Lagos State University’s Faculty of Communication and Media Studies (FCMS) has evolved from humble beginnings into a thriving center of communication education and excellence over the past two decades.
Founded as the Lagos State University School of Communication in 2000, the FCMS consistently pushes boundaries to meet industry needs.
An event to commemorate LASU’s 20th anniversary was held by LASU’s Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, FCMS, on Monday.
During the panel discussion it was revealed that part of the most significant innovations at FCMS was the establishment of seven distinct departments including Journalism, Radio and TV broadcast, Public Relations and advertising, Information and Communication Technology, Book Development and Publishing, Photojournalism and Cinematography, and Human Communication as against the lopsidedness in Mass communication.
Recall that FCMS started admitting part-time students in 2000, at its inception as the School of Communication which in 2001 commenced its full-time studies including; Mr. OluJimi Olusola Kayode, Victor Akinpelu, Yinka Alawode, Tunde Akanni, Jide Jimoh, Lekan Akashoro, Mr. Oguntunwase, Kalejaiye Olugbenga, Rotimi Olatunji, Jacob Adeoye, Kunle Akinjogbin, Clement Akangbe, Joshua Adebola Dada, Omolade Atofojomo, Ridwan Adeyemi, Professor Idowu Akanbi Sobowale, Professor Femi Sonaike, Professor Ralph Akinfeleye, and Dr. Lai Oso, as the pioneering staff members.
Considering the achievements, the faculty of communication and media studies has gone extra miles in achieving the following:
Renaming and Expansion: The school was renamed Adebola Adegunwa School of Communication in honor of Alhaji Adebola Adegunwa, who generously donated the building where the school began its journey. It also expanded its academic offerings, introducing Master of Science (M.Sc.) and Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) programs in Communication Studies in 2001, followed by a Professional Masters in Communication Studies (MCS) in 2005/2006.
Restructuring and Accreditation: To meet accreditation requirements, the school streamlined its seven Bachelor of Science degree programs into a Bachelor of Science in Mass Communication program in 2007 and 2008. In 2013/2014, the school gained approval to commence a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree program which produced till date the following:
Dr Omolade Atinuke ATOFOJOMO
Dr Raheemah Adefolake ADENIRAN
Dr Hassan Biodun SULEIMAN
Dr Ganiu Oladega OKUNNU
Dr Victor Adetunji TAIWO
Dr Oluwaseun Olorunjueda IJIKELLY
Dr Stephen Sonayon FATONJI
Dr Olujoke ASEKERE
Dr Olunike Rachel ASAOLU (Late)
Dr Kola ONI
Dr Sunday Oyegbile
Dr Fatai Adeboye OLA
Dr Joseph BABAJIDE
Dr Theophilus Ayobami LAWAL (Late)
Dr Lydia MMADU
Dr Osadebe AMADI
Dr Olabisi DEJI-FOLUTILE
Dr Adeniyi Olalekan HASSAN
Dr Favour NWATA OPENNE
Dr Reverend Philip Udo IBUOT
Dr Sidiq Abubakar Suleiman
Dr Khadijah Temitope YUSUF
Dr Andrew Oladeji OLATUNJI
Dr Oluwatoyin Shakirat SALAMI
Dr Khadijat Olawumi ADEDEJI
Dr Monsurat Olasumbo AIYEGUSI
Dr Chux-Onyekwere EBELE”
- Relocation: In 2016, the FCMS moved to its current site on the main campus of LASU, enhancing its accessibility and presence.
- Faculty Status: In August 2022, the FCMS achieved another significant milestone by transitioning into a faculty, officially becoming the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, in line with the unbundling of the Mass Communication program.
Notable Alumni: The FCMS takes pride in its alumni, including accomplished professionals like Yinka Adeparusi, a renowned photographer who won numerous international awards, Semiu Okanlawon, Dotun, Funmi Olusegun, and Dr. Stephen Fatonji, among others.
Academic Achievements: The FCMS consistently produces first-class graduates and has conferred over 27 Ph.D. degrees in various communication specializations. It received full accreditation from professional bodies like the Advertising Practitioner Council of Nigeria (now Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria ARGON).
International Collaborations: The FCMS has fostered collaborations and linkages with universities abroad, exemplified by its partnership with Birmingham University in the United Kingdom, facilitating student and staff exchange programs.
In his remarks, the Dean, LASU School of Communication, Professor Sunday Olayinka ALAWODE said the faculty will not relent in producing first class professionals in the field of media studies for the betterment of the society adding that all hands on deck to ensure continuity in its excellent performances.
