Nafisat Oluwabukola Usman 

Professor Saudat Salar Abdulbaqi has emerged as the newly elected Dean of the Faculty of Communication and Information Sciences, University of Ilorin, marking another historic milestone as the first female professor in the Faculty’s Department of Mass Communication.

Speaking after her election, Abdulbaqi said she remains conscious of the trust placed in her and prays never to disappoint the people who elected her or the responsibilities she owes to God. A former Head of the Department of Mass Communication for three consecutive years, she noted that her leadership path “has been a trajectory shaped since childhood.”

Just months into her tenure, the Faculty has undergone visible infrastructural improvement. Abdulbaqi has overseen the renovation of the entire Communication and Information Sciences complex, strengthened water supply, improved lighting, particularly at night, and enhanced cleanliness across classrooms, offices and toilets. She credited the Faculty’s alumni, especially from Mass Communication, Telecommunications, and Library and Information Science, for providing crucial support, including solar installations.

Abdulbaqi identified funding as the Faculty’s biggest challenge, but said collaborations with other institutions have opened new opportunities. Current partnerships include universities in Ghana and Russia. Through a collaboration with RUDN University in Russia, the Faculty is developing joint academic initiatives such as conference paper presentations, publication of selected papers in a special issue of the RUDN Journal of Studies of Journalism, and co-signed certificates for participants.

She added that the Faculty will host a professional short-course scholarship programme between January and February 2026 covering media and communication, higher education innovation, and emerging technologies. Scholars across Africa will be able to participate physically or virtually, with certificates co-issued by the University of Ilorin and RUDN University.

On student welfare, Abdulbaqi highlighted improved water access, strengthened lighting, and a renewed emphasis on hygiene around the Faculty. She commended lecturers for adhering strictly to the Faculty’s academic calendar and for maintaining high levels of engagement with students.

Addressing her position as a woman in academia, Abdulbaqi noted that there is “no template” for women navigating leadership roles but emphasized the importance of discipline, service and commitment.