Northern PR Stars: Outstanding Communication Scholars
By Maryam Na-Allah Umar-Baba
In today’s dynamic and interconnected world, Public Relations (PR) has emerged as a formidable force, shaping narratives and influencing public opinion. As the business landscape continues to evolve, the Northern region of Nigeria has also witnessed an impressive rise in its PR industry, with a wave of talented professionals making their mark on the communication landscape within and outside the country.
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Northern PR Stars: The Iconic Figures
The North has also produced iconic Communication scholars who contribute in defining contemporary issues in the public relations industry. They are highly organized communications professionals with over two decades of industry experience.
Spokesperson’s Digest, a sister publication of PRNigeria presents three personalities it regards as outstanding Communication and PR Scholars from the North
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Prof. Umar Pate: University VC and Renowned Professor of Media and Society
His contributions to the field of Mass Communication, where most of his old students have become respected journalists and public relations experts, have earned Professor Umar Pate numerous academic awards and recognitions from various global institutions and organisations, while also solidifying his reputation as a distinguished university scholar and expert in his field.
Pate was born on January 4, 1964 in Adamawa State. Pate’s professional journey started in October 1988, when he was appointed as a Graduate Assistant at the University of Maiduguri, after his graduation from the Department of Mass Communication.
However, he embarked on a fellowship at the University of Ghana, Legon, where he completed his Master of Philosophy (M.Phil) degree in Communication Studies in 1990, and rose through the ranks to become a Professor of Media and Society, in October 2007.
The Vice Chancellor of Federal University Kashere, in Gombe State, has contributed regularly to national and international media platforms, focusing mainly on current affairs and strategic comunication. In November 2017, Professor Pate’s expertise and reputation led him to be appointed by UNESCO headquarters in Paris as a Director representing Africa, on the prestigious Board of Directors of the International Network of UNESCO Professors in Communication (ORBICOM), based at the University of Quebec in Montreal, Canada.
Pate’s commitment to public service extended beyond academia. He served the United Nations system in various countries such as Afghanistan, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and the Cameroons. Additionally, he actively participated in committees of federal and state governments at different times, offering his insights and expertise. He also chairs the Board of Directors of Pulaaku FM Radio in Yola, and holds positions on several other boards. He was the pioneer Dean, Faculty of Communication at Bayero University Kano, and later Dean of Postgraduate School of BUK, before he was appointed Vice Chancellor of Federal University Kashere.
Throughout his career, Prof. Pate has been a prolific writer and researcher, with over sixty-six national and international publications to his name.
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Emmanuel Samu Dandaura: Professor of Development Communication
Professor Emmanuel Samu Dandaura is an award-winning creative writer, festival curator and critic who is also skilled in facilitating behaviour change communication projects, strategic communications design, cultural studies, and theatre productions.
An esteemed consultant, writer, and advocate for science communication, Prof. Dandaura was born on December 25, 1967, and obtained a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) focusing in Development Communication & Performance Aesthetics from the University of Jos, in North-central Nigeria.
Dandaura, the founding Executive Director, the Institute of Strategic and Development Communication, Nasarawa State University, Keffi, is a consultant to many international donor agencies, Governments and multinational corporations. Some of them include UNESCO, UNICEF, AU, and EU, among others.
He is a seasoned Assessor, Examiner and Curriculum Advisor to many Universities in Africa. Since 1990, he has served as visiting lecturer at York University, Canada and Chinese University Hong Kong. Dandaura, also is a foundation staff of the University of Abuja, and Nasarawa State University, Keffi in Nigeria.
The Professor of Participatory Communication and Performance Aesthetics with over thirty years of experience in the training, research and mentoring of successive generations of Media, Strategic Communications, Creative industries and development communication professionals in Africa, is the Chairman of the Education Advisory Board of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR).
Dandaura’s remarkable journey as a Professor of Development Communication and Performance Aesthetics reflects a passion for advancing the fields of communication and creative economy. His outstanding contributions, collaborative spirit, and visionary leadership have not only elevated his reputation, but also positively impacted academia and the international communication landscape.
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Dr. Saudat Baki: A Gifted Female Communication Scholar
Dr. Saudat Salah AbdulBaqi is an inspiring figure in communication research. Her passion lies in the field of communication, media studies and public relations, and her rich academic background reflects her dedication to advancing the field.
Born in Ilorin Emirate of Kwara State, the communication scholar obtained her Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Degree and PhD from Bayero University Kano (BUK), University of Lagos and Universiti Utara Malaysia, respectively.
She is one of the mentees of the renowned Nigerian Public Relations scholar, Professor Bashir Ali formerly of BUK and now Kaduns State University (KASU), who groomed many practitioners on the practical aspect of PR.
Throughout her academic odyssey, Dr. AbdulBaqi has garnered numerous accolades, reflecting her exceptional talents. A recipient of the Best Student in English and Islamic Studies during her undergraduate years, she also bagged the Awang Had Salleh Award and Education Trust Fund Scholarship during her Postgraduate studies.
With extensive experience in teaching, research, and administrative roles, Dr. Saudat AbdulBaqi has made significant contributions to various educational institutions, both nationally and internationally. Her leadership qualities shine brightly, evident during her tenure as the Ag. Head of the Department of Mass Communication at the University of Ilorin. She is also an Adjunct Lecturer at Kwara State University and Summit University, where she shares her expertise beyond her home institution.
Dr. AbdulBaqi’s passion for communication and public relations extends to her involvement with media organizations such as Kwara State Television Service, Nigerian Paper Mills Ltd., and Unilorin 89.3 FM. Her contributions to events and conferences on national and international scale further showcase her expertise in the field.
She is the current chairperson of Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Kwara State Chapter.
As a testament to her dedication and contributions to Public Relations, Dr. Saudat AbdulBaqi has been honoured with the prestigious title of Fellow of the Institute (FNIPR). This esteemed recognition reaffirms her status as a distinguished PR professional.
*Maryam Na-Allah Umar-Baba, a Staff Writer with the Spokesperson’s Digest is an alumnus of Leeds Beckett University obtaining a Bsc in Media Communication Culture and a Master’s Degree in Public Relations and Strategic Communication. Email: [email protected]
