UNILORIN Vice Chancellor Prof. Wahab Applauds Mass Communication Department For Emerging First Team At Pitch-A-Ton Advertising Creative Contest

The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, has commended the institution’s Department of Mass Communication for initiating the Pitch-A-Ton Advertising Creative Contest, saying that the initiative aligns with his administration’s vision of ensuring that University graduates are not only employable but also well-positioned globally.

While expressing his delight at the real-life issues addressed during the contest, Prof. Egbewole appealed to the authorities of Combs Salon and Spa, a prominent salon in Ilorin, targeted for increased visibility in the contest, to consider hiring the contest winner to run their advertisement for a specified period.

Rea Also: UNILORIN Administration Vows Full Automation in Collaboration with SchoolTry

Acknowledging the competitiveness of the event, the Vice Chancellor challenged all participating institutions to not let the drive end with the competition. He encouraged them to replicate similar exercises in their respective schools, fostering a culture of innovation and practical application of knowledge.

While urging the Department of Mass Communication to elevate the contest by ensuring that all ideas transit from concept to reality, the Vice Chancellor shared the University’s commitment to establishing an innovation hub. He disclosed ongoing efforts, separate from TETFund’s plans, to collaborate with the Swedish tech firm, SchoolTry, to nurture and actualize innovative ideas emanating from the University community.

Twelve institutions participated in the 4th edition of the Pitch-A-Ton. 

They are the Lens Polytechnic, Offa; ⁠the Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin; ⁠the Newland Polytechnic, Ilorin; ⁠Kwara State University, Malete; the University of Ilorin, the Osun State University, Osogbo; the Summit University, Offa; ⁠the University of Ibadan, the Fountain University, Osogbo; Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo; ⁠and The Polytechnic, Offa.

Meanwhile, Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo came first in this year’s edition of the Pitch-A-Ton, while a student from the host department, Department of Mass Communication, University of Ilorin, came second while their counterpart from the Kwara State University, Malete; earned the third position.

Earlier in her welcome address, the Head of the Department of Mass Communication, University of Ilorin, Dr Kehinde Kadijat Kadir, said that the competition was organised to unlock the creative potentials embedded in the students who were participants at the contest.

She explained that each of the participants is a treasure trove of capacity waiting to be unleashed for their personal fulfilment, and to be put to good use for the global advertising industry.

The Head of the Department said that the groundbreaking event serves not only as a talent development platform but also as an opportunity for students to foster synergy and collaboration, noting that the competition acts as a bridge builder and consensus forger, shaping the future of advertising in Nigeria by bringing together the next generation of Strategy Directors, creative minds, and communication controllers.

See Also: Fourteen UNILORIN Students Face Expulsion Over Exam Misconduct

Dr. Kadiri, who is an advertising strategist, explained that to stimulate the challenges of the industry, students were given a real-time client challenge – Combs Salon and Spa. She said their task was to develop a creative advertising plan, culminating in a pitch event attended by real-time clients, industry captains, and regulators, She pointed out that the contest gave all participating students the invaluable real-world experience.

The renowned academic, whose commitment to fostering talents in the advertising field led her to initiating and organising the advertising pitch competitions since 2019, highlighted the importance of practical preparation for students to remain relevant. She explained that the competition would not only enhance the knowledge reservoir of students and lecturers but would also strengthen the town-and-gown relationship crucial in academia.

Given the dynamic nature of Nigeria’s advertising industry, she opined that the contest was also aimed at equipping students with the necessary skills and adaptability required for success, adding that the event would also foster a deeper understanding of the industry and encourage a solid foundation for aspiring professionals.

Participants from various tertiary institutions showcased their creative ideas to Combs Salon and Spa, a prominent salon with locations in Ilorin and Ibadan. The Pitch-A-Ton Advertising Creative Contest marks a significant step towards nurturing the future leaders of the advertising industry and fostering collaboration between the academia and real-world professionals.