In what promises to be a landmark moment for scholars and media professionals alike, the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies (CMS) at Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) is set to convene its maiden international conference on 27–28 November 2025. The event, carried by a deep sense of purpose, centres on the theme: “Navigating Change: Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Communication, Society, and Development in Africa.”
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A Strategic Gathering for Change-Makers
This two-day conference seeks to attract a rich mix of participants — from academics and researchers to media practitioners and policymakers. The goal: to explore how communication can become a powerful force for transformation across African societies. According to FUOYE, the programme is built around sharing research, case studies, and practical insights that spotlight the role of communication in governance, development, and social progress.
Leading the charge are two heavyweight keynote speakers: Professor Stella Okunna, Nigeria’s first female Professor of Mass Communication, now Deputy Vice-Chancellor at Paul University, Awka; and Professor Nosa Owens-Ibie, a former Vice-Chancellor of Caleb University and respected communication consultant. These high-calibre figures are expected to lend gravitas and international visibility to the conference.
Also joining the conversation is Professor Leke Oke from the Department of Political Science at Ekiti State University, whose political science lens will help bridge media discourse with public policy and governance debates.
Institutional Commitment & Leadership
FUOYE’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Abayomi Sunday Fasina, will serve as the Chief Host, signalling strong institutional support for the venture. The dean of the Faculty of CMS, Professor Chika Euphemia Asogwa, will act as Host, steering local leadership for the event.
On the organisational side, Professor Adebola A. Aderibigbe chairs the Local Organising Committee, a role that underscores how deeply the university has committed to making this conference not just operational but impactful.
Venue-wise, FUOYE has chosen its Fasina International Conference Centre, a modern facility on campus, well-suited for hosting international-level academic gatherings.
Why This Conference Matters
For FUOYE, this is more than a standard academic event: it is a signal of ambition. The Faculty of CMS is clearly positioning itself as a hub for cross-disciplinary research and critical reflection on how communication intersects with development in Africa. By bringing together international scholars alongside Nigerian policymakers and media professionals, the conference reflects FUOYE’s desire to play a leading role in shaping ideas and policies.
Moreover, the timing is significant. The field of communication is rapidly evolving — and on the African continent, the stakes are high. From digital governance to misinformation, media sustainability to social change, the themes FUOYE has chosen are both timely and essential.
By anchoring the conversation in interdisciplinary perspectives, FUOYE is signalling that communication does not operate in isolation — rather, it’s a crucial lever for positive social transformation.
Looking Ahead
As FUOYE prepares to open its doors to the global academic community, the university is likely to generate not just rich scholarly output, but stronger connections with development actors — local and international alike. The conference will also set the stage for future academic collaborations, publications, and possibly a sustained research network under the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies.
Next steps for interested participants? FUOYE will issue a call for papers in due course, and scholars are encouraged to submit original research that ties into the theme of development, society, and media.
For a relatively young university, launching this maiden international conference is a bold statement — and one that speaks to FUOYE’s growing maturity and global ambition.
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