THOMAS ADEWUMI UNIVERSITY HOSTS 1ST ASSOCIATION OF COMMUNICATION SCHOLARS AND PROFESSIONALS OF NIGERIA (ACSPN) EMPOWERMENT SERIES PRROGRAMME IN KWARA STATE HELD ON THURSDAY 13TH JUNE, 2024 AT UNIVERSITY AUDITORIUM
Thomas Adewumi University (TAU) marked a historic milestone by hosting the inaugural Association of Communication Scholars & Professionals of Nigeria (ACSPN) Empowerment Series Programme in Kwara State. The landmark event, held on Thursday, 13th June, 2024, at the University's East Campus Auditorium, gathered distinguished guests, academic luminaries, ACSPN officials, University Principal Officers, Deans, Heads of Department, staff, and students from the Department of Mass Communication. Representatives from the KU8 (Consortium of Universities in Kwara State), Polytechnics, and media professionals also attended, focusing on the theme "Navigating the Ethical Minefield: Upholding Journalism Principles in the Digital Age."
The event commenced with a warm welcome from Akinfolami Omoseni, a 400-level Mass Communication student, and Mr. Ibrahim Ibukun, a lecturer in the Department of Mass Communication. Eminent ACSPN officials graced the programme, including Prof. Umaru Pate, the Association President and Vice-Chancellor of Federal University of Kashere Gombe State (represented by Prof. Adesina Azeez), Prof. Nosa Owens-Ibie, the General Secretary and Vice-Chancellor Caleb University Lagos, (represented by Dr. Solomon Oyeleye), and Prof. Rotimi Olatunji, Vice-President of the Southwest Zone (represented by Dr. Taiwo).
Mr. Folorunsho Micheal, Head of the Mass Communication Department at TAU, introduced the TAU Principal Officers, Management team, Deans, and other University community members. Dr. Solomon Oyeleye then introduced the ACSPN officials. Dr. James Ishola, Dean of the Faculty of Management and Social Sciences, delivered a heartfelt welcome address, emphasizing the event's significance in TAU’s journey as a young and rapidly growing university. He acknowledged ACSPN's role in bridging the gap between academia and industry in Mass Communication.
Prof. Francisca Oladipo, Vice-Chancellor of TAU, expressed pride in hosting the maiden empowerment series programme in Kwara State. She highlighted TAU’s achievements, particularly in STEM-i education, and celebrated the University’s recent Full accreditation by the NUC, which included the Mass Communication programme with a commendable score of 91.1%. Prof. Francisca reiterated TAU’s commitment to the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and its efforts to address global challenges through research, teaching, and community engagement initiatives.
Prof. Adesina Azeez, representing the ACSPN President, praised TAU for leading the way as the first host of the empowerment series programme in Kwara State. He provided an overview of ACSPN’s mission to unite professionals, scholars, lecturers, and students in the field of communication. The series aims to train students by exposing them to the practical aspects of their academic learning.
The highlight of the event was the presentation by guest lecturer Dr. Mahmud Abdulraheem (Esq), a renowned figure in media and communication with an extensive background in public service and media advancement. Dr. Abdulraheem (Esq), the former General Manager of Kwara State Broadcasting Corporation and Kwara State Television Service, and CEO of Gerin 95.5FM, Ilorin, delivered an insightful lecture titled “Navigating Legal & Ethical Minefields: Upholding Journalism Principles in the Digital Age.” His presentation was followed by a dynamic questions and answers session.
The event also featured a short video clip showcasing Thomas Adewumi University and an address by Dr. Farohunbi, Head of University marketing team and Deborah Olukomogbon, Vice-President of the Student Representative Council. She expressed gratitude to the guest speaker, ACSPN, and all attendees for their support and participation. Goodwill messages were delivered by representatives of the ACSPN Vice-President and General Secretary. Prof. Francisca Oladipo presented Dr. Mahmud Abdulraheem (Esq), with a certificate of appreciation as the guest speaker of the event. The event concluded with closing remarks by Dr. R.M. Adisa.
Thomas Adewumi University (TAU) is immensely proud to have been the first University in Kwara State to host the inaugural ACSPN Empowerment Series programme, marking a significant milestone in its history and reinforcing its commitment to excellence in education and community engagement.
Signed
Oluwafunmilayo IDOWU
Public Relations Officer