Success Nwabuogor graduated with a First Class from the Department of Mass Communication, University of Benin, for the 2022-2023 session. She finished with a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 4.55 on a scale of 5.0, making her the first First-Class graduate of the department. In this interview by KINGSLEY ALUMONA, she speaks about her academic feat, the media, and the Nigerian identity.
How would you describe the kind of secondary education you had and how did it prepare you for higher education and the life you are living now?
I had my secondary school education in Christ Chosen Group of Schools, Benin City, Edo State. The experience was worthwhile in every sense of the word. The academic environment was stimulating and I had teachers who always inspired and encouraged me to be the best version of myself. I held the position of Senior Prefect (Female) and completed my studies as the best-graduating student of my set in 2018.
My secondary school experience got me fired up for what lay ahead of me. The values instilled in me then, are still playing out and shaping my experiences.
How did you come to study Mass Communication? What motivated or inspired you to study the course from among all the courses you could think about?
I chose to study Mass Communication. It was not a course I had to study because I did not get what I wanted. I have this passion for being in the public space through public speaking, being a thought leader, and making a positive impact by communicating effectively. I was intrigued by the whole idea of the course and knew that was what I wanted to go for.
What aspect(s) or area(s) of mass communication interested you more as an undergraduate and why?
Mass communication is an interdisciplinary course that cuts across various aspects of human interaction and media. My undergraduate studies explored different fields like journalism, film production, public relations, advertising, etc.
Throughout my academic journey, I was left intrigued as different aspects of mass communication unfolded. First, it was the intricacies of journalism practice and film production. As I progressed, I became more interested in public relations and advertising. The need for goodwill and mutual relations between organizations and the public caught my attention and got me hooked. My quest to know more about advertising inspired me to get a placement for my industrial training in an advertising firm.
It is reported that you are the first First-Class graduate of your department since its inception. How old is your department? How does being the only First Class in the history of the Department make you feel? What prizes or awards came with the feat?
Yes. I’m the first-ever First-Class graduate the Department has produced since its inception. It became a full-fledged Department in the 2016/2017 academic session.
Being the inaugural First-Class graduate from the Department is a humbling feat that I attribute to the Grace of God. My appreciation goes to family, friends, the Department of Mass Communication, and everyone who supported me throughout this journey. I am thrilled and at the same time encouraged by the realization that the jinx has been broken and other students can now graduate with First Class Honours from the Department.
Speaking of awards and prizes, I got a couple of calls at the time the results were released but I haven’t received any prizes firsthand. After my convocation, I got the University of Benin’s Scholar Certificate for being the best-graduating student in my Department.
What was the title of your final-year project and what were the major findings from it?
My final year project titled ‘Students’ Perception of the Student Loan Policy: A Case Study of Twitter (X)’ was centered on measuring the perceptiveness of students concerning the Student Loan Policy.
Findings from my research show that a percentage of students are indifferent about the student loan programme because they are not properly informed. Others who were adequately informed would not apply or even recommend the loan as a result of the stringent criteria and payback terms.
Among radio, television, newspaper, and digital media, which one do you have more experience in? And, among them, where would you like to work and why?
I have more exposure when it comes to broadcast media compared to print, as I have been opportune to visit a radio and television broadcast house, done more broadcast media advertising, followed a couple of radio and television shows, learned about broadcast programming, and handled some broadcasting equipment as well. I would say I have more theoretical knowledge of print media.
It is very obvious that the world has gone digital and with the concept of media convergence, we see the synergy between broadcast, digital, and print media. I am ever learning and still honing my media skills and would like to gain more experience in digital media to stay updated on digital trends and fast-paced innovative technologies.
In this digital and social media era, fake news and misinformation are the order of the day, sometimes perpetrated by mass media practitioners. How does this make you feel? How do you think it can be checked?
The proliferation of media content has contributed to the spread of fake news and misinformation. On new media platforms especially, the circulation of false information is alarming. Some perpetrators of this are not media professionals, as various platforms have been created where people can just share and receive information at will, whether true or false, thus increasing the menace of lack of professionalism in media parlance and thereby promoting the dissemination of false and misleading content.
As a way of checking this, proper enlightenment should be given to the public on fake news and its impact on society. Also, information must be fact-checked and verified before it is consumed. The government can also regulate the information space and the activities of key players in the sector.
If you were contracted by President Bola Tinubu to design a national brand campaign that would positively project Nigeria on the international fronts, how would you execute the campaign?
I would advise President Bola Tinubu to launch a campaign tagged ‘My Nigerian Story’. The idea is that every Nigerian, including those outside of the country, will record a two-minute video on YouTube stating one beautiful thing or feature they admire about Nigeria.
It could be the diversity in languages, tribes, religions, the system of government being practised, or the different delicacies ─ anything at all that makes the country stand out. This will be done in collaboration with the National Orientation Agency, the Foreign Affairs Commission, Nigerians in the Diaspora, Celebrities and the Entertainment industry, Sportsmen and women, etc. There would be a prize for the video with the highest views and engagement from each state.
In the course of your studies, what were the things or situations you think your university or state government could improve on to make life and schooling comfortable for students and staff?
The academic environment and infrastructure is one key area that needs urgent attention. Students need to be more comfortable even as they study and engage in academic activities. Reading rooms and facilities should be constructed in the Ekehuan Campus of the University of Benin. There were times when the lecture rooms would be filled with students learning or practicing, and finding a convenient place to read was a big challenge, especially at weekends when the library was closed.
Mechanisms should also be put in place to reduce strikes and unnecessary breaks which are capable of disrupting academic activities and putting students in a tight spot when school resumes.
For staff, better working conditions should be implemented to keep lecturers and non-academic staff motivated to work efficiently.
Since you graduated, what have you been doing to develop yourself? Any plan for postgraduate studies? And, where do you see yourself in five years?
As someone very particular about growth and self-development, I have been intentionally pursuing self-development. I have also taken courses on artificial intelligence (AI) and virtual assistance (VA). I am currently a certified Virtual Assistant with AI-augmented professional skills in the digital age. I am very much open to work.
I aspire to further my education, pursuing a higher degree in communications or a related field. I am currently looking to get a scholarship to further my education abroad.
In the next couple of years, I aim to rise in my career and drive positive change as a thought leader.
What is your advice to students aspiring to achieve the kind of academic feat you achieved?
The first thing I would say is “Put God first.” When you see God as your strength and helper, He makes the seemingly impossible to become possible.
The place of determination and hard work can also not be overemphasised. You must intentionally strive for excellence and be dedicated to your studies. Set your priorities straight and be around people who encourage you to be better. Set clear goals and work towards achieving them strategically.
Lastly, know what works for you and stick to it. If possible, get a coach/accountability partner, someone (perhaps not a student) who will always hold you accountable to your set targets and help you achieve them too.
What are your aspirations for 2025? And how do you think you can contribute to the betterment of Nigeria this year?
On my aspiration for the New Year and how I intend to make Nigeria better, I plan to serve my country via NYSC. I aim to make the most of my service year experience by engaging in activities that would enhance my personal growth and development and giving back to the community meaningfully.
Specifically, I intend to provide value wherever I find myself, focusing on sustainable impact. Through this, I hope to bring positive changes to the larger community ─ and, ultimately, move Nigeria forward. I look forward to an adventurous and productive year ahead.
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