A call has been made for synergy between communication scholars and professionals to maximize the contribution of communication to national development.
The call was made by Professor Idowu Sobowale of Covenant University, Ota while addressing the general meeting of the Association of Communication Scholars and Professionals of Nigeria (ACSPN) in Lagos.
Sobowale, Chairman, Board of Trustees (BoT) of the association according to a press statement by the Publicity Secretary of the group, Dr Bisi Olawunmi noted that collaboration between intellectuals and practitioners in the communication sector would allow industry to benefit directly from the product of communication research.
He stressed that given the social and political challenges facing the country, it has become imperative for research-based communication at various levels to be deployed in a more focused manner for the public good.
In his welcome address, the President of the association, Prof. Lai Oso, Dean, School of Communication, Lagos State University, Ojo, Lagos highlighted the goal of the association as creating a platform for the mutual benefit of communication scholars and professionals whereby both groups would be enriched.
He pointed out that the interaction would enhance academic research which address industry need. Such need-based research, he stated, would boost the relevance of communication research in higher institutions by benefiting industry practice through identifying areas of improvement and proposing innovations.
The Association of Communication Scholars and Professionals of Nigeria has membership drawn from departments of mass communication in universities and polytechnics and communication professionals in the media, public relations, advertising and corporate communications in the country. Membership is also open to Nigerian communication scholars and professionals in the Diaspora.
The meeting, held on February, 7 was attended by communication scholars and professionals nationwide including, Prof. Onuora Nwuneli; Prof. Dayo Alao of Babcock University, Ilisan-Remo, Ogun state who is also a BoT member; Vice-President, Prof. Kate Omenugha of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra state, Mr. Sola Hassan of Lagos Television and Mrs. Akinkugbe, an Abuja-based corporate communication consultant.
