The Chairman of the Oyo State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Mr. Akeem Abas, has instituted prizes for Mass Communication students of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, as part of efforts aimed at promoting academic excellence and encouraging outstanding performance among aspiring media professionals.
Abas announced the gesture during the DUET Annual Oratorical Contest organised by the Association of Student Communicators (ASCOM) of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, an event that attracted students, lecturers, and communication experts.
Abas, an alumnus of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, expressed delight at returning to his alma mater to contribute to the development and growth of students preparing for careers in communication and journalism.
Abas who was the Chairman on the occasion, announced the sponsorship of prizes for the top three winners of the oratorical contest and pledged that the initiative would be sustained annually to encourage and motivate students toward excellence.
Speaking on the theme, “Communication as an Agent of National Development: Rethinking Voice, Media and Social Change,” the NUJ Chairman highlighted the strategic role of communication in shaping societies and driving national development.
He urged students to embrace the positive potentials of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and other technological innovations, noting that such emerging tools could be effectively utilised to foster meaningful national development.
Abas also admonished the students to see themselves as agents of positive change, especially in an era increasingly challenged by fake news, misinformation, and propaganda, stressing the need for responsible communication practices.
He further encouraged aspiring communicators and journalists to uphold ethical values, remain committed to truth and professionalism, and harness modern tools responsibly to contribute meaningfully to societal growth and national development.
In his remarks, President of the Association of Student Communicators (ASCOM), Comrade Ohamuo Frank, appreciated Mr. Abas for his support and commitment towards the advancement of students within the department.
He described the gesture as a source of motivation for students and noted that the initiative would inspire greater academic excellence and healthy competition among members of the association.
Also speaking, the Head of the Mass Communication Department, Dr. Soji Olatunji, commended the NUJ Chairman for giving back to his alma mater and investing in the future of young communicators.
He noted that such interventions would complement the institution’s efforts at producing competent and ethically driven professionals capable of contributing positively to society.
