By Jimitota Onoyume

The Head of Department, HOD, Broadcasting, Caleb University, Imota, Lagos, Dr. Atinuke Akintayo, has congratulated Dr. Kayode Okunade on his appointment as Professor, describing the elevation as a well-deserved recognition of his scholarship, dedication and contributions to the advancement of knowledge.

Dr. Atinuke, in a congratulatory message, issued on behalf of the Department, said Professor Okunade’s elevation represented not only a personal milestone in his academic career but also a significant achievement for Caleb University and the broader academic community.

Akintayo noted that attaining the rank of Professor is a major accomplishment that reflects years of intellectual commitment, rigorous research, teaching excellence, mentorship and service to the university and society.

“Professor Okunade’s elevation is particularly commendable because it demonstrates the value of sustained academic excellence and serves as an inspiration to younger scholars who aspire to make meaningful contributions to their disciplines.

“I warmly congratulate Dr. Okunade on his well-deserved elevation to the rank of Professor. This achievement is a testament to his intellectual depth, commitment to scholarship and his invaluable contributions to the academic community. It is a moment of great pride for Caleb University and for all of us who have had the privilege of witnessing his remarkable academic journey”, she said.

Dr. Atinuke also congratulated two other distinguished academics in the College who were elevated to the rank of Associate Professors — Dr. Eric Msughter Aondover, Acting Head of the Department of Journalism and Media Studies, and Dr. Samson Bello, Acting Head of the Department of Mass Communication.

She described their promotions as further evidence of the growing culture of academic excellence within the College, noting that the achievements of the three scholars collectively demonstrated the quality of teaching, research and intellectual leadership at Caleb University.

According to her ” the elevation of Dr. Andover and Dr. Bello is particularly significant because both academics have continued to combine their scholarly responsibilities with institutional leadership as Acting Heads of their respective departments.

She praised Dr. Aondover for his contributions to journalism and media scholarship, as well as his leadership and commitment to the development of students and the academic community.

Similarly, she commended Dr. Bello for his dedication to Mass Communication education, research and departmental administration, describing his elevation to Associate Professor as a fitting recognition of his professional and academic contributions.

Dr. Atinuke said the three promotions should be celebrated not merely as individual accomplishments but as milestones that reinforced Caleb University’s commitment to nurturing a vibrant academic environment where excellence, innovation and intellectual development are encouraged.

She further stressed the importance of academic leadership in the rapidly evolving media and communication landscape, noting that universities have a critical responsibility to produce scholars and professionals capable of responding to emerging challenges and opportunities in the industry.

“The elevation of Professor Okunade, alongside the promotion of Dr. Eric Andover and Dr. Samson Bello to Associate Professor, is a source of immense pride. Their achievements remind us that academic excellence is built through discipline, perseverance, continuous learning and a commitment to making a difference,” she said.

The Broadcasting HOD expressed confidence that the newly promoted scholars would continue to contribute significantly to the advancement of Caleb University through impactful research, quality teaching, mentorship and institutional service.

She also congratulated the management, staff and students of Caleb University on the achievements, describing the promotions as a collective victory for an institution committed to academic excellence.

Dr. Atinuke urged the three scholars to see their new ranks not only as recognition of past accomplishments but also as a renewed call to greater responsibility and service.

“As we celebrate these well-deserved achievements, I wish Professor Kayode Okunade, Dr. Eric Aondover and Dr. Samson Bello greater accomplishments in the years ahead. May their new positions provide even greater opportunities for them to mentor the next generation of scholars, expand the frontiers of knowledge and contribute meaningfully to the development of the university and society,” she added.

The academic community at Caleb University has continued to celebrate the trio’s achievements, with the promotions serving as a strong affirmation of the institution’s growing profile in higher education, particularly in the fields of communication, journalism and media studies.