Punch Weekend Editor Urges Final-Year Students to Create Lasting Impact

By Adenuga Emmanuel and Dada Oluwaseunfumni

The Weekend Titles Editor of Punch Newspapers, Samson Folarin, has urged final-year students of the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, University of Lagos, to focus on creating lasting impact in their communities as they prepare for life after graduation.

Folarin made the call while delivering the keynote address at the Faculty’s Final Year Week (FYW) celebration, held at the Afe Babalola Auditorium on Monday, June 8, 2026.

Speaking on the theme, “Beyond the Degree: Building Careers, Creating Impact and Defining Success,” he encouraged students to embrace failure as a learning opportunity rather than allowing it to define the course of their lives.

“Your background may shape your beginning. It doesn’t determine your ending,” he said.

Folarin advised the students to build meaningful and mutually beneficial relationships with their peers and future colleagues, stressing the importance of networking in career development.

Speaking at the event, the Head of the Department of Mass Communication, Professor Tayo Popoola, advised the students to emulate the achievements of successful alumni and remain committed to excellence in their chosen careers.

The Course Adviser for the outgoing students, Madam Joy Rita, congratulated the class on their perseverance throughout their academic journey, encouraged them to remain lifelong learners.

The Founder and Director of Globalease HR, Lawal Adedolapo, encouraged students to exercise restraint when discussing salary during job interviews, noting that excelling academically does not automatically translate into workplace success.

The Managing Director of Max-Edge Communications Limited, Rashidat Alejo-Yusuf, appealed to students to remain consistent and committed to personal development, adding that they should acquire professional certifications and develop diverse skills to remain competitive in the labour market.

The event featured a panel of distinguished communication professionals, including Sarah Ayeku, Broadcast Journalist at BBC News; Abosede Adeniran-Aderemi, Anchor at TVC News; and Riyah Abdul, Lead Anchor at TVC.