The University of Lagos has just broken new ground — unveiling West Africa’s first-ever standalone Faculty of Mass Communication. This seismic move promises to reshape media studies and the future of Nigerian journalism.
The new faculty was officially inaugurated on Monday at the UniLag main campus, Jakande Lecture Theatre, by the Vice‑Chancellor, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola. It elevates Mass Communication from department status within Arts to full faculty—complete with departments like Journalism, Digital Media, Advertising, and Public Relations.
Prof. Ogunsola declared:
“This isn’t just an upgrade—it’s a declaration that Nigeria’s media deserves institutional pride and academic depth.”
In a media landscape grappling with fake news, shrinking editorial standards, and digital disruption, Nigeria needs well‑trained communicators more than ever. The new faculty promises fresh curricula, state‑of‑the‑art media labs, and real‑world partnerships with top media outfits.
UniLag alumnus and veteran journalist, Ifeoma Okafor, added:
“This is a game-changer. It’s proof that Nigerian universities are ready to lead, not follow.”
Reactions: Social Media Celebrates
Nigerians on X (formerly Twitter) are already praising the move:
@LagoonLearner:
“Finally! We need more schools taking media seriously. UniLag doing the most.”
@DigitalNaija101:
“So this means more media tech skills, media ethics classes? Abeg, this is too sweet!”
Building a top-tier Faculty is one thing—funding, faculty quality, and infrastructure are another. UniLag must now recruit experts, source media equipment, and maintain international accreditation.
But success here could spark a ripple: other West African universities might follow, positioning Nigeria as a regional centre for media expertise.
With the Faculty now launched, UniLag plans to start postgraduate degrees, certificate programmes, media entrepreneurship hubs, and student-run radio/TV stations. They aim to graduate the first batch by the 2026/27 academic session.
Big question now:
Will graduates become media leaders or just fill seats in Lagos jobs?
Nigeria watches and hopes.
