Digital Voices, Cultural Values: ASCOM Joins the 2025 Ibadan Communication Summit

Kehinde Adedeji
Edited by Kingsley Okon 

The Ibadan Communication Summit 2025 served as a robust platform for intellectual growth, professional exposure, and cross-institutional engagement.

Following an official invitation sent to the Department of Mass Communication, The Polytechnic Ibadan, by the department of Communication and Language Arts of the University of Ibadan, Association of Students Communicators fully represented the great Mass Communication department, The Polytechnic Ibadan at the 2025 Communications Summit which is part of the activity to the Golden Jubilee of Communication and Language Arts Department of the University of Ibadan.

In his address, the HOD, Dr Olawuyi, underscored the significance of the theme, Shaping Mindsets and Culture Using Digital Media. He urged students to stay attentive, absorb the insights that would be shared, and maintain a calm, receptive posture throughout the programme.

HOD Communication and Language Arts Department and ASCOM President 

One of the keynote speakers, Mrs Adeola Oluwatomiwa Odesanya, an accomplished executive leader with over three decades of experience in the Nigerian advertising industry, delivered a thought provoking presentation on the influence of digital media in shaping mindsets. She highlighted how digital platforms can make people feel connected yet fragmented. She further posed a reflective question to the audience, asking,

 “Are we building for trends or transformation?” 

Mrs Odesanya stressed that purposeful communication begins with empathy, noting that during the COVID-19 period, digital media became a sanctuary for many people.

Another speaker, Pastor Shola Akande, representing His Royal Majesty King Peter Oluwole Ipadeola, Oba Akinyoye III, the Olufon of Ifon. He emphasized that culture is a way of life and encouraged students to maintain a positive mindset toward cultural values. He also conveyed the king’s prayers and greetings to the Faculty of Arts, the University of Ibadan, the Vice Chancellor, the Dean of Arts, the Head of Department, and the lecturers present.

The final keynote speaker, Mr Mobolaji Oladipo, addressed the issue of students diverting from their primary fields of study in pursuit of new skills. His session focused on entrepreneurship, its various forms, and the qualities of entrepreneurs. He highlighted the importance of entrepreneurship as a source of wealth, growth, and innovation.

To lighten the atmosphere, a brief Charades session was held, featuring students from different institutions. This was followed by an award presentation conducted by Professor Ojebuyi.

Certificates of appreciation were later presented to the keynote speakers in recognition of their exceptional support and contributions to the summit.