Ayomide Awe
A distinguished lecturer in the Department of Educational Technology at Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED), Ijagun, Nigeria, Nureni Aremu Bakenne has been awarded a prestigious full scholarship by the Government of the Republic of South Africa to pursue a Ph.D. in Communication Sciences at the North-West University (NWU) in South Africa.
Bakenne’s research, which will be funded by the Department of Higher Education, Republic of South Africa, will delve into the topic: “Examining the Impact of BBC News Yoruba on the Revitalisation of Yoruba Language of South West Nigeria.” His research aims to explore the role of media, specifically the BBC’s Yoruba-language news service, in fostering the preservation and revitalisation of the Yoruba language, an integral part of Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage. The research is expected to contribute to the growing body of knowledge on the revival of indigenous languages in Africa, particularly in the context of modern media’s influence on language sustainability.
A seasoned media professional, Bakenne has built an extensive career in both the academia and media sectors. He joined TASUED in 2006 as the Public Relations Officer and swiftly rose through the ranks to become the Head of Media and Public Relations. His leadership in this role was pivotal in shaping the public image and communication strategies of Nigeria’s first University of Education. Before transitioning fully into academia, Bakenne had also served as an Adjunct Lecturer in the Department of Mass Communication and later in the Department of Educational Technology at TASUED. This rich blend of experience in media practice and academia uniquely positions him to undertake a research project that intersects both fields.
The Ph.D. scholarship package, which comes with a 90,000 South African Rand grant, will cover Bakenne’s three-year doctoral programme. In addition, he will receive a Faculty of Humanities Bursary valued at 37,000 South African Rand, further supporting his academic journey at NWU.
Bakenne’s media career spans over two decades, and his professional expertise is a blend of academia and real-world media practice. He is a seasoned broadcaster and public affairs analyst, with experience in a variety of media platforms across Nigeria. He freelanced with renowned radio and television stations, including Sweet FM and Splash FM, both in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria. Additionally, Bakenne is the anchor of “YOUR IMAGE,” a unique Public Relations-focused television show that airs on Ogun State Television, Abeokuta, Nigeria.
His research interests are broad, encompassing journalism studies, indigenous languages, mass media and society, popular culture, and music, among others. Over the years, Bakenne has published scholarly articles and contributed chapters to both local and international journals, establishing himself as an authoritative voice in his field. He is also an active member of several academic and professional bodies, including the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), the Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria (APCON), the Association of Communication Scholars and Professionals of Nigeria (ACSPN), and the Nigerian Institute of Management (Chartered).
His commitment to advancing the study of indigenous languages, particularly in the face of growing concerns about the erosion of native tongues in the digital age. His research promises to offer valuable insights into the role of media in language preservation and cultural revitalisation, both within Nigeria and across Africa.
As Bakenne prepares for this exciting academic journey at NWU, his success stands as a testament to the importance of combining academic excellence with practical experience in media. It also underscores the role of international collaborations in advancing academic and research endeavours, particularly in the context of preserving and promoting indigenous languages.
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