UNIMAID Hosts Media Stakeholders’ Interactive Session on Digital Media Sustainability

The Faculty of Communication and Media Studies at the University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID), in collaboration with the Society of Nigerian Broadcasters (SNB) and the Association of Communication Scholars and Professionals of Nigeria (ACSPN), has organized a Media Stakeholders' Interactive Session with students under the theme, "Media Management and Sustainability in the Digital Age: Issues and Perspectives."

The event, held on Thursday, 16 July 2026, at the El-Kanemi Hall of the University, brought together academics, media professionals, government representatives, students, and alumni. The gathering was convened to examine the evolving role of the media industry in the digital era and underscore the need to equip future communication professionals with the requisite skills to navigate emerging industry challenges.

Delivering the keynote address, the Dean of the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, Professor Abubakar Mu'azu, emphasized the critical importance of quality education, responsible journalism, and strategic communication in promoting national development. 

He observed that the digital revolution has fundamentally transformed the way information is produced, distributed, and consumed globally. While digital technologies have created unprecedented opportunities for innovation, audience engagement, and public participation, Professor Mu'azu noted that they have simultaneously introduced significant challenges. These include the rapid spread of misinformation and fake news, cyber threats, declining revenues for traditional media, and the relentless pace of technological change.

To remain relevant and sustainable, the Dean stressed that media organizations must embrace innovation, invest in modern digital infrastructure, strictly uphold professional ethics, and diversify their revenue sources. He further charged the students to complement their classroom learning with practical digital skills, urging them to master modern communication tools and maintain high ethical standards throughout their future careers.

Speaking on behalf of the Borno State Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Professor Usman Alhaji Tar, the General Manager of Borno Radio Television (BRTV), Ali Mamman Shuwa, assured participants of the Ministry's continuous support for programs that promote media professionalism. He commended the Faculty for creating an invaluable platform where students could interact directly with seasoned experts, describing the engagement as a vital step in bridging the gap between academic theory and practical industry experience.

In his remarks, the Head of the Department of Communication and Media Studies, Dr. Abdulmutalib Abubakar, advised students to remain deeply focused on their academic pursuits while simultaneously developing practical digital media skills to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving job market.

Adding academic depth to the discourse, Dr. Musa Usman of the Faculty presented a paper on the three fundamental goals of communication: to inform, educate, and persuade. He examined the hurdles confronting effective communication today, including technological disruptions and declining public trust, and advocated for greater media literacy and continuous professional development as the way forward.

The interactive session featured highly engaging discussions between the students and the visiting industry experts, providing the audience with valuable, real-world insights into the future of journalism, broadcasting, and strategic communication.

Earlier speaking, Dr. Amina Abana delivered the vote of thanks. She expressed profound appreciation to the keynote speaker, invited guests, media professionals, and collaborating organizations for their contributions, urging the students to maximize the wealth of knowledge and experiences shared during the successful session.