Scholars and university administrators have underscored the critical role of strategic communication in driving meaningful development within Nigeria’s higher education system and the broader society.
Speaking at a colloquium held at Lead City University, Ibadan, in honour of Professor Jide Owoeye at 70, the Vice-Chancellor of Federal University, Kashere, Professor Umaru Pate, said universities must deliberately engage stakeholders through clear, purposeful and sustained communication to remain relevant in a rapidly changing world.
The occasion attracted a cross-section of academics, policymakers, traditional rulers and members of the diplomatic and media communities, including former Vice-Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University,Prof. Adeniyi Osuntogun, and others.
Speaking, Pate noted that institutions can no longer operate in isolation, stressing that engagement with industry, policymakers and communities must be intentional and well-structured.
“The world has changed. Artificial intelligence is reshaping jobs, climate change is redefining priorities, and societies are becoming more complex,” he said. “Universities must communicate their vision, research and values effectively if they are to contribute meaningfully to development.”
Also speaking, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Ajayi Crowther University, Professor Olumuyiwa Popoola, said no private university could afford to treat communication as an afterthought.
According to him, strategic communication must be deliberate, planned and sustainable to build trust, enhance reputation and foster collaboration.
“No amount of publicity is a waste if it is well targeted,” Popoola said. “We must devise interest-tailored messages using diverse channels to reach stakeholders. Communication is not strategic if it is not intentional.”
Also, present at the event were the Orangun of Oke-Ila in Osun State, Oba Adedokun Abolarin; media entrepreneur, Dele Momodu; the Director-General of the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN), Dr. Seye Oyeleye; Prof. Olawale Albert of the University of Ibadan, serving vice-chancellors and former university administrators.
The event also had in attendance representatives of the Oyo State Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, deans, directors, members of senate, students and family members of the celebrant.
Vice-chancellors from across the country also paid glowing tributes. Among them were the Vice-Chancellor of Federal University, Kashere, Professor Umaru Pate; the Vice-Chancellor of Crescent University, Abeokuta, Professor Ibraheem Gbajabiamila; the Vice-Chancellor of Chrisland University, Professor Oyedunni Arulogun; and representatives of Redeemer’s University and Ajayi Crowther University.
Chairman of the event and Chancellor of LCU, Professor Gabriel Ogunmola, described Owoeye as a distinguished scholar whose contributions have enriched academic discourse and strengthened university governance.
“Owoeye’s intellectual depth, global perspective and commitment to scholarship have left enduring footprints in higher education,” Ogunmola said.
Momodu, who recalled his association with Owoeye during their days at Obafemi Awolowo University, described him as “a scholar of note and a man of uncommon discipline,” adding that his impact transcends the classroom.
The Director-General of DAWN, Dr. Oyeleye, lauded Owoeye’s role in shaping policy conversations within and beyond the university system.
Speakers at the colloquium noted that institutions are built on sacrifice, vision and sustained commitment, qualities they said Owoeye exemplifies.
Declaring the colloquium open, the Vice-Chancellor of Lead City University, Professor Kabiru Aderemi Adeyemo, said the gathering was not merely a celebration of age but of impact, scholarship and enduring relevance.
