Fountain University Mass Communication Department Gets New Head of Department.
By Kazeem Adekunle Tiamiyu
Fountain University, Osogbo has appointed the brilliant, industrious, highly cerebral and resourceful scholar, *Dr. Raheem Adegbenga Akintunde* as the new Head of Department (HOD), Mass Communication.
The cheering and historic appointment was announced on Thursday and has been widely celebrated by students, staff and the entire University community.
Until his appointment, the highly respected, diligent and dedicated *Dr. Azeez Sanni* was the Head of Department of Mass Communication after his successful, purposeful and impactful tenure had lapsed. Dr. Sanni is highly commended for his selfless service, astute leadership and immense contributions to the growth and stability of the department.
Dr. Akintunde, a seasoned academic and thoroughbred professional, holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Mass Communication from the prestigious Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo, a Master’s degree in Mass Communication from the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) and a Bachelor’s degree in Radio and Television Broadcasting from the renowned Lagos State University (LASU).
According to his rich and intimidating professional profile, the new HOD brings to the department eight years of cognate experience in project management and five years of practical experience in media production and research, including radio and television studio construction and management.
His academic and research interests are broad, contemporary and highly relevant, including broadcast journalism, development communication, environmental health communication and indigenous media development.
As the new Head of Department, the amiable, humble and hardworking Dr. Akintunde will oversee the academic and administrative activities of the vibrant department, including the training and mentoring of students for promising careers in journalism, broadcasting, public relations and other communication-related fields.
In their reaction, the entire 400 Level Conversion Students of the Department of Mass Communication have felicitated with Dr. Akintunde on his well-deserved elevation, expressing great joy and readiness to work with him.
The students, in a glowing congratulatory message signed on behalf of all 400 Level Conversion Students, described his appointment as meritorious, well-deserved and a clear testament to his unwavering hard work, uncommon dedication, academic excellence and exemplary leadership qualities.
They added: “As students of this great citadel of learning, we are extremely happy and highly elated to work with you.
We are eager and ready to learn more from your wealth of experience in journalism, radio production, television production, newspaper and magazine production. We believe your tenure will expose us to more practical knowledge and make us thorough-bred professionals.”
The statement further reads: “We are proud to be associated with you and we have no doubt that the department will witness greater, unprecedented progress under your visionary stewardship. We pray Almighty Allah to guide you, protect and grant you wisdom and understanding to pilot the affairs of the department.
May your tenure bring unprecedented development and make the department a role model to the University community, to other Universities in Nigeria and across the world at large.”
The Mass Communication Students’ Association (MACOSA) also joined in congratulating the erudite scholar, expressing optimism that his dynamic and innovative leadership would strengthen communication education and build a stronger, brighter future for the department.
