To equip students with tools needed to successfully navigate the rapidly changing currents of content creation in the digital age, experts have called for an early start and more purpose-driven use of social media and AI. They made the declaration as Babcock University Mass Communication Students Association hosted a seminar to mark their departmental week.
Themed: Media Conglomeration in the Digital Age and Its Impact on Mass Communication Specializations, the event featured presentations from distinguished facilitators from print, broadcasting and Public Relations & advertising including Edgar Eriakha, Dorcas Taiwo, Ijeoma Balogun and Timothy Oguneyo.
In her presentation, Taiwo, a Nigerian media strategist and product development expert, currently serving as Director of Strategic Partnerships, highlighted the need for students to seize the moment and make the most of their craft while in school.
According to her, the best time to start is now.
“Stop auditioning for someday. You are standing at a pivotal point of history. Start before you are ready, own something that has your name,” she said adding: “Use AI as a tool not a replacement.”
Like her, Balogun, Founder & CEO of Redrick Public Relations Limited – a Lagos-based strategic communications agency shaping brand narratives across Africa showed how an early start could change the future narrative in communication business citing her own experience as a case study.
Oguneyo, an academic and publishing expert told his audience that print may not be the biggest trend, but it still held prospects for growth, fame and profit.
While highlighting issues of copyright, media ownership, and content distribution, he encouraged the students to find their niche and work towards actualizing their dreams while in school.
“Keep a weekly cadence, sign your work so readers know whose voice it is so you can pave the way for the future of building media brands as entrepreneurs.
Eriakha who is a Nigerian storyteller, comedian, TV host, and content creator known for blending humor with real-life experiences as well as his popular podcast “Why Am I Still Single”, also lent his voice and experience in broadcasting.
Together, they not only highlighted how conglomeration has reshaped content production, distribution, and audience engagement in the digital era, they acknowledged opportunities such as wider reach and technological advancement.
They encouraged students to adapt to the evolving media environment by cultivating digital skills, embracing innovation, and upholding ethical standards in their professional practice.
