Dons and alumni of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, have called on graduates of the institution to give back to their alma mater and mentor younger students, saying such contributions would strengthen academic development and prepare students for the changing demands of the workplace.

They made the call during the 20th anniversary reunion of the 2006 set of the institution’s Mass Communication Department, held in Ibadan, Oyo State.

The event featured lectures, interactive sessions, networking, testimonials and social activities, with participants reflecting on their experiences since leaving the institution 20 years ago.

Speaking at the event, the Head of the Department of Mass Communication, the polytechnic, Dr. Olusoji Olatunji, described the reunion as an opportunity for former students to reconnect with their lecturers and the institution, as well as contribute to its development.

Olatunji said the return of the alumni, two decades after graduation, demonstrated the importance of maintaining a strong relationship between graduates and their alma mater.

He lauded the 2006 set for recently donating equipment to the Mass Communication Department, describing the gesture as a form of corporate social responsibility and a practical way of supporting the institution that trained them.

He said, “My message to our students who have graduated from the Department of Mass Communication, The Polytechnic, Ibadan, is to come back and do something.

“Donate equipment. Even if they cannot donate equipment, they should just come around and try as much as possible to rub minds with our current students, share their experiences, and motivate them.”

According to him, the rapid transformation of the media industry through technology makes interaction between experienced professionals and current students increasingly important.

He urged alumni living within and outside Nigeria to leverage their experience and resources to support the department, stressing that the government alone could not provide everything required to develop tertiary institutions.

Olatunji said stronger collaboration among government, institutions, alumni, and industry stakeholders would help bridge infrastructural and skills gaps in the education sector.

He added that alumni could contribute through equipment donations, mentorship, professional engagements, and other forms of support that would expose students to current industry practices.

Also speaking, a retired lecturer in the department, Olajide Adewumi, urged graduates and young professionals to remain focused, determined, and consistent in their chosen careers.

Adewumi, who shared his experience in broadcasting and public relations, said his career journey from the television control room of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) to academia demonstrated the importance of perseverance and commitment.

He disclosed that he later joined The Polytechnic, Ibadan, after working in the public relations sector, describing his appointment as a turning point in his career.

He urged the alumni and younger professionals to remain committed to their goals, saying consistency was essential to building a sustainable career and retaining the confidence of clients and associates.

Another lecturer of the former students, Rotimi Bolarewa, stressed the importance of carrying other members of the alumni community along, especially those who were yet to attain their desired career or financial positions.

Bolarewa urged successful graduates to support their colleagues through mentorship, professional opportunities, and networks, saying collective progress would strengthen the entire alumni community.

He noted that Mass Communication graduates could build successful careers in different areas, including journalism, public relations, broadcasting, communications consultancy, and other emerging areas of the global media industry.

He cited the achievements of some younger professionals as evidence that Nigerian media practitioners could compete successfully on the international stage when properly supported and encouraged.

An alumnus, Emmanuel Olanipekun, Chief Executive Officer of Aolad Laundry and Consulting Services, Abuja, urged aspiring entrepreneurs to start with whatever resources they had instead of waiting for perfect conditions.

Olanipekun, who spoke on the theme, “Start Small and Start Now,” said many people failed to actualise their ambitions because they continually postponed taking the first step.

He said, “When you start small, you are going to go higher. Some people want to start from the top, but no. You start from where you are. At the end of the day, you will see everything growing gradually.”

He identified consistency as one of the major factors responsible for business growth, noting that entrepreneurs who remained consistent would gradually attract customers, recognition, and support.

The alumnus also urged young graduates to explore self-employment and entrepreneurship, particularly in an environment where conventional employment opportunities remained limited.

Earlier, the Chairman of the organising committee of the ASCOM 2006 Mega Reunion, Adeshola Omowumi Fadipe, said the event was designed to celebrate two decades of friendship, shared experiences and professional growth among members of the set.

She described the gathering as more than a conventional reunion, saying it provided an opportunity for the alumni to rekindle relationships and reflect on their journey since graduation.

She said the reunion was also aimed at strengthening the bond among members while encouraging them to contribute to the development of their alma mater and younger generations.