The Dean, Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), Rev. Sister Prof. Chika E. Asogwa, has charged scholars, media professionals, and students to become catalysts of change and active contributors to Africa’s development through transformative communication.
Prof. Asogwa gave the charge during the institution’s maiden international conference of the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, emphasizing that communication remains central to solving Africa’s most pressing challenges—ranging from political instability and economic stagnation to climate change and digital disruption.
She explained that the conference would interrogate how communication can be strategically deployed to unlock potentials, reclaim African narratives, question power structures, and amplify marginalized voices.
This year’s conference is themed “Navigating Change: Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Communication, Society, and Development in Africa.”
According to her, the gathering provides an opportunity for participants to shape the continent’s communication landscape and explore how media practitioners can better drive societal transformation.
Delivering the keynote address, former Vice Chancellor of Caleb University, Prof. Nosa Owens-Ibie, revealed that about 93 percent of organizations in Nigeria are already deploying Artificial Intelligence (AI) in various forms.
He described AI as a force rapidly reshaping industries across the world, warning that individuals and institutions that fail to embrace technological change risk extinction.
“AI is transformative. It is often considered a threat to human communication, but communicators must sharpen their skills and adapt. By 2025, we must become more responsive, and there is already growing advocacy for degrees in social media,” he said.
Declaring the event open, Vice Chancellor of FUOYE, Prof. Abayomi Fasina—represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Tajudeen Opoola—commended the Mass Communication Department, led by Rev. Sr. Prof. Chika Asogwa, for its vision and commitment. He urged participants to continually pursue excellence in order to contribute meaningfully to societal progress.
The inaugural conference attracted notable speakers, academics, and students, including Prof. S. Okunade, Prof. Oke Leke, Dr. V. Oluwole, Dr. Afam, Dr., Dr Rufai, Dr Success , Dr James, Dr Olayinka, Wole Balogun, among others.