The Department of Mass Communication at the University of Ilorin on Monday honoured three distinguished media professionals for their contributions to the growth of the department.

The awardees are Prof. Adesina Lukman Azeez, the department’s first professor of Mass Communication; Chief Raheem Adedoyin, the Oloriewe of Oro Kingdom; and Dr. Mahmud Abdulraheem, a former Head of Department. Organisers said Adedoyin was recognised in part for his pro bono services to the department.

The event drew prominent guests, including the Director-General of the National Orientation Agency, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu; the Senior Special Assistant to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on Communications, Mallam Abdullateef Ibrahim; and the Dean of the Faculty of Information and Communication Sciences, Prof. Saudat Sallah Abdulbaqi.

Speaking at the ceremony, Abdulbaqi described the awards as well deserved, citing the honourees’ longstanding commitment to the department’s development. She commended Prof. Azeez for his role in mentoring students and strengthening academic standards.

She also acknowledged the contributions of Adedoyin and Abdulraheem as members of the White Paper Committee that facilitated the establishment of the department over two decades ago.

Head of Department, Dr. Patrick Udende, said the department has continued to expand over its 21-year history due to the solid foundation laid by its pioneers and the sustained support of stakeholders. He urged others to emulate the awardees’ commitment.

Issa-Onilu congratulated the recipients, noting that they had bridged the gap between classroom instruction and practical field experience, thereby enriching students’ learning.

In separate remarks, the honourees expressed appreciation for the recognition, describing it as encouragement to continue contributing to academic and professional development.