By Our Reporter
Hensard University, Toru Orua, Bayelsa State, will host renowned journalist, communication strategist, and marketer, Mr. Chido Nwakanma, as the guest expert for the second edition of its monthly ‘Industry Meets Academia Series’ webinar.
Scheduled for August 29, 2025, the virtual event will feature Nwakanma sharing his insights on the critical theme of “The Role of Media and Strategic Communication in National Development and Global Relevance.”
Nwakanma, an adjunct lecturer at the Pan-Atlantic University, Lagos, brings decades of experience in the media and communications industry to the discussion. His career includes leadership roles and significant contributions to both the public and private sectors.
“We are delighted to welcome Mr. Nwakanma to Hensard University,” said Prof. Dileep Kumar, Vice Chancellor of the institution. “His extensive experience and deep understanding of the communication landscape in Nigeria and beyond make him an ideal speaker for this series. We anticipate a highly engaging and informative session for our students and the wider community.”
The ‘Industry Meets Academia Series,’ an initiative spearheaded by Dr. Oyindamola Adeyemo and Prof. Emmy Idegu of the Faculty of Arts, Social and Management Sciences, aims to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application.
Prof. Kumar commended Dr. Adeyemo and Prof. Idegu for their foresight in creating this valuable platform.
The inaugural edition of the webinar featured Professor Adenikinju, President of the Nigerian Economic Society and lecturer at the Department of Economics, University of Ibadan, who addressed the timely topic of fuel subsidy.
Chido Benedict Nwakanma currently serves as CEO of Brandhaus Communications Limited and previously held leadership positions at Blueflower Limited and Taijo Wonukabe Limited.
His experience also includes roles at Cadbury Nigeria plc as Export and Institutional Sales and Media Relations Manager, as well as General Editor of BUSINESS magazine and regional correspondent for the now-defunct ThisWeek magazine.
A highly respected figure in the Nigerian communication industry, Nwakanma served as President of both the International Association of Business Communicators, Nigeria, and the Public Relations Consultants Association of Nigeria (PRCAN) from 2012 to 2014. He is a registered advertising practitioner and a member of both the NIPR and CIPR UK.
Adding to his accomplishments, his book, “Media Relations Playbook: 25 Proven Effective Hacks,” received the 2024 Lapriga Award from the Lagos Chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations for Best Book in Public Relations Education.
Nwakanma holds an Upper Honours BA in Mass Communication from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (1985), an MSc in Sociology from the University of Lagos, and an MSc in Media and Communication from the School of Media and Communication at Pan-Atlantic University, Lagos, where he is currently pursuing a PhD in Media and Communication.
The virtual event is open to students, faculty, industry professionals, and the general public. Registration and attendance details are available at: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82873392365?pwd=8Vrdv8Nas9BHpcEMNkF9N2jpJXUhgn.1
This is an excellent opportunity to learn from a leading expert and contribute to a crucial discussion on the role of media and communication in national development.