Dr. Olunifesi Suraj – A Leading Voice in Media and Information Literacy in the Digital Age
Dr. Olunifesi Adekunle Suraj is an Associate Professor of Mass Communication at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Nigeria, and a prominent expert in digital media, disinformation, strategic communication, and Media and Information Literacy (MIL). He serves as the Nigerian Coordinator for the UNESCO-UNAOC MILID (Media and Information Literacy and Intercultural Dialogue) Network and has recently been re-appointed as Co-Coordinator of UNESCO's UNITWIN-MILID global university network (as of 2026). His work bridges academia, policy, and public education, making him a key figure in combating misinformation—especially relevant in science/tech reporting where false claims about health, AI, climate, and emerging technologies spread rapidly.
Background and Expertise
Dr. Suraj holds advanced qualifications in mass communication and has built a career focused on how digital platforms shape knowledge and society. He is a DW Akademie Fellow, consultant for international bodies like UNESCO, and a thought leader on topics such as digital safety for journalists, social media's role in knowledge management, and countering infodemics. His Google Scholar profile shows citations in areas like ICT, freedom of information, and media literacy, reflecting his influence in African and global discourse.
Key Writings and Works
He authored influential pieces on the "infodemic" during COVID-19, notably the 2022 LinkedIn article "Flattening the Curve of Mis(dis)information and mis(dis)trust through Media and Information Literacy..." and its animated video adaptation (2021). These introduce "media distancing"—a practical framework adapting public health strategies (e.g., social distancing → critical skepticism toward info sources) to fight disinformation.
Other works include research on digital safety among Nigerian journalists, the impact of the Freedom of Information Act on investigative reporting, and promoting MIL in school curricula to tackle extremism and radicalization.
He actively shares insights on LinkedIn, Instagram (@olunifesisuraj), and academic platforms, often analyzing real-time issues like fake news spread, algorithmic bias, and ethical journalism in tech-driven societies.
Style and Impact
Dr. Suraj's reporting/writing is educational, analogy-rich, and solution-oriented. He uses relatable metaphors (e.g., treating misinformation like a virus) to make complex ideas accessible, blending urgency with calm advocacy for critical thinking. His animated explainers and articles empower everyday citizens rather than just experts, promoting MILID as empowerment over mere protection. This approach is effective for science/tech topics, where public misunderstanding (e.g., vaccine myths, deepfakes) can have real-world harm.
Why Follow Him?
In an era of rapid tech advancement and info overload, Dr. Suraj exemplifies ethical, evidence-based reporting on media/tech intersections. Following him (LinkedIn for articles, Instagram for updates, UNILAG/UNESCO channels for events) provides ongoing lessons in verifying sources, understanding biases, and advocating for media plurality—skills essential for any science/tech communicator.
I now follow his profiles and will track his contributions for my portfolio. His work directly ties into current challenges like AI-generated misinformation and digital trust in Nigeria/Africa.
