also commended the students for their commitment to personal and professional development.
Speaking on behalf of the organisers, the coordinators noted that the initiative was conceived to address practical skill deficiencies often experienced by students during the Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES).
Participants expressed optimism that the Skills Circle initiative would continue to provide students with practical learning opportunities capable of improving their employability and professional competence in the media sector.
