The Mass Communication programme at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), now housed within the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, remains a breeding ground for exceptional and industry-ready talents.
The 2025 and 2026 graduating cohorts have distinguished themselves with an impressive total of 25 First-Class graduates, each earning a CGPA of 4.50 and above. Beyond the numbers, their individual journeys reflect resilience, discipline, faith, innovation, and well-thought-out strategies that propelled them to academic excellence.
From exceptional performances in their first year to overcoming demanding courses such as Data Analysis (MAS 414) and Reporting the Economy (MAS 323), their paths were far from effortless. Many encountered academic hurdles — including unexpected Cs, Ds, and even Fs — yet refused to be defined by temporary setbacks.
Amid rigorous coursework, these high achievers simultaneously managed leadership positions in editorial boards, internships, fellowship programmes, entrepreneurial ventures, volunteer commitments, and personal branding pursuits, proving that excellence at the University of Lagos extends beyond the classroom.
Many of these graduates did not begin their journeys in Mass Communication. Several initially aspired to study Law but found themselves drawn instead to the dynamic storytelling power and versatility of Mass Communication — a discipline that spans public relations, advertising, journalism, film, broadcasting, and digital media.
In this feature, TRIBUNE ONLINE captures their shared narrative — a tapestry of resilience, faith, discipline, reinvention, and community. Their voices collectively tell a story of purpose-driven excellence at the University of Lagos.
1. Elizabeth Boluwatife Cole (4.68)
Elizabeth began her academic journey with an impressive 4.84 CGPA in her first year, building on a lifelong passion for writing and journalism. A self-published author of three books and ghostwriter of over ten novels, she credits her formative years at Queen’s College for instilling discipline and confidence. A single C in International Communication became the turning point that strengthened her resolve. Today, she works in multimedia storytelling and filmmaking, with experiences at Aproko Doctor Studios and EbonyLife, and sets her sights on the Multichoice Talent Factory and postgraduate studies in Media and Film.
2. Ayomide David Balogun (4.55)
Ayomide’s journey into Mass Communication followed an unexpected detour when his JUPEB points fell short for Law. What began as a shift soon became a calling. Calm study environments, teaching peers, and a carefully curated vision board helped him rebound from academic dips, raising his CGPA from 4.41 to 4.55. His story reflects reflection, adaptability, and steady growth.
3. Odunewu Tosin Iyanuoluwa (4.89 – Best Graduating Student)
From earning a 4.94 in her first year to maintaining excellence despite juggling ALX Africa courses, fellowships, and leadership responsibilities, Tosin’s academic journey is marked by discipline and intentionality. Short daily reading sessions, consistent class attendance, and determination helped her recover from a class-wide Data Analysis challenge. Her story exemplifies sustained excellence.
4. Treasure Ughulu (4.78)
A former head girl and best graduating student in secondary school, Treasure challenged herself in Mass Communication. Starting with a perfect 5.0 in her first year, she adopted disciplined study patterns — 20-minute focused sessions, note rewriting, and a 10pm study cut-off. An unexpected exam blank in her third year reinforced her trust in preparation. She now pursues solutions-driven strategy and problem-solving roles.
5. Iseoluwa Grace Onadipe (4.52)
Grace attributes her strong academic foundation to early mentorship and structured tutoring. Balancing family responsibilities with editorial and fellowship duties, she turned a chaotic third year into a productive one. Library discipline, self-testing methods, and comprehensive syllabus coverage helped her bounce back from setbacks. She now channels her creativity into social media marketing, mobile videography, and visual storytelling.
6. Ogunro Tiwaloluwa Grace (4.56)
Initially considering herself average, Grace used that perception as motivation to excel. Choosing Mass Communication over Law, she encountered academic hurdles, including a D in a core course. Faith, encouragement, and disciplined note revision under exam pressure strengthened her resilience. She now interns at an advertising agency and looks forward to a full-time placement after NYSC.
7. Balogun Olamide Oluwafeyikemi (4.62)
Beginning with a 4.88 CGPA, Olamide navigated complex and evolving courses like New Communication Technologies with adaptability. Group study, regular class attendance, and lessons learned from moments of overconfidence shaped her growth. Beyond academics, she launched a catering business and now aspires to thrive in a creative agency environment.
8. Toochi Cynthia Ejiofor (4.51)
From modest beginnings to winning English awards in secondary school, Toochi pursued Mass Communication to fulfil her broadcasting dreams. Though Data Analysis and publishing courses tested her limits, flexible study routines and intensive final-year efforts secured her First-Class standing. She now seeks opportunities in media and storytelling.
9. Precious Ebine Oluwaseun (4.53)
Competition during her secondary education ignited Precious’s drive for excellence. Choosing Mass Communication over Law and International Relations, she faced significant dips in her third year. Through rigorous study sessions, peer teaching, and faith, she rebounded. She also founded “More Than Just Grades,” mentoring over 30 students toward holistic success.
10. Ololade Ruth Alade (4.51)
A disciplined academic foundation helped Ruth overcome challenges in reporting and data-driven courses. Late-night intensive study sessions and prioritising conceptual understanding over memorisation sustained her First-Class performance. She now prepares for NYSC and opportunities in marketing communications.
11. Umoren Winifred Onaopemipo (4.60)
Guided into Mass Communication, Winifred transformed early shyness into confidence. Despite challenges in Reporting and Data courses, collaboration and volunteering kept her grounded. She now focuses on skill refinement for growth-oriented media roles.
12. Chioma Stephanie Okoye (4.63)
With a keen interest in advertising, Chioma strategically combined theory with practice. She overcame broadcasting challenges through shadowing, targeted past-question practice, and emerging AI tools. Her next step includes digital marketing internships and full-time media roles post-NYSC.
13. Ekere Cynthia Onyinyechi (4.71)
Balancing strong JAMB scores and leadership duties, Cynthia relied on pre-reading, handwritten notes, and quiet study environments to navigate statistics-heavy courses. She now prepares for roles in advertising and public relations.
14. Moyosoreoluwa Azeez (4.79)
Having navigated schooling across countries, Moyo developed adaptability and consistency. Starting with a 5.0 CGPA, she maintained performance through lecturer consultations and past questions. Her interests now lie in climate education, sustainability research, and sports volunteering.
15. Badmus Bolaji Aishat (4.68)
Transitioning from a pre-law mindset, Bolaji sustained academic excellence through structured hostel study time and targeted practice questions. She now looks toward professional certifications, employment, and postgraduate studies.
16. Udo Ifiok Wisdom (4.60)
From a rural background, Ifiok overcame early confidence challenges. Strategic rest, faith, and first-year excellence helped him persevere through demanding courses. He now expands his storytelling impact through his nonprofit, ShieldHer.
17. Tomiwa Angela Onasanya (4.62)
A last-minute switch from Law did not hinder Tomiwa’s success. The Pomodoro technique, detailed notes, and faith guided her journey. Despite final-year setbacks, she channels her energy into brand design, women’s empowerment, and volunteer initiatives.
18. Heritage Kehinde (4.57)
A challenging final-year F-to-E turnaround strengthened Heritage’s resilience. Guided by faith and deep library study sessions, she now plans to pursue a master’s degree in Biblical Literature.
19. Oluwatimilehin Naomi Akhibi (4.57)
Naomi overcame Comparative Media challenges with disciplined timetable-based revisions and pre-exam preparation. Her focus now includes content creation, NYSC, and securing a master’s scholarship.
20. Omolade Shittu (4.59)
Overcoming statistics anxiety and COVID-era disruptions, Omolade relied on active recall strategies and mentorship inspiration. He now aims for an MSc in Finance and plans to mentor others in personal finance.
21. Victor Chibuzor Chijioke (4.59)
From a public-school background, Victor used curiosity and intensive library research to overcome publishing and final-year challenges. His interests now span journalism, technology, and academic research.
22. Ayeni Tomiwa Eniola (4.52)
Tomiwa navigated technical reporting challenges and a third-year dip through structured timetabling, group study, and prayer. He now focuses on PR, digital marketing, and writing projects.
23. Akindele Adeseye Motunrayo (4.54)
After narrowly missing admission into Law, Motunrayo thrived in Mass Communication. Calm, pre-planned study habits and faith carried her through Data Analysis hurdles. She now applies her high-performance mindset to every pursuit.
24. Nwobi Peace Chinenyenwa (4.59)
Peace transitioned from survival-mode academics to versatile excellence in Mass Communication. Intentional effort and proactive preparation helped her recover from third-year dips. She plans to pursue advertising and a master’s degree in Marketing and AI abroad.
25. Ogunseye Ayomide Atinuke (4.57)
Ayomide overcame Data Analysis blanks and online learning gaps through prioritisation, front-row engagement, and determined all-nighters. She now explores communication and technology roles, while keeping Law as a potential future path.