Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) is set to welcome top scholars, communication professionals, students and development partners from across Africa and beyond as it hosts the maiden edition of the International Conference of the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies (FCMS) in 2025. The landmark event marks a significant step in FUOYE’s commitment to advancing research-driven conversations on communication, society and development.
The two-day conference, organised by the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, will take place from Thursday, 27th to Friday, 28th November 2025 at the Fasina Conference Centre, FUOYE. Proceedings are scheduled to begin at 10:00 a.m. each day, bringing together participants for intensive scholarly engagement and collaborative dialogue.
Anchored on the theme “Navigating Change: Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Communication, Society and Development in Africa,” the conference aims to provide a robust platform for interrogating the role of communication in responding to rapid social, political, technological and economic changes across the African continent. Organisers say the focus of the conference reflects the urgent need for interdisciplinary responses to Africa’s evolving realities.
According to the planning committee, the conference will convene academics, media practitioners, public relations officers, policy makers, students and development organisations to share research findings and discuss practical experiences. Discussions will explore how communication practices shape governance, citizenship engagement, identity formation, public policy, and national development in both digital and traditional contexts.
Various sessions throughout the programme will address key contemporary issues including media and democracy, digital communication, strategic communication for development, culture and identity, artificial intelligence and society, as well as the future of media education in Africa. The organisers emphasise that the topics were carefully selected to stimulate critical thinking on emerging trends.
The Vice-Chancellor of FUOYE, Professor Sunday Abayomi Fasina, will serve as the Chief Host of the event. He will be joined by Professor Chika Asogwa, Dean of the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, who will officially host the participants and coordinate the academic direction of the conference. The Local Organising Committee (LOC), chaired by Professor A. Aderibigbe, is overseeing logistical arrangements to ensure a seamless experience for all attendees.
In a statement, Professor Asogwa highlighted the significance of hosting the institution’s first international communication conference, describing it as a timely intervention in an era of rapidly shifting media landscapes. She noted that the gathering would equip scholars and practitioners with fresh insights for navigating contemporary societal challenges.
The conference will feature an impressive lineup of keynote speakers, including Professor Nosa Owens-Ibie, former Vice-Chancellor of Caleb University; Professor C. S. Okunna of Paul University, Awka; and Professor Oke Leke of the Department of Political Science, Ekiti State University. Their diverse expertise spans development communication, political communication, media management and higher education reform.
Organisers say the contributions of the keynote speakers will enrich discussions around communication’s role in shaping public consciousness, influencing policy, and driving sustainable development in Africa. Their participation is expected to elevate the intellectual depth of the conference and offer new perspectives to participants.
Beyond its academic value, the conference is part of FUOYE’s broader mandate to foster cutting-edge scholarship and strengthen the connection between the university and wider society. Participants will have opportunities for networking, collaboration and mentorship, while students will gain first hand exposure to industry and scholarly debates shaping the communication field.
The faculty also extended invitations to public relations officers and communication professionals in government agencies, private organisations and educational institutions. This, according to the organisers, is aimed at bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world practice, ensuring that discussions at the conference translate into actionable insights.
Prospective attendees have been urged to mark the dates 27th and 28th November 2025 and take advantage of what promises to be a stimulating and impactful intellectual gathering. The organisers have assured that all necessary arrangements are in place to deliver a conference that meets global academic standards.
For further inquiries, interested participants are encouraged to contact the phone number provided in the official announcement by the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies.
