04/07/2026
[PHOTOS] UNIOFFA Holds Maiden Inaugural Lecture
The University of Offa (UNIOFFA), Kwara State, on Wednesday, June 25, 2026 recorded another landmark achievement in its journey towards academic excellence as it successfully hosted its maiden inaugural lecture.
The event further reinforced the varsity's commitment to scholarship, research, innovation, and national development.
The historic lecture, titled "Communication Development, Creating Wealth: Nigerian Media, Entrepreneurship, Innovation and National Growth," was delivered by distinguished Professor of Mass Communication, Prof. Adegoke Akeem Raufu (ARPA, MNPR, FCPA, FSL, FCAI) of the Department of Mass Communication, Faculty of Management and Social Sciences.
The event attracted an impressive gathering of academics, administrators, industry experts, security personnel, development practitioners, students, and distinguished guests from across Nigeria; all united in celebrating a significant milestone in the University's academic history.
In his thought-provoking presentation, Prof. Raufu emphasized the critical role of communication in driving entrepreneurship, innovation, wealth creation, and sustainable national development.
He advocated greater collaboration among governments, media organisations, educational institutions, development agencies, entrepreneurs, and citizens to build a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem capable of transforming Nigeria's economic landscape.
The inaugural lecturer highlighted the need for strategic deployment of traditional media, community media, mass media, and digital communication platforms in promoting entrepreneurship and innovation.
He further recommended stronger partnerships between educational institutions, the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), the Bank of Industry (BOI), the National Orientation Agency (NOA), non-governmental organisations, and other stakeholders in fostering wealth creation opportunities for Nigerians.
Prof. Raufu also called for increased emphasis on practical skills acquisition, entrepreneurship education, and industry exposure for students as a pathway to producing future employers of labour and wealth creators.
Speaking at the event, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Offa, Professor Kazeem Alagbe Gbolagade said the lecture is a landmark contribution to knowledge and a reflection of the high academic standards that define the institution.
The Vice-Chancellor formally commended and celebrated Prof. Raufu's scholarly accomplishments.
He declared that: "In recognition of your remarkable scholarship and successful delivery of the maiden inaugural lecture of the prestigious University of Offa, and in recognition of your landmark contribution to knowledge and to the academic community of the University of Offa, we accept you to be a true scholar and a Professor of Mass Communication. Congratulations."
Professor Gbolagade noted that the successful hosting of the maiden inaugural lecture further demonstrates the University's growing reputation as a centre of excellence dedicated to producing world-class graduates and impactful research.
"Today's lecture has once again demonstrated the quality of intellectual resources available at the University of Offa. These are the calibre of scholars shaping the minds of our students and contributing meaningfully to national discourse and development," he said.
The Vice-Chancellor expressed appreciation to the Founder of the University, Dr. Rasaq Omoniyi Oyewale, Chief Babalaje of Offaland, for his visionary leadership, unwavering commitment, and invaluable contributions to the growth and development of the institution.
He also acknowledged the support of the Chancellor of the University and Olofa of Offa, His Royal Majesty, Oba Mufutau Muhammad Gbadamosi Oloyede Okikiola Esuwoye II, Ajagungbade I, the Pro-Chancellor, Professor Goke Lalude, members of the Governing Council, principal officers, deans, directors, heads of departments, staff, and students whose collective efforts continue to position the University for greater achievements.
The successful delivery of the maiden inaugural lecture marks another significant step in UNIOFFA's pursuit of academic distinction, innovation, morality, and integrity. It further reinforces the University's mission of nurturing scholars, leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators equipped to contribute meaningfully to societal advancement and national development.
As the University continues to expand its academic footprint, it remains committed to fostering intellectual engagement, groundbreaking research, and transformative education that addresses contemporary societal challenges.
The maiden inaugural lecture of the University of Offa (UNIOFFA) attracted an impressive array of distinguished personalities from academia, government institutions, professional bodies, security agencies, and the wider community.
Leading the dignitaries was the Founder of the University of Offa, Dr. Rasaq Omoniyi Oyewale, Chief Babalaje of Offaland.
Also present were principal officers of the University, including the Registrar, Mr. Salaudeen Ajibola Oyewale, and the Library Coordinator, Mr. Tajudeen Lateef.
Among the professors and senior academics in attendance were:
• Prof. Adeyimika Adedokun
• Prof. Goke Raufu, the inaugural lecturer
• Professor Sunday Olayinka Alawode, Adeleke University, Osun State
• Prof. Morufu Oladehinde Oladejo, Head, Department of Accounting, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso
The event was equally attended by members of the University of Offa academic and administrative community, including:
• Dr. Abdulrazak Agboola Bello, Dean, Faculty of Science, Computing and Communication (FSC&C) and Director, Academic Planning, Innovation and Research (DAPIR)
• Dr. Pinheiro Oladimeji Simon, Acting Dean, Faculty of Management and Social Sciences
• Dr. Sa'adat Abdulkadir, Acting Dean, Faculty of Education
• Mr. Fuad Adedayo Olaogun, Director of Students' Affairs
• Dr. Oladeji Oluwaseun, Director, Centre for Entrepreneurship Studies
• Dr. Emmanuel Oyewole Lambe, Director, Summer Programmes and Sub-Dean, Faculty of Management and Social Sciences
• Abdusalam Oyewale, Director, Top-Up Programmes and University Admission Officer
• Abiola Usman, Coordinator, Diploma Programme and Sub-Dean, Faculty of Science and Computing
• Members of the Ceremonial Committee
• Students of the University of Offa
Other notable dignitaries at the event included:
• Dr. (Mrs.) Ayisat Wuraola Asaju-Gbolagade, Senior Lecturer, Department of Computer Science at the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN)
• Dr. Akeem Femi Kadri, Department of Computer Science, Kwara State University (KWASU)
• Dr. Ali Seriki, Department of Computer Science, Abdulrasaq Abubakar Toyin University (AATU), Ganmo, Kwara State
• Dr. (Mrs.) Mulikat Bolajoko Aliyu, Rector, LENS Polytechnic, Offa
• Dr. Azeez Yisa Bukola (PhD, FCA), Founder, Proprietor and Vice-Chancellor, Lens University, Ilemona
• Engr. Dr. Kadiri Kamoru Oluwatoyin, Rector, Federal Polytechnic Offa, represented by:
◦ Dr. David Binta Oloyede, Dean, School of Communication and Media Studies
◦ Dr. Temidayo Olurotimi Bankole, Immediate Past Head, Department of Mass Communication
• Captain Uchechukwu Stanley Okeke, Deputy Commandant, Nigerian Navy College of Health Sciences (NNCHS), Offa
• Lieutenant Commander A.U. Idris, Chief Imam, Nigerian Navy College of Health Sciences, Offa
• Arch. A.T. Afolayan, FRSC Offa Unit
• I.O. Abdulrazaq, RMAT, FRSC Offa Unit
• Sergeant Samson Opeyemi, Nigeria Police Force, Offa
• Dr. Rasaq Yinka Akinbo, Pioneer Substantive Rector, Ogun State Polytechnic of Health and Allied Sciences (OSPOHAS)
• Dr. Jide Johnson, Director of Special Programmes, Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ), Lagos
• Dr. Bisi Olawunmi, Adeleke University, Osun State
• Dr. Bosun Sowunmi, D.S. Adegbenro ICT Polytechnic, Itori, Ogun State
• Dr. Olanrewaju O.P. Ajakaiye, Adeleke University
• Dr. Funke Omole, Adeleke University
• Dr. Kolawole Bariu Logunleko, D.S. Adegbenro ICT Polytechnic, Ogun State
• Dr. Gabriel A. Oladipo, D.S. Adegbenro ICT Polytechnic, Ogun State
• Dr. (Mrs.) Oladejo Adenike Hikmat, D.S. Adegbenro ICT Polytechnic, Ogun State
• Dr. Raji J.J., Offa
• Dr. Olaseinde
• Dr. Idowu Akinrosoye, Chief Lecturer and Former Head, Department of Mass Communication, Osun State Polytechnic, Iree
• Dr. Olutope (Tope) Abiola, Dean of Student Affairs, Osun State Polytechnic, Iree
• Dr. Funmi Ojo, Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), Ibadan
• Dr. Peter Egbele, Deputy Rector (Academics), Federal Polytechnic Offa
The occasion also witnessed the presence of principal officers, deans, directors, heads of departments, members of staff, students, and friends of the University.
The impressive turnout of distinguished scholars, administrators, security officers, professionals, and community leaders further underscored the significance of the maiden inaugural lecture and reflected the growing stature of the University of Offa as an emerging centre of academic excellence and intellectual engagement in Nigeria.
Signed
Media and Public Relations Unit
University of Offa (UNIOFFA)
Offa, Kwara State, Nigeria