Communication Experts Honor Seven New Fellows in Abuja Ceremony

The Association of Communication Scholars and Professionals of Nigeria (ACSPN) has welcomed seven respected academics and two media leaders as Fellows of the Association. This marks a significant achievement as it is the first time in the association's 14-year history that this honor has been given.

The new Fellows were officially inducted during the Association’s 14th Annual Conference held in Abuja on Wednesday, 2 September. This recognition celebrates “careers that have combined professional excellence with scholarship, ethical leadership, institutional service and sustained contributions to the development of journalism and communication,” said the association's president, Rotimi Williams Olatunji, who is a professor of public relations and advertising at Lagos State University.

One of the newly inducted Fellows is Umaru Pate. He is a prominent media scholar and a former Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Kashere in Gombe State. Mr Pate is also the Chairman of the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID), which focuses on media innovation and technology.

Others among this year’s Fellows include Nosa Owens-Ibe, the former Vice Chancellor of Caleb University in Lagos State; Chinyere Stella Okuna, who is the Deputy Vice Chancellor of Paul University in Awka, Anambra State; and ACSPN president, Mr Olatunji.

The group also includes two media leaders: Dapo Olorunyomi, the Publisher of PREMIUM TIMES and Chief Executive Officer of CJID, and Lanre Idowu, a well-known journalist, editor, and author.

When announcing the new fellows, Mr Olatunji said that being a Fellow is not just about recognition for years of work or visibility in the field. He emphasized that this year’s honorees hold a special place in ACSPN's history as the first group of Fellows.

“To become a Fellow of the Association is to enter a community of distinction and responsibility. Fellowship recognizes not only what an individual has achieved, but also what that achievement has contributed to communication scholarship, industry, democratic culture and the broader public good,” he stated.

He explained that the Fellowship will eventually extend to all deserving members over time. It is meant for individuals who have shown exceptional achievements in at least one major field of communication practice, research, teaching, innovation, leadership, or public service, along with a commitment to advancing the profession.

Mr Pate, a distinguished media scholar, has supervised 25 doctoral and 45 master’s degree students. Many of these students have become professors and leading academics. He is also a Fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Letters and a former ACSPN President.

Mr Owens-Ibie, who is also a Fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Letters, was recognized for his pioneering roles in the Association. He helped to set up ACSPN and served as its first Secretary-General for 11 years. He is still active as Co-Chairman of the Association’s Board of Trustees.

Chinyere Stella Okunna, Nigeria’s first female professor of mass communication, was the only woman among the honorees. She has made significant strides in her career and was the first female Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka. She also served in the Anambra State Government in various senior roles between 2006 and 2014.

A memorable moment came when Mr Olatunji, the Association’s President, was also inducted to loud applause. He started his academic journey after graduating with first-class honors in Archaeology from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. He became a professor of public relations and advertising and has taught at over 20 universities.

The two media leaders, Dapo Olorunyomi and Lanre Idowu, were honored for their significant contributions to media, democracy, and society. Mr Olorunyomi leads CJID and has a notable history in media innovation, while Mr Idowu has played a key role in promoting high standards in Nigerian journalism.

Mr Idowu’s work includes the influential Media Review and the Diamond Awards for Media Excellence (DAME), which celebrate achievements in journalism, advertising, and public relations.

ACSPN noted that both media leaders have helped to improve understanding of media and democracy. They have also pushed for media freedom, which is essential for independent journalism.

During the ceremony, three past leaders of the Association were recognized: Idowu Sobowale, current Chairman of the ACSPN Board of Trustees, and two deceased leaders, Dayo Alao and Lai Oso, both professors.

Mr Alao was honored for being a true journalist, scholar, teacher, and institutional builder. Mr Oso, who died in a road accident in June 2023, was also remembered for his contributions to communication.

Both Mr Alao and Mr Oso received posthumous honors.

In addition to the Fellowship, ACSPN awarded the Award for Outstanding Contributions to the Development of Communication and Media Scholarship to Messrs Pate, Owens-Ibie, and Olorunyomi.

Mr Olorunyomi spoke on behalf of the three winners, thanking the Association. He promised to continue supporting efforts to improve communication scholarship and professional practice at a time when the country faces social and political divisions.

Earlier, Mr Olatunji explained that the Fellowship aims to create a lasting tradition. It allows the Association to recognize and honor its most accomplished members while benefiting from their leadership.

He assured members that the Fellowship would grow, noting that this inaugural class is just the start of recognizing more deserving members in the future. Candidates for Fellowship are evaluated based on their career depth, integrity, and impact, alongside their professional achievements, contributions to knowledge, ethical leadership, and commitment to society.

“Fellowship,” Mr Olatunji said, “is both recognition and responsibility. It acknowledges a distinguished career and invites members to help shape the future of the profession.”