Toye Fisher
The Faculty of Communications and Media Studies, Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), has taken a bold step toward nurturing the next generation of broadcasters and media professionals with the launch of the Future Broadcasters Club for Secondary Schools, as part of its community service and youth development initiative.
The maiden inauguration of the club was held at St. Augustine Grammar School, Oye-Ekiti, drawing students, teachers, and faculty members together in a vibrant atmosphere of learning and inspiration. The initiative is the brainchild of the Dean of the Faculty, Professor Chika Asogwa, and is driven through the Faculty’s Committee on Community Engagement and Media Relations, chaired by Mrs. Omobola Olusola.
Other members of the committee include Dr. Ndidi Ibenyenwa, Mrs. Grace Onipede, and Mr. Shadrach Bakare, all staff of the Faculty of Communications and Media Studies.
Welcoming the delegation from FUOYE, the Principal of St. Augustine Grammar School, Mrs. Susan Jemisaye, expressed delight at the choice of her school for the historic inauguration.
“I warmly welcome our visitors who have come to inaugurate the Future Communicators Club in our school. We are grateful for this opportunity and we look forward to raising better, confident, and outstanding communicators from St. Augustine Grammar School,” she said.
Delivering a goodwill message, the Dean of the Faculty, Professor Chika Asogwa, described the occasion as a defining moment for the students.
“Today is a special day, not just for me, but for every young person in this hall. Today, we are planting a seed that will grow into something beautiful and powerful in your lives,” she noted.
She formally announced the launch of the Future Broadcasters Club, explaining that the platform is designed to equip students with essential communication and media skills at an early stage.
“In this club, you will learn how to speak confidently in public, write and tell powerful stories, use social media responsibly, think critically, and understand how journalism works,” she explained.
Professor Asogwa further emphasized that communication skills transcend professional boundaries.
“These skills are useful in every career; doctors need them to communicate clearly with patients; engineers to present ideas; entrepreneurs to sell visions; lawyers to argue persuasively; teachers to inspire minds,” she said.
Charging the students to be proactive, the Dean urged them to see themselves not just as media consumers, but as creators and change-makers.
“Don’t just consume media, create it. Don’t just watch others tell stories, tell your own story. Don’t just follow trends, set the trends. The world is waiting for your voice. Your community needs to hear from you. Your generation has something important to say,” she challenged.
She concluded by expressing appreciation to the management and teachers of St. Augustine Grammar School, members of the community and media relations committee, as well as parents and guardians for their support.
The event also featured an interactive question-and-answer session, during which students actively engaged members of the faculty, asking insightful questions about careers in broadcasting, journalism, public speaking, and responsible media practice. The session provided a valuable platform for direct interaction, mentorship, and practical guidance, further deepening students’ interest and participation in the club.
As part of the inauguration, executives of the newly formed Future Broadcasters Club were unveiled. They include: Ibileye Tobiloba – Coordinator; Omotosho Emmanuel; Omotayo Eunice; Onipe and Job Franca.
Others are Oluwadare Oyinkansola; Arise Ezekiel; Ajayi Opeyemi; Oluwasola Michael and Ogunsesin Tunmise.
The event also featured a keynote lecture delivered by Dr. Ndidi Ibenyenwa, titled “Social Media and Its Uses.” Her presentation focused on the responsible, ethical, and productive use of social media in the digital age, particularly among young people, highlighting its power as a tool for education, advocacy, and positive social change.
The launch of the Future Broadcasters Club underscores FUOYE’s commitment to community engagement, media literacy, and the development of socially responsible communicators who will shape the future of Nigeria’s media landscape.
Photo Credit: Toye Fisher
