The School of Media and Communication Alumni Association (SMCAA), Pan African University, held its first annual dinner and awards night on November 25, 2011 at Sheraton Hotels and Towers, Ikeja, Lagos. It was a memorable night for all attendees. There was a lot of backslapping, camaraderie, and applauding as members as well as guests were informed, inspired and entertained. Seated at the high table were Funke-Treasure Durodola, President of SMCAA, Professor (Mrs.) Chinyere Stella Okunna, Anambra State Commissioner for Budget and Economic Development and guest speaker of the event, Prof. Juan Elegibo, Vice Chancellor of PAU, the Dean of SMC, Prof. Emevwo Biakolo, his wife Dr. (Mrs.) Margaret Biakolo, Dr. Mike Okolo, Director Professional Education, and Mr. Vincent Ameh, Director Academic Programmes. Mr. Don Adinuba, special adviser on media to the honourable Minister for Power was also present to grace the occasion.

The vision for the awards night was shared by Funke-Treasure Durodola. She says, “By this award series, we intend to create a paradigm shift and challenge the status quo in the Nigerian media."

Professor (Mrs.) Chinyere Stella Okunna, Honourable Commissioner for Economic Planning & Budget, Anambra State Government and first and only female professor of mass communication in Nigeria, specifically encouraged media practitioners to continuously project Nigeria positively.

The highlight of the evening was the awards ceremony. Seven alumni of the School of Media and Communication who performed exceptionally well in their different fields of endeavour received the SMC Excellence Awards. They included: Toyosi Akerele, Toyosi Ogunseye, Anulika Agina, Ken Ike Okere, Toyin Fajusigbe, Ebi Akpeti and Ariyike Oladipo. Mr. Ikechukwu Obiaya was honoured with the SMC Faculty Award. Moreover Zenith Bank sponsored the category of the Best Graduating Students. Ifesinachi Okoli and Sule Babatunde were recognized for the Full-time and Part-time Masters’ programme respectively. MTN Nigeria, British Council, Samsung electronics and Coca-Cola Nigeria also received awards for their constant support of programmes at SMC.