Global Academic Leadership: UNESCO Renews Appointment of UNILAG Professor till 2029

The University of Lagos continues to solidify its reputation as a powerhouse of intellectual leadership with the reappointment of Professor Olunifesi Suraj by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). Prof. Suraj, a distinguished scholar in Mass Communication, has been mandated to continue his pivotal role as the Network Co-Coordinator for the UNITWIN Cooperation Programme on Media and Information Literacy and Intercultural Dialogue. This renewal is not automatic; it is a validation of the significant impact and rigorous work he has delivered during his previous tenure, proving that Nigerian academics are competing and leading at the highest international levels.

The new term, which extends comfortably until December 31, 2029, places Professor Suraj—and by extension, UNILAG—at the forefront of the global battle against misinformation, fake news, and the digital divide. In this capacity, he will lead a vast network of universities across different continents, coordinating research, shaping curricula, and influencing global policies on how citizens access and process information in a polarized world. This appointment is a major feather in the cap for the university, reinforcing its status as a "University of First Choice" that produces thought leaders capable of directing global conversations on critical issues.