FUL VC Seeks Stronger Media Partnership as Kogi NUJ Pledges Support

The Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University Lokoja, Professor Solomon Gbenga Ibileye, has emphasized the importance of strategic communication in university administration, stating that no institution can achieve meaningful growth without visibility and public engagement.

Professor Ibileye made the remarks while receiving members of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kogi State Council, during a courtesy visit to his office.

The Vice-Chancellor declared that communication remains the backbone of effective leadership, stressing that institutions must intentionally project their achievements and developmental efforts to attract opportunities and partnerships.

Using the phrase “No one winks in the dark,” Professor Ibileye explained that visibility and public engagement informed his decision to establish the Directorate of Strategic Communication and Corporate Documentation shortly after assuming office.

According to him, the directorate has already begun positioning the university both locally and internationally through deliberate communication and institutional branding efforts.

The Chairman of the Correspondents’ Chapel, Comrade Segun Salami, who led the delegation, congratulated the Vice-Chancellor on his appointment as the fourth substantive Vice-Chancellor of the university.

He described Professor Ibileye as an “insider” who understands the institution’s internal realities and challenges, unlike previous administrations led by external appointees.

Salami urged the Vice-Chancellor to maintain an inclusive leadership style by carrying all stakeholders along, including individuals who may not have supported his emergence.

He also assured the university management of the chapel’s readiness to positively project the activities and achievements of the administration.

Speaking further, Professor Ibileye reflected on his media background, revealing that his interest in strategic communication dates back to his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) days in Abeokuta, where he worked with the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) and had reports aired on network news.

The Vice-Chancellor also raised concerns about university funding, describing the institution’s annual TETFund allocation of ₦2.5 billion as inadequate for the scale of infrastructure and academic demands facing federal universities.

He disclosed that the university is actively pursuing international collaborations and recently explored partnerships with universities in Egypt, including the Cairo University and Badr University, alongside institutions in the United States, United Kingdom, China, and South Africa.

Professor Ibileye added that the university’s collaboration with Nasarawa State University Keffi could potentially attract European Union support through the Erasmus+ programme.

He called on journalists to continue advocating for improved funding and stronger policy support for Nigeria’s education sector, noting that sustainable development in higher education requires both public accountability and strategic national investment.