Class of ’84 Commissions Internet To Celebrate 40th Anniversary

By Blessing Famose, Barakat Lawal and Testimony Olalekan

The University of Lagos Mass Communication Alumni Association (UMCAA) Class of 1984 commemorated their 40th graduation anniversary by commissioning an internet connectivity project for their alma mater. The commissioning took place today, August 13th, 2024, at the Department of Mass Communication.

In attendance were Vice-Chancellor, Professor Folasade Ogunsola represented by Professor Adelaja Odukoya, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, members of the class of 1984, Mr. Wale Williams (UMCAA President), Mr. Fred Olorogun (Committee Chairman), Mr. Raheem Adedoyin (Committee Vice Chairman), Mr. Lekan Sote, Mr. Vincent Oyo, and Mr. John Sonayon Oni.

Also present were Professor Oloruntola Sunday, Head of the Department, Professor Adepoju Tejumaiye, Mr. Akinseloyin Sunday, The head of Network for the project, and Professor Mohammed Amuda, The Director of CITS amongst others.

The Vice-Chancellor commended the efforts of the Class of 1984 for their immeasurable contributions to the growth of the Mass Communication Department. She expressed joy and pride at their success.

Prof. Odukoya who represented her hailed the alumni and advised them to go beyond the department and also extend their benevolence to the faculty. He said: “We have transcended the title of University of First Choice and nation’s pride to the University with the best products.”

The Head of the Department, Professor Sunday, while appreciating the class, made mention of their invaluable contributions to the growth of the department, stating the full furnishing of MCB 7 being a part of their many contributions.

Speaking on the financial implications of this project, the head of the network for the Center for Information and Technology Services (CITS) Mr. Akinseloyin Sunday, described the laudable project as the “very first of its kind” in UNILAG. “

This department is the only one with a digital infrastructure fully imbibed in all the classrooms,” he said. He stated the cost implication for the project comprising of three distribution points, 21 unified access points, and two billers (one for the staff only, the other for staff and students) to be 7 million naira.

The President of the set, Mr. Fred Olorogun, while giving his speech tagged the project as a “value addition” to enhance the digital performance of the students and faculty members. This did not go without appreciating the Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences and the HOD of Mass Communication for felicitating them.

Speaking on the inspiration behind the decision to make internet facility available to the department in an interview with our correspondent, Olorogun said: “We got in touch with the department management to give us options on what we can contribute to improving the department. We were presented with two options leading us to an internet facility provision.”

He went further to explain the challenges faced including financing the project on the path of his members but their determination made it a success. “…when you allow the things in your front to determine what you want to do, it has a way of circumscribing your achievements,” he said while emphasizing the role of determination in the accomplishment of this project.

Buttressing the aforementioned, the President of UMCAA, Mr. Adewale Williams said “About three or four years ago, the 1984 set equipped one of your classrooms, and this year, at their 40th anniversary, they are commissioning the internet.“

The key thing you need to understand is the fact that you need to come back to the department to give back and that is a lesson for all of you,” he said while emphasizing the need to give back to the community.

While reminiscing about their university days, Mr. Vincent Oyo described them as “wonderful times worth reliving.” He mentioned that many of his former classmates are now working in academia, with some holding positions as Heads of Departments in various institutions.

Mr. Oyo also emphasised the importance of today’s event, stating that it is part of the efforts to upgrade and unbundle Mass Communication into a faculty at UNILAG. He stressed the significance of maintaining global standards and being the first in Nigeria to implement such changes.

Additionally, Mr. Oyo disclosed another Class of 1984 initiative tagged UMCAA masterclass as a way to contribute in terms of training to the department. For more information on the UMCAA masterclass, please visit our website at https://unilagsun.com.ng