By Ephraim Oseji

Explicit Communications Limited, through its indefatigable Group Managing Direct/CEO, Mr. Tunde Thani, has carried out a CSR activity by equipping the Mass Communications Dept of University of Lagos with a modern era Public Relations and Advertising Laborary (PradLab).

This initiative was carried out by Mr. Tunde Thani, who is an alumnus of the Dept of Mass Communications, University of Lagos.

Speaking at the event which held recently on the premises of Mass Comm Dept, Unilag, Mr. Tunde Thani who also was the Chief Host of the event, stated that exactly 40 years ago, he graduated from the institution with a Second-Class Upper degree and the distinction of being named the Best Student in Public Relations and Advertising in his set later came back to the same institution to obtain a Masters degree in Mass Communications.

Armed with knowledge, confidence and youthful enthusiasm, he stated that he stepped into the corporate world where he worked for a while and few years later, established Explicit Communications Limited, a frontline advertising agency in Nigeria.

Having experienced practical success in the advertising world, Mr. Thani stated that he collaborated with the then Head of Dept of Mass Comm, Dr. Daramola and together they conceived the idea of establishing a PR/AD Laboratory, a space where students could begin to experience real-life industry practices long before graduation where theory would meet application.

He further stated that this vision became a reality when about twenty years ago, Explicit Communications PR/Ad Lab was established in the Mass Comm Dept of Unilag and equipped with computers, creative materials, printers, books, and other essential tools which has helped many students to excel in their careers, post-graduation.

Mr. Thani also stated that the essence of upgrading the lab is to meet up with changing times in current digital world. In his words “as the years went by, the world changed, our industry transformed rapidly, driven by technology, digital innovation, and now, artificial intelligence. It became imperative that the lab be upgraded to meet current realities and prepare students for the future that is already upon us.”

In his closing speech, Mr. Tunde Thani stated that the upgraded PR/AD Lab now fully equipped with advanced laptop-links, high speed internet connectivity, interactive media tools, graphics design resources, print technology and access to mentorship and real-world stimulation.

The Chief Host further urged the students to make maximum use of the lab to enable them excel in their studies. He also enjoined his colleagues and other alumni of the institution, to support the Dept of Mass Comm which has now been elevated to a full-fledged Faculty of Communications and Media Studies in the University of Lagos (Unilag).

Also at the event, the Chairman of the occasion, who is also the Group Managing Director of Noa’s Ark, Mr. Lanre Adisa, advised the students to make proper use of the facilities in the lab in order to prepare themselves well to excel in their careers.

At the event also was the Dean, Faculty of Communications and Media Studies, Prof. Oloruntola Sunday, thanked Mr. Thani for the great initiative and contribution to the Dept. He enjoined other alumni of the Dept to take a cue from Mr. Thani’s kind gesture and support the Dept in any ways possible.