Visionary leadership, ICT drive behind LASU’s rising reputation — Acting Journalism HOD

Folami Olamide

Lagos State University (LASU) has continued to consolidate its reputation as one of Nigeria’s foremost public universities through visionary leadership, sustained infrastructural development, technological innovation, practical learning and an unwavering commitment to academic excellence.

This was the submission of the Acting Head of the Department of Journalism and Media Studies, Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, Lagos State University, Dr. Suleman Hassan Biodun, during an exclusive interview with The Mirror Newspaper.

The media scholar, who reflected on his academic journey, the evolution of the department and the future of journalism education in Nigeria, also advised young Nigerians to embrace hard work, practical experience and continuous learning to remain competitive in the ever-changing media landscape.

Sharing his academic background, Dr. Hassan revealed that his educational journey has been closely associated with LASU, where he emerged as one of the pioneer PhD graduates of the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies.

“I earned my PhD through the sponsorship of Lagos State University and was among the first three pioneer PhD graduates of the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies,” he said.

He disclosed that he obtained his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from the University of Lagos before proceeding to the University of Ibadan, where he earned a Master’s degree in Peace Studies in 2011. He later completed his Doctor of Philosophy degree at Lagos State University in 2020.

According to him, his academic exposure was further broadened in 2018 when LASU sponsored him to Birmingham, United Kingdom, for a six-month academic and professional development programme.

Beyond teaching and research, Dr. Hassan has served the university in several strategic administrative capacities. These include Public Relations Officer of the Sports and Recreational Committee, Coordinator of the Master’s Programme in Communication Studies, Sub-Dean of the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies on different occasions, Time Table Officer of the Department of Journalism and Media Studies, before assuming office as the Acting Head of Department.

Assessing LASU’s remarkable transformation over the years, the Acting HOD attributed the institution’s impressive achievements to purposeful leadership and sound management.

He commended the administration of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, for sustaining the university’s growth through investment in infrastructure, staff development, improved welfare for staff and students, and the creation of an enabling academic environment.

According to him, these initiatives have significantly strengthened LASU’s position as one of Nigeria’s most sought-after institutions of higher learning.

“LASU truly lives up to its slogan, ‘We Are LASU, We Are Great.’ The university has built a strong reputation through quality teaching, modern facilities and sound academic policies,” he stated.

Dr. Hassan also praised successive Lagos State Governments for their consistent investment in education, noting that sustained government support has played a major role in transforming LASU into one of the country’s most affordable, competitive and highly respected public universities.

Speaking on technological advancement within the institution, the Acting HOD applauded the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Olatunji-Bello, alongside the Deputy Vice-Chancellors, Professor Taiwo Afisi (Academic) and Professor Toyin Enikuomehin (Management Services), for expanding Information and Communication Technology (ICT) infrastructure across the university.

He explained that lecturers now effectively utilise digital learning platforms, making teaching and learning more flexible while increasing the visibility and global reach of LASU scholars.

According to him, the adoption of technology has also contributed significantly to the university’s improved national and international rankings.

Focusing on the Department of Journalism and Media Studies, Dr. Hassan described it as one of Nigeria’s leading centres for media education, producing graduates who are making significant impacts across various sectors of the communication industry.

He noted that alumni of the department are excelling as broadcasters, editors, researchers, photographers, videographers, cinematographers, public relations practitioners and communication specialists both within Nigeria and internationally.

The Acting HOD further disclosed that students of the department have consistently distinguished themselves in national competitions organised by professional bodies such as the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON), as well as investigative journalism initiatives inspired by Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka.
According to him, the department places strong emphasis on practical learning by providing students with access to industry-standard facilities, including LASU Radio, multimedia studios, a digital library, public relations laboratories and advertising laboratories.

These facilities, he explained, enable students to acquire practical and industry-relevant skills before graduation, thereby enhancing their employability and professional competence.

Dr. Hassan urged students to maximise the opportunities available by participating actively in practical sessions, volunteering for media-related assignments and gaining hands-on experience alongside classroom learning.
He stressed that theoretical knowledge alone is no longer sufficient for success in today’s media industry.

“It is important for students to complement theoretical knowledge with practical field experience. The media industry requires competence, creativity and adaptability,” he said.

Offering advice to prospective university students, Dr. Hassan encouraged candidates seeking admission into tertiary institutions to prepare adequately by studying diligently, making effective use of recommended textbooks and practising with past examination questions.

He observed that admission into Lagos State University has become increasingly competitive due to the institution’s rising profile, academic excellence and growing number of applicants.

The Acting Head of Department concluded by encouraging young Nigerians to remain committed to excellence, describing education as one of the surest pathways to personal development, national transformation and global competitiveness.

He reaffirmed the commitment of the Department of Journalism and Media Studies to producing graduates equipped with sound ethical values, professional competence and practical skills capable of competing successfully within Nigeria’s dynamic media industry and across the global communication landscape.