A Nigerian-born South African Professor, Abiodun Salami of the Communication Department, North West University, Magikary Campus, South Africa, was a Guest Lecturer in Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, where he delivered a keynote address on “Writing Grant-Winning Proposals and Getting Published in Reputable Journals”. The lecture, which was the first in the series of Open Lectures organized by the Department of Mass Communication, was held between Monday, 5th and Tuesday, 6th November, 2018 at the Moot-Court Auditorium, Main Campus, Ago-Iwoye.
The Guest Lecturer, Professor Abiodun Salami had earlier paid a courtesy call on the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Professor Ganiyu Olatunji Olatunde, where he expressed his happiness at the warm reception accorded him since he arrived in the University. He noted the general aura of love and cooperation among the staff and the hospitality showered on him since his arrival and stressed that, as a Nigerian, he had always been concerned about how to promote scholarship and indeed purposeful research in Nigerian Universities, which will guarantee the development of the society. Professor Abiodun Salami, who is a Professor of Journalism, Communication and Media Studies and Director of the Research Entity, Indigenous Language Media Africa (ILMA), reiterated that it was a great opportunity for him to collaborate and share knowledge with scholars in Olabisi Onabanjo University, having interacted with some staff of the University and with the belief that the University was on the right path to development. He promised to facilitate scholarly relationship between a South Africa based organization-National Research Foundation (NRF) and Olabisi Onabanjo University. He informed that the NRF was a body which gives grants for Research purposes and encourages African Interaction in the areas of knowledge sharing, interchange and collaboration.
While responding to the Guest Lecturer, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ganiyu Olatunji Olatunde thanked him for his love and sense of patriotism. He expressed his delight that the lecture on “Writing Grant-Winning Proposals and Getting Published in Reputable Journals” has come at a very auspicious time, as academic staff of the University will find the lecture very useful and enriching. The Vice-Chancellor reiterated that Research remains an indispensable mandate for Universities all over the world hence, every effort along this line is a worthy and commendable one. He gave a brief history of Olabisi Onabanjo University from establishment till date and the accreditation status of its academic programmes by the National Universities Commission (NUC).
In concluding, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ganiyu Olatunji Olatunde wished the Guest Lecturer and members of staff of the Department of Mass Communication, a very fulfilling and rewarding lecture. At the event with the Vice-Chancellor were the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics), Professor A.O.J. Agboola, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Professor (Mrs.) Ebun Oduwole, the Registrar, Mr. Olufemi Ogunwomoju, the University Librarian, Dr. Adebambo Oduwole, the Bursar, Mr. Semiu Makinde and other University functionaries. On the entourage of the Guest Lecturer were the Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, Professor A.I. Ademiluyi, the Head of Department of Mass Communication, Dr. Dele Odunlami and other members of staff of the Department.
