By Emmanuel Anwoju
Edited by Olamide Olasupo
The Muslim Communicators’ Forum (MCF) of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, an affiliate of the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN), held its annual Paper Presentation, Transition Day, and Symposium on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at the institution’s 350-Seater Hall. The event, themed “Balancing Journalism with Islamic Ethics” and “Understanding Modesty and Its Role in Society: The Islamic Perspective,” attracted students, lecturers, scholars, and religious leaders, fostering intellectual and spiritual dialogue under the leadership of Busari Usman and the MCF executive body.
Four student contestants—Shittu Rodiat (HND 2), Olayiwola Mariam (HND 1), Salaudeen Naheem (ND 2), and Oseni Abdulbasit (ND 1)—participated in the paper presentation contest, delivering insightful arguments on the intersection of journalistic ethics and Islamic values. After evaluation by judges Falana Salam Gbolahan, Adebukola Toheeb, and Yusuf Ibrahim, Olayiwola Mariam emerged the overall winner with 75.3 points, followed by Oseni Abdulbasit with 63.67 points, while Shittu Rodiat secured third place with 57 points, and Salaudeen Naheem with 37.7 points. Certificates were presented to all participants in recognition of their efforts.
The event was graced by notable personalities, including the Chief Imam of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, Imam Tajudeen Hamzah, who delivered the keynote address on “Striking a Balance: Integrating Handcraft Skills with Academic Education in the 21st Century.” He emphasized the importance of acquiring vocational skills alongside formal education as a pathway to personal and societal advancement. Other distinguished guests included Dr. Najeemudeen Adunola, Dr. Olatunji Olusoji (HOD, Mass Communication Department), Mr. Olagoke, Alhaja Sherrifah Taiwo, and Mr. Salako, a former Amir of MSSN at the institution.
Dr. Najeemudeen Adunola encouraged students to stay committed to their academic pursuits and appreciate their lecturers’ guidance, while Dr. Olatunji Olusoji reminded them of the transformative power of Mass Communication in society. Mr. Olagoke offered prayers for divine guidance for all attendees, and Alhaja Sherrifah Taiwo urged students to remain bold and purposeful in their studies, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing education.
The program also featured the formal transition of leadership within the Muslim Communicators’ Forum, with Mr. Salako appreciating the outgoing executives for their service and presenting them with certificates of recognition. The event concluded with the symbolic handover to the new executive members, reinforcing the Forum’s commitment to nurturing responsible, ethically guided communicators within the institution.