The Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), State Council, Mr Akeem Abas, has instituted new annual academic excellence prizes for outstanding Mass Communication students at The Polytechnic, Ibadan. The Oyo NUJ Chairman announced the gesture during the recent DUET Annual Oratorical Contest, an impactful event organized by the Association of Student Communicators (ASCOM) that brought together hundreds of ambitious students, respected lecturers, and seasoned communication experts.
This development aims to promote elite academic performance and inspire the next generation of media professionals within the region.
Returning to his roots, the Comrade Abas expressed immense delight at supporting his alma mater, The Polytechnic, Ibadan, where his own journey into professional journalism began. Serving as the official Chairman of the occasion, Abas announced the direct sponsorship of financial prizes for the top three winners of the oratorical contest, pledging that the union will sustain this motivation annually.
Driving National Development Through Media
Speaking directly to the Mass Communication students on the timely theme, “Communication as an Agent of National Development: Rethinking Voice, Media and Social Change,” the Oyo NUJ Chairman highlighted how strategic journalism shapes modern societies. He urged the youth to view communication not just as a career, but as a critical lever for driving essential national growth.
Crucially, Abas advised the students to embrace the positive potentials of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and emerging technological innovations. Rather than fearing automation, he noted that these digital tools can be effectively utilized by reporters to foster meaningful development across Nigeria.
Combating Fake News at The Polytechnic Ibadan
As future media practitioners prepare to enter a volatile industry, Comrade Abas admonished the students at The Polytechnic, Ibadan to see themselves as active agents of positive change. He stressed that responsibility is paramount in an era increasingly challenged by fake news, systemic misinformation, and digital propaganda.
Abas further encouraged the aspiring communicators and journalists to uphold core ethical values at all times. He implored them to remain committed to truth and professionalism, while harnessing modern digital tools responsibly to contribute meaningfully to societal growth.
A New Standard for Academic Excellence Prizes
The announcement sparked widespread celebration across the institution, offering a tangible boost to student morale. In his remarks, the President of the Association of Student Communicators (ASCOM), Comrade Ohamuo Frank, appreciated Mr Abas for his valuable support and clear commitment towards the advancement of students within the department. He described the gesture as a massive source of motivation, noting that the academic excellence prizes would inspire healthier competition among members of the association.
Echoing these positive sentiments, the Head of the Mass Communication Department, Dr Soji Olatunji, commended the Oyo NUJ Chairman for giving back so generously to his alma mater and actively investing in the future of young communicators. The academic head noted that such interventions will perfectly complement the institution’s ongoing efforts to produce competent, ethically driven professionals who are fully capable of contributing positively to global society.
