UNILAG’s Suraj Olunifesi inaugurates UNESCO’s media literacy network in Africa

Olunifesi Suraj, a communications lecturer at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), has led the inauguration of the African chapter of the UNESCO Media and Information Literacy and Intercultural Dialogue (MILID) network.

The UNESCO MILID university network was established to promote media and information literacy (MIL) and intercultural dialogue as tools for sustainable development and social cohesion.

It forms part of UNESCO’s university twinning and networking scheme (UNITWIN) that connects higher education institutions worldwide to advance research, training, and capacity building in MIL.

Suraj inaugurated the Africa chapter of the MILD network on December 9 during a virtual event that brought together participants from universities across Africa, UNESCO representatives, and other UN agencies.

The PhD holder, who co-leads the global UNESCO UNITWIN network, highlighted the initiative’s mission to localise global solutions using media and information literacy (MIL) strategies.

Speaking during the event, he said: “Guided by frameworks such as the operational strategy for priority Africa 2022-2029, the UN’s SDGs, and the African Union’s Agenda 2063, this chapter will work toward the vision of a prosperous and integrated Africa.”

The chapter, Suraj said, will be headquartered at UNILAG, with regional offices in four other African regions.

Suraj will lead the initiative, supported by academic and institutional stakeholders across the continent.

Ayodele Atsenuwa, the deputy vice-chancellor (management services), pledged the support of the UNILAG management for the network.

Adelaja Odukoya, the dean of the faculty of social sciences, commended Suraj’s initiative.

International collaborators, including Jose Manuel of the University of Autonoma Barcelona, also expressed their commitment to the project.

The launch drew commendations from academics and UNESCO representatives.

Alton Grizzle, UNESCO’s media and information literacy programme specialist, formally recognised the African chapter and expressed the agency’s enthusiasm to collaborate with UNILAG and Nigeria’s federal initiatives in MIL.

Speakers from Morocco, Ghana, Kenya, South Africa, and other African nations highlighted the project’s significance.

Suraj outlined the membership process for universities interested in joining the network.

He said institutions must demonstrate active engagement in MIL activities to achieve full membership status.

He said the network’s annual meeting will coincide with Global Media and Information Literacy Week.

Suraj concluded the inauguration with a ceremonial unveiling and a toast to the network’s “The Africa we want” slogan.