At the 1st African Leadership Summit held in Accra from October 8 to 10, Prof. Rotimi Williams Olatunji was conferred with the African Outstanding Leadership Award. The honour recognizes his extraordinary leadership in the communication industry, exceptional commitment, and significant contributions to the advancement of Africa.

This award adds another prominent feather to Professor Olatunji’s cap. Since joining the university, he has demonstrated exemplary leadership and inspired progress within Nigeria and across the continent.

Over the years, Olatunji has proved resilient, tireless and meticulous in his research, teaching and community service.

A thoroughbred academic, he teaches both undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in the Department of Public Relations and Advertising, Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, Lagos State University (LASU).

Beyond his role as a patriarch of the Faculty, he stands as one of its longest-serving Deans, having led from 2014 to 2021.

His tenure was marked by pivotal achievements, including the relocation of the Faculty from its former site at Nathan Street to the main campus in Ojo, Lagos.

He has also served as Acting Head of the Department of Public Relations and Advertising, Sub-Dean and Chairman or member of several critical university committees.

Under his stewardship, the Faculty has enjoyed sustained growth in academic standards, studio infrastructure and research output, complemented by his supervision of numerous B.Sc., M.Sc., and Ph.D. theses.

Currently, Professor Olatunji serves as President of the Association of Communication Scholars and Practitioners of Nigeria (ACSPN), a platform bridging the gap between academia and industry to advance global media practices.

Under his guidance, ACSPN has expanded its footprint across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.

He is also a prominent fellow of professional marketing bodies, collaborating extensively to host high-impact conferences, including the 2025 gathering at Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH).

A man of vision, integrity, and deep empathy, Professor Olatunji remains a mentor and inspiration to academic and non-academic staff alike.

The Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, LASU, takes pride in celebrating his achievements, wishing him continued grace, guidance and greater heights ahead.

Suleiman Hassan, Acting HOD, Department of Journalism and Media Studies Faculty of Communication and Media Studies Lagos State University, Ojo, Lagos