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LASUSTECH: Mass Communication Department Hosts Press Conference to Mark 2025 Democracy Day

LASUSTECH: Mass Communication Department Hosts Press Conference to Mark 2025 Democracy Day

•Students Urged to Engage Constructively in Democracy and Embrace NELFUND Benefits




 

By Wekpa ThankGod 

To foster political consciousness and promote democratic values within the university community, the Department of Mass Communication at Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH) held a press conference on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, to commemorate Democracy Day.

 

The event, themed “Democracy and Civic Engagement: Students’ Constructive Engagement as Catalyst for Change” was organized by 200-level students in the Public Relations and Advertising (PRAD) Sequence as part of their academic and practical requirements for the semester.

 

In his address, the Head of Department, Dr. Steven Anu’ Adesemoye, praised the initiative, describing it as a unique and strategic platform for entrenching democratic values. He emphasized that the event provides a forum for sensitizing students on constructive participation in democratic activities, particularly with the upcoming electioneering season. Dr. Adesemoye underscored the importance of adequate knowledge for meaningful civic engagement, noting that student involvement in democratic processes serves as a catalyst for positive change.

 

Delivering his presentation, the Dean of Students’ Affairs, Dr. Ademola Aderogba, highlighted that the event was not merely a commemoration but a call to rekindle the spirit of democracy. He described Democracy Day as a powerful reminder of Nigeria’s struggles to achieve democratic governance. 

 

Commenting on the event’s theme, Dr. Aderogba stressed its relevance and urgency, stating that the success of democracy extends beyond elections to include daily acts of engagement, such as holding leaders accountable, promoting transparency, and advocating for equity. He urged students and journalists to actively strengthen democracy by serving as interpreters and the conscience of the democratic process.

 

Answering questions from journalists, he outlined how universities contribute to democracy through teaching, research, and community service. He explained that LASUSTECH integrates democratic values into its curriculum to equip students with civic knowledge. Additionally, multidisciplinary research helps identify gaps in the democratic process, providing insights for policymakers, lawmakers, and voters. He further noted that many electoral officers in Nigeria’s democratic system are drawn from academia.

 

The DSA also highlighted various avenues for students’ constructive engagement in democracy, including participation in departmental associations, student unionism, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). These platforms allow students to learn, mentor, and positively impact society, particularly in areas like voter education and electoral matters.

 

Update on Student Union Elections

When asked about the resumption of Student Union Government (SUG) activities, the University Don explained that the decision lies with the university management, which is currently evaluating the interim Student Representative Council (SRC). The SRC, comprising class governors from all departments across the university’s five colleges, serves as a training ground for students to develop leadership skills necessary for managing a full-fledged SUG. As LASUSTECH is only three years old, the SRC was established to assess students’ maturity and preparedness for student governance. Aderogba called for unity and active participation to build an inclusive democracy, celebrating LASUSTECH’s role in fostering this spirit.

 

In a related development, Dr. Adesemoye encouraged students to take advantage of democratic dividends, particularly the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND). He described the scheme as a Federal Government initiative to make tertiary education more accessible and affordable by removing financial barriers.

 

The event was attended by the Dean of Students’ Affairs, representatives from the university’s Directorate of Information and Public Relations, the Head of the Mass Communication Department, other departmental staff, the Chairman of the Student Consultative Assembly (SCA), the President of the Mass Communication Student Association (MACSA), and student reporters.


Editor’s Note

We sincerely apologize for the editorial oversight regarding the byline of the recent story on the departmental press conference. 

This was not intentional, and we deeply regret the confusion and concerns it has caused. Measures have been taken to ensure this does not happen again. 

We remain committed to fairness, transparency, and due recognition of everyone’s contribution in our newsroom.

Thank you for your understanding.


Habeeb Ibrahim

President/Editor-in-Chief

Union of Campus Journalist (LASUSTECH Chapter)




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