Prof Saudat Abdulbaqi Makes History as First Female Dean of UniIlorin’s FCIS
Professor Saudat Salah Abdulbaqi has been elected as the first female Dean of the Faculty of Communication and Information Sciences (FCIS) at the University of Ilorin (UniIlorin), Kwara State, Nigeria. Her appointment is a significant milestone for the university community and a defining moment for the communication and public relations landscape in Nigeria.
While Professor M.O. Mejabi served as the Acting Dean during the faculty’s early years in 2008, Prof. Abdulbaqi is the first woman to hold the position in a substantive capacity, marking a major step forward for gender inclusivity and academic leadership at one of the nation’s most respected federal universities.
A Trailblazer in Communication
Professor Abdulbaqi has long been a trailblazer in her field. PRNigeria reports that she was the first female Professor of Mass Communication at the University of Ilorin, a distinction that has opened doors for countless women in media and academia.
Her leadership extends to her previous roles as Head of Department at both the University of Ilorin and Al-Hikmah University, where she demonstrated strong administrative foresight and a passion for mentoring the next generation of communicators.
Her academic background is equally impressive. She earned her Bachelor’s degree from Bayero University, Kano, a Master’s from the University of Lagos, and a Ph.D. from Universiti Utara Malaysia, providing her with both local and international academic depth.
Leadership Beyond the Ivory Tower
Professor Abdulbaqi’s influence extends far beyond academia. A Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), she previously chaired the Kwara State chapter and currently serves as a national council member. Her contributions to the public relations profession have been widely recognized, positioning her as a symbol of integrity and visionary leadership in both education and communication.
She is also a respected member of several professional bodies, including ARCON, APRA, ACCE, ACSPN, and IAAQREL. Her groundbreaking accomplishments have earned her commendation from a wide range of stakeholders, including accolades from the Governor of Kwara State upon her re-election to the NIPR governing council.
As Dean, Professor Abdulbaqi will now lead an interdisciplinary academic hub that includes Mass Communication, Computer Science, Information and Communication Science, Telecommunication Science, and Library and Information Science. Her blend of scholarly excellence, public engagement, and ethical leadership makes her the ideal leader to guide the faculty into its next phase of innovation and impact.
PR Nigeria
