As part of efforts to promote town and gown interaction in the last few weeks, McPherson University exposed its students to gathering industry knowledge in various fields, including communication and international relations.
Besides leading its History and International Relations students to the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, Kofo Abayomi, Lagos, its numerous Mass Communication students also participated in a conference tagged “Media Re-imagined”, organised by the Mass Communication Society of Pan Atlantic University (PAU), Lagos.
The event, which brought together emerging and established voices in the media space, was held at the Lagos Business School, Lekki. The conference featured thought provoking sessions focused on the evolving media landscape.
Key discussions included “Building a Career in the New Media Economy” and “Ethics in the Age of Virality: Balancing Speed, Truth, and Responsibility,” both of which examined how digital platforms are reshaping journalism, content creation, and communication practices in contemporary society. The event also hosted industry leaders, creative professionals, and entrepreneurs who shared practical insights from their experiences.
Notable participants included Kelechi Amadi-Obi and Oluwatosin Ajibade, Kene Okonkwo, alongside other media and creative industry stakeholders who emphasized innovation, storytelling, and adaptability in the digital era. were also received at the Television Continental, at the Eko Atlantic City, Victoria Island.
This was a sequel to their visit to TVC, in the Eko Atlantic City. The academic excursion to NIIA, according to Vice Chancellor, Prof Francis Igbasan, were part of efforts to bridge the gap between classroom theory and the practical realities of global diplomacy.
The 300 level students were led by the Acting Head of Department, Dr. Paul Ojo, alongside Mr. Ogunmakin Oyewumi, exposed them to key aspects of Nigeria’s foreign policy and strategic engagements. The delegation was received by the Director General of the institute, Prof. Eghosa Osaghae, alongside other scholars and experts in diplomatic studies.
Adding an international perspective to the engagement, Prof. João Bosco Monte addressed the students, highlighting the importance of South South cooperation, particularly between Brazil and Africa. Speaking during the session, Monte encouraged the students to recognise their role in shaping the future of global relations.
Quoting Nelson Mandela, he emphasised that young people have a crucial role to play in influencing international diplomacy and fostering global partnerships.
Also present at the event were representatives of the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) Nigeria, including Head of Office Mr. Moritz Sprenker and Programme Manager Mr. Samson Adeniran, who contributed to discussions on governance and international cooperation.
A major highlight of the visit was a lecture on the “4 D’s” of Nigeria’s foreign policy framework Democracy, Diaspora, Development, and Demography delivered by Barr. Ijeoma Anele. The session provided students with deeper insight into how Nigeria positions itself within the global system through governance, economic growth, and population strength.
The excursion also featured an engaging session with researcher Mr. Haruna Lawrence, who introduced the Concentric Circle Theory, strategic model guiding Nigeria’s foreign relations.
He explained that the approach prioritises Nigeria’s neighbours, followed by the ECOWAS sub region, Africa, and the wider global community, in line with constitutional provisions promoting African unity. The visit concluded with a tour of the NIIA Library, established in 1963, renowned as a repository of diplomatic knowledge and international archives.
Inaugurates 300-bed hostel, 500-seat lecture hall
The university also hosted four spectacular events that further repositioned the university as one of the much sought-after education hubs in South-West, Nigeria.
In a major boost to its infrastructure and learning environment, the University inaugurated the male hostel alongside a 500-capacity lecture theatre, showing its drive toward improved student experience and academic delivery. In his address, the ViceChancellor, Professor Francis Adegbaye Igbasan, expressed gratitude and a sense of fulfillment over the completion of the projects.
He noted that the development was in response to the institution’s growing student population and the increasing demand for quality accommodation and modern learning spaces. According to him, the hostel is designed to promote discipline, comfort, and communal living, while the lecture theatre is equipped to enhance effective teaching and interactive learning.
Professor Igbasan urged students to make responsible use of the new facilities as part of their preparation for leadership and service. The facilities were commissioned by the Visitor to the University and General Overseer of the Foursquare Gospel Church in Nigeria, Rev’d Dr. Sam Aboyeji, whose presence showed strong support of the church in the university’s development.
The ViceChancellor commended his visionary leadership and continued commitment to advancing both the academic and spiritual mandate of the institution.
The commissioning reflects McPherson University’s continued commitment to growth, innovation, and excellence.
According to McU Spokesperson, Tokunbo Olakunle, the University acknowledged the contributions of donors, particularly the Parents’ Consultative Forum, which donated a 110-inch Smart Board to enhance teaching and learning in the lecture theatre.
The Vice-Chancellor emphasized that such partnerships remain vital in positioning the university for greater impact and competitiveness.
