Adesemoye Heads LASUSTECH's Department of Mass Communication

By Habeeb Ibrahim 

Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH) has appointed Dr. Steven Anu' Adesemoye as the new Acting Head of the Department of Mass Communication, effective August 1, 2024. Dr. Adesemoye, a Senior Lecturer in the department, brings extensive experience in screen and culture, public relations, and narrative media production to his new role. 

Previously, he served as the acting public relations officer and assistant dean for student affairs at the former Lagos State Polytechnic.

"I am honoured to lead the Department of Mass Communication at LASUSTECH," said Dr. Adesemoye. "My vision is to position the department as a hub for innovation and excellence in media education, research, and industry collaboration."

Dr. Adesemoye's strategic plans include developing partnerships with media organizations, introducing technology-driven teaching methods, and curriculum reforms aimed at enhancing students' employability. His focus will also be on promoting research in emerging trends such as digital communication, algorithmic consumer culture, data mining/visualization, neurocinematics, and film tourism.

"My goal is to create a department that is responsive to the needs of the industry and society," he added. "We will work closely with media professionals, alumni from the legacy institution, and stakeholders to ensure our students are equipped with the skills and knowledge required to succeed in the rapidly changing media landscape."

Dr. Adesemoye's extensive career includes roles as Chief Operating Officer/TV Content Director at Digital Interactive Media (DIM) and Origin 8 Format, directing the Next Movie Star Reality TV show and the Supermom reality TV show in Nigeria and Ghana. He has also directed Distance Learning Dramas for the Nigeria Urban Health Reproductive Initiative (NUHRI) - a John Hopkins Centre for Communication Programme, and various documentaries for ARDA DCI.

He is a Fellow of the Business Journalism Professors at the Donald W. Reynolds National Centre for Business Journalism at Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Arizona State University, and a Fellow of the Knight Centre for International Media Workshop at the University of Miami, School of Communication, Florida, USA. 

With numerous academic publications, awards, and honours, Dr. Adesemoye is a member of several notable local and international professional bodies. His research interests include neurocinematics, film 'audiencing', film tourism, glocalised pop cultures, and paranormal depiction in films.

Reflecting on his tenure, Dr. Prosper Zannu, the outgoing Head of Department, shared his experiences and expectations for the new leadership. "It’s been two years of hard work, teamwork, and learning. The head of department must be present almost every day and collaborate with all lecturers because the success of the department is a shared effort," said Dr. Zannu.

He expressed confidence in Dr. Adesemoye's capabilities. "The new HOD is full of vision and ready to work. He is expected to build on the foundation we've laid and improve massively on it. Dr. Adesemoye is a hardworking, intelligent scholar, and I believe that with teamwork, the department will thrive."

Kayode Oluwabukola Joy, a 200-level student and Head of Class, shared her thoughts: "When I heard about the new HOD, I was shocked but not surprised. He has the potential to attain higher positions. He just finished his doctorate degree and has been appointed Assistant Professor. I believe he will do better because he always has."

Mr. Ibrahim Fatoyinbo, a lecturer in the department, added, "It’s exciting news to hear about the new HOD. Experience counts, and Dr. Adesemoye has it in abundance. His leadership will springboard the department of mass communication, enabling us to compete with other institutions."

In an exclusive interview, Dr. Adesemoye emphasized his practical approach to teaching and his plans for the department. "I’m not a talkboard teacher; I prefer practical teaching and balancing town and gown. This enriches my lectures and benefits my students and myself. Meetings are not my thing, but when everyone insists I take the role, it shows they see my capacity to deliver."

Dr. Adesemoye highlighted his primary focus on rebranding and repositioning the department. "We have a committee led by Mr. Ade Inasa-Thomas, an experienced public relations practitioner, and Mr. Olatayo Agogo, who has industry experience. Our aim is to carve a niche for ourselves in communication technology."

He also discussed the importance of integrating technology into the curriculum, given that 70% is from the National Universities Commission (NUC) and 30% from the institution. "We will tilt the 30% towards technology, ensuring every part of communication is technology-driven."

Collaboration with industry professionals and alumni is a key part of his strategy. "We’ve started bringing back our alumni, organizing workshops, and offering soft skills training. I will lead my team to visit major media houses to secure training investments for our students. We aim to make our department the number one choice for students."

Dr. Adesemoye emphasized a student-centered program, encouraging creativity and innovation. "We will run the department like a business and care for our students like our children. My colleagues are ready, and we are prepared for pleasant surprises, especially in emerging media."

With his extensive experience and forward-thinking approach, Dr. Steven Anu' Adesemoye is set to lead LASUSTECH's Department of Mass Communication into a new era of innovation and excellence.