The Lagos State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education (MBSE), in collaboration with Global Education Media Limited, has hosted a one-day strategic communication conference for Public Affairs Officers (PAOs) across the education sector to strengthen public engagement and improve communication of government policies.
The conference, held on Thursday at NECA House, Central Business District, Ikeja, was themed, “Strategic Communication: Advancing the Lagos Education Agenda through Effective Public Affairs Engagement.”
The event brought together stakeholders and communication professionals to deliberate on innovative strategies for promoting government programmes, enhancing public engagement, and improving the visibility of educational reforms in Lagos State.
Delivering the keynote address, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Mrs. Abisola Dokunmu-Adegbite, emphasised the critical role of Public Affairs Officers in shaping public perception, fostering transparency, and driving successful implementation of the Lagos Education Agenda.
She urged participants to embrace professionalism, innovation and collaboration in communicating government policies and achievements effectively.
Dokunmu-Adegbite also advised Public Affairs Officers in the education sector to adopt teamwork, remain proactive, and stay committed to their duties to achieve positive outcomes.
According to her, the education sector remains the third pillar of the Lagos State Government’s THEMES Plus Agenda and serves as a critical foundation upon which other pillars depend.
In his goodwill message, Director of Public Affairs, Lagos State Ministry of Information and Strategy, Mr. Adesegun Ogundeji, stressed the need for synergy among government communication professionals to ensure accurate, timely and impactful dissemination of information.
He encouraged Public Affairs Officers to leverage both digital and traditional media platforms in carrying out their responsibilities.
“It is very important that you build a relationship with the media and master how to manage a crisis effectively,” Ogundeji said.
Also speaking, Chief Executive Officer of Global Education Media Limited and Project Director of Lagos Schools Online, Mr. Durotimi Adeboye, expressed appreciation to the Permanent Secretary and the ministry for their support.
According to him, the growing complexity of educational challenges requires collaboration among stakeholders.
“The complexity of educational challenges demands that we work not as separate entities but as partners united by a common vision to provide every child in Lagos State with access to quality education,” he said.
The conference also featured presentations by communication experts, including Professor of Journalism and Development Communications at Lagos State University, Ojo, Prof. Tunde Musbau Akanni, who spoke on strengthening collaboration and synergy among agencies under the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education.
Also, Mr. Victor Banjo, a Director in the Department of Lagos Business School Executive Education at Lagos Business School, Pan-Atlantic University, spoke on enhancing participants’ capacity for strategic, proactive and collaborative communication.
Banjo highlighted emerging trends in strategic communication, reputation management and stakeholder engagement within the public sector.
A major highlight of the conference was the interactive session where Public Affairs Officers shared their experiences, challenges and expectations in the discharge of their duties.
However participants identified the need for greater institutional support as essential to strengthening public affairs practice within the education sector.