Communication and Media Studies  Holds first Convocation Celebration Within Faculty

By Luke Matthias

The Faculty of Communication and Media Studies on January 20th,  held a convocation celebration within its own premises for the first time.

In an ebullient mode, graduands, parents and students gathered at the faculty during UNILAG’s 56th convocation ceremonies.

The celebration marked a shift from previous years when Mass Communication graduates held their post-convocation gatherings at the Faculty of Social Sciences (FSS). Participants said the decision eased movement for families and reinforced the identity of the faculty following its transition from a department to a full faculty.

Bolaji, a graduate of the faculty who spoke with UNILAG Sun, said that holding the celebration within the faculty made the experience easier and more meaningful for parents and well-wishers.

“Having this here means a lot to me, It’s less stressful for parents and well-wishers. Everybody knows Mass Comm, so they can easily come down here instead of going to FSS or some other place.”

Bolaji added that celebrating within the faculty allowed parents to connect more closely with where their children studied. “They can come into our home and see where the students have studied for years,” Bolaji said.

Parents present at the event also welcomed the development. A parent described the celebration as a “wonderful and delightful experience”, noting that it was the first time parents were celebrating graduands within the Mass Communication environment itself.

“It’s something to be documented, this is just the beginning of many.”

Student leaders described the gathering as a sign of institutional progress. Makinde Emmaunel, Vice President of the Communication and Media Studies Students’ Association (COMSSA), said he arrived to an atmosphere of celebration and camaraderie, describing the event as the first of its kind within the faculty grounds.

He said it’s progress,  adding that the celebration sent a message to the wider university community that the former Department of Mass Communication has fully assumed faculty status.

Also speaking, Odunayo, President of the Department of Mass Communication, said the sight of graduands celebrating within the faculty compound reflected years of growth.

He recalled that earlier sets often had to move from the department area to FSS for convocation celebrations. “Seeing it now that they can do their thing in their own compound is a beautiful thing.”

Despite the positive reception, some participants raised concerns about limited space within the faculty, noting that not all graduands were able to secure tent space close to the building. They urged the faculty to explore nearby areas that could be used in future celebrations to improve inclusiveness.

Students expressed optimism that the celebration would improve in coming years as the faculty considers expansion and better planning.

The celebration coincided with the award of first degrees for the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies during UNILAG’s 56th convocation ceremonies, marking a milestone for the faculty community.