Campus News

Mass Comm. alumni celebrate Mustapha, Kadiri’s professorial elevation

Members of the Mass Communication Alumni Association, University of Ilorin (MCAAUIL), have celebrated the recent elevation of two of their former lecturers, Prof. Lambe Kayode Mustapha and Prof. Kehinde Kadijat Kadiri. to the professorial ranks.

The two lecturers were among the 20 new professors whose promotions were recently approved by the Governing Council of the University of Ilorin.

In separate letters signed by the President of MCAAUIL, Dr Abdulgaffar Arikewuyo, and General Secretary, Dr. Aderemi Adeagbo, presented to the new professors at a gathering held at the Department’s Board Room last Wednesday (February 26, 2025), the Association appreciated the remarkable contributions of the scholars to the academia and their mentorship of students over the years.

In their tribute to Prof. Mustapha, the Association described the scholar of Political Communication, Media Effects, New & Social Media Research, as “more than just a lecturer but a true mentor, an outstanding scholar, and an exceptional teacher whose guidance has shaped the lives of many students and graduates of the Department.”

The group said that Prof. Mustapha, as the initiator of MCAAUIL, laid the foundation for a strong network of Mass Communication graduates who remain connected, empowered, and inspired by his leadership, saying, his vision in creating the alumni body has fostered strong ties with the Department, encouraged professional collaborations, and ensured continued support among graduates.

The Association further commended Prof. Mustapha for his dedication to the academia, noting that his legacy extends beyond University of Ilorin, as he had influenced industries and professionals across the world.

In their tribute to Prof. Kadiri, the Association eulogised her exceptional qualities as an expert in Advertising, Public Relations/Development Communications, as a teacher who made learning engaging, supportive, and worthwhile for her students.

MCAAUIL also acknowledged Prof. Kadiri’s unwavering support for numerous alumni over the years, noting that her encouragement, guidance, and assistance have helped many navigate both their academic and professional journeys successfully.

The Association further reaffirmed its appreciation for both professors, as it recognised their lasting impact on students and their significant contributions to the academic community.

In his remarks at the brief ceremony, the Dean of the Faculty of Communication and Information Sciences (CIS) and the first Professor of Mass Communication at the University of Ilorin, Prof. Lukman Adeshina Azeez, who presented the plaques and letters to the honorees on behalf of the MCAAUIL, commended the Alumni Association for upholding international best practices.

Prof. Azeez, who expressed joy that more individuals from the Department have attained the pinnacle of their academic careers just few years after him, applauded the Alumni for their continued contributions to the progress of the Department.

On his part, the Head of the Department of Mass Communication, Dr. Patrick Udende, described the gesture by the Alumni Association of the Department as symbolic and deeply meaningful, saying that recognising and appreciating outstanding contributions is a way to amplify positive impacts on humanity.

Dr Udende said that the initiative by the Alumni Association of the Department was not new, rather an addition to their long-standing efforts in supporting the Department and the University at large.

While encouraging his colleagues in the Department to see the recognition as motivation to strive for greater achievements, the Head of Department told the honorees that much is expected from those who have been given much, thereby challenging them to continue their impactful contributions to the academia and the society.

In his appreciation speech, Prof. Mustapha, who spoke on behalf of his fellow honouree, Prof. Kadiri, expressed deep gratitude to the Alumni Association, saying that the honour bestowed on him and his colleague shows the love, respect and appreciation that the Mass Communication Alumni has for him and other lecturers in the Department as their teachers and mentors.

Prof. Mustapha explained the significance of alumni collaboration with their Alma Mater, stating that such partnerships align with international best practices and contribute significantly to the development of the institution.

Prof. Mustapha applauded the MCAAUIL for the recognition and honour, as he reaffirmed his belief in the positive impact of the Alumni Association and expressed hope for even greater contributions from the group in the future.

Representing the MCAAUIL at the ceremony were Dr Fatima Abubakre, Dr. Abdulrasheed Ajibola Saadudeen and Mr Abdulwahab Tajudeen Babamale. They were joined by the Department’s Postgraduate Coordinator, Dr Rasak Adisa, and some postgraduate students of the Department.