By Samuel Sunday
The Vice-Chancellor of Ekiti State University (EKSU), Ado-Ekiti, Prof. Joseph Babatola Ayodele, has reaffirmed the university’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with journalists, describing the media as a critical partner in promoting the institution’s image and communicating its achievements to the public.
Prof. Babatola stated this during an interactive session with media practitioners at the Ekiti State University Guest’s House Ado-Ekiti, where he appreciated journalists for their coverage of the university’s activities and contributions to its public image.
The vice-chancellor, who is the university’s ninth substantive vice-chancellor, said the meeting was organised to appreciate members of the media for their support and to strengthen the existing relationship between the university management and journalists.
He noted that the media remains an important partner in the university’s development, stressing that accurate and responsible reporting is essential to informing the public and sustaining confidence in the institution. He urged journalists to verify information before publication and maintain professional standards in their coverage of university affairs.
Babatola, who disclosed that he had spent two years, two months and one day in office, described journalism as a profession that would continue to remain relevant despite changes in the media landscape. He encouraged journalists to approach the university management whenever they required clarification on issues, adding that the institution is committed to maintaining an open and constructive relationship with the media.
The Director of Information at EKSU, Mr Mayowa Ogunmola, also appreciated the journalists for attending the session and supporting the university through their reportage. He described the relationship between the institution and the media as a partnership in progress, expressing confidence that the collaboration would continue to promote mutual understanding and effective communication.
Ogunmola said the university management valued the contributions of media practitioners and remained committed to sustaining a cordial relationship with them. He added that continued engagement between both parties would help improve the flow of information about the institution’s activities, achievements and development initiatives.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ekiti State Council, Comrade Kayode Babatuyi, described the vice-chancellor as a father figure to journalists and appreciated his efforts to maintain a cordial relationship with the media.
He called for more opportunities for journalists to engage with the university leadership, particularly for those who had not previously met the vice-chancellor, while expressing hope that the interactive session would further strengthen cooperation between EKSU and the media community.
