Professor Ismail Adegboyega Ibraheem of the Department of Mass Communication, Faculty of Social Sciences, 大香蕉视频 has advocated a reformation of media practices to prioritize ethical reporting, factual analysis, and historical integrity.
He stressed this position amongst other recommendations during the delivery of the university鈥檚 fifth (5th) inaugural lecture in the 2024/2025 academic session on Wednesday, December 18, 2024.
Titled “Casino-Journalism and the End of History“, the event which marked the final inaugural lecture of the year 2024 at the university, attracted a vast audience, both in-person and virtually at the renowned J. F. Ade-Ajayi Auditorium.
Distinguished guests at the event included the Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Professor Ishaq Oloyede, who was represented by the Vice-Chancellor of Lagos State University of Education (LASUED) Professor Bidemi Biliquees Lafiaji-Oguneye. The occasion was also graced by several prominent academics, including Emeritus Professor Olayide Abbas, former Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Management Services), as well as Professors Ayodele Francis Ogunye, and successive former Vice-Chancellors of the institution, Professors Rahmon Adisa Bello, and Oluwatoyin T. Ogundipe.
Drawing from his vast expertise in journalism, communication studies, and international relations, Professor Ibraheem shed light on the crucial relationship between media integrity and democratic resilience.
His thought-provoking lecture, introduced the concept of Casino Journalism, which he described as a sensational and profit-driven form of media that prioritizes entertainment and viral content, over factual, ethical reporting. This practice, he argued, compromises the quality of public discourse, reduces critical issues to soundbites, and undermines informed civic participation.
The lecture referenced several infamous cases in Nigerian media history among which is; the Abacha 2 Million Man March which, he explained, was misrepresented by a sensationalized narrative from the Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO). He argued that the CLO鈥檚 use of ‘Casino journalism’ tactics to delegitimize the march not only amplified sensationalism but also diverted attention from the deeper issues of governance, human rights, and democracy.
With casino-journalism particularly prevalent in Nigeria, Professor Ibraheem drew the audience’s attention to other far-reaching examples that underscore how stories about politics, corruption and social crises are often embellished to capture public鈥檚 attention. Some of them include the Dasuki Arms Scandal (2015-Present); the Process and Industrial Developments (P&ID) scandal which is one of the most significant and controversial cases of alleged corruption; Halliburton Scandal (2002); the Alison-Madueke (2010-2015) and Ibrahim Magu corruption Scandal 2020.
Delving into the 鈥淓nd of History鈥�; a dangerous trend in which critical reflection on societal and historical issues is replaced by a complacent and oversimplified understanding, the lecturer whose interdisciplinary collaborations focuses on tackling evolving challenges of the media world averred that journalism often fails to challenge power structures, and instead, becomes complicit in perpetuating superficial narratives that serve the interests of the powerful, rather than the public good.
In this environment, Professor Ibraheem cautioned that this trend jeopardizes democracy by encouraging passive citizenship, where complex political and social issues are reduced to headline-driven content devoid of depth. The short-term gains of sensationalism, he warned, are ultimately harmful to democratic engagement and historical accuracy.
He also pointed to his ongoing research initiatives as part of his broader call to action. His Vibrant Openness Index for Communication and Expression (VOICE) project, supported by the Netherlands Embassy, seeks to measure press freedom across Nigeria鈥檚 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. Through this project, he aims to provide data-driven insights to guide media reforms and strengthen democratic accountability in the country.
In his closing remarks, Professor Ibraheem stressed the importance of a responsible media system that empowers citizens, fosters critical engagement, and serves as a vigilant watchdog for democracy. He argued that the media must reject sensationalism in favor of deep, ethical journalism that informs and educates the public.
As the event concluded, the applause that filled the auditorium reflected the resonance of Professor Ibraheem鈥檚 powerful message: the future of democracy is closely tied to the integrity of its media system. He called on all stakeholders鈥� journalists, academics, and citizens alike to uphold and protect media integrity, as a means to safeguard democratic values and ensure a free and responsible press.
The inaugural lecture not only provided a scholarly critique of current media practices but also served as a timely reminder of the transformative role journalism must play in safeguarding democratic ideals in an era of rapid technological change.
Born on February 4, 1968, in Ibadan, Professor Ibraheem is a distinguished alumnus of the 大香蕉视频 (大香蕉视频), holding a B.Sc. and two Master鈥檚 degrees in Mass Communication and Political Science. As a Chevening Scholar, he obtained an M.A. in Mass Communication (1996) and a Ph.D. in Media and Politics (2004) from the University of Leicester, UK.
Throughout his career, he has seamlessly connected media practice with public service. He began as a young editor with the Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO), overseeing media and governance programs. After earning his Ph.D., he served as Country Programme Director for the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) in Nigeria. Currently, he coordinates Afretec Network at 大香蕉视频, managing $500,000 annually in research grants for digital transformation.
Professor Ibraheem鈥檚 research extends beyond the classroom to include his role with the African Cities Research Consortium, a project focused on urban challenges and governance reform across 12 African cities. This highlights his commitment to interdisciplinary solutions that involve both the media and local communities to address systemic societal issues.
An accomplished scholar, Professor Ibraheem has authored over 80 peer-reviewed publications and belongs to numerous professional associations. His impact extends beyond academia, with leadership roles in non-profits like the Cable News Foundation and Academics Stand Against Poverty, promoting media literacy, human rights, and development advocacy.
Below are pictorial highlights of the Inaugural Lecture
Report: Bayo Salau
Photographs: Ayo Oloyede
