DR. OLAJIDE EMMANUEL ATANSUYI- DIRECTOR, SOCIAL MEDIA DEPARTMENT
Political communication specialist, public relations professional, public sector information manager, social media enthusiast, Dr. Olajide Emmanuel Atansuyi was born on 9th April, 1970. A distinguished scholar and seasoned professional with a profound expertise in Language and Mass Communication. His illustrious career is punctuated by a remarkable history of public service and an unwavering dedication to academic excellence, underscored by his significant presence in various domains including communication, public relations, political communication, media study, new media and language studies. Dr. Atansuyi’s remarkable journey is highlighted by his attainment of a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Mass Communication, showcasing his relentless commitment to research and the advancement of knowledge in his field.
He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in English and Education in 1996 from Ondo State University, Ado-Ekiti (now Ekiti State University). Later, he pursued a Master’s (M.A) Degree in English with a focus in Language at the University of Lagos, Akoka in 1999. Seeking further education, he returned to the University of Lagos to complete a Post Graduate Diploma in Mass Communication successfully in 2011. Subsequently, he continued his academic journey, obtaining another Master’s (M.Sc) Degree in Mass Communication from the same University of Lagos in 2014. He attained his Doctorate status after achieving his Ph.D. in Mass Communication from Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo in June, 2023, thus, becoming the first and only Public Affairs Officer in the employ of the State Government to have earned the academic laurel.
Dr. Atansuyi has held significant roles across various sectors of the Lagos State government, demonstrating his expertise in communication and administration. He is currently serving as the Director of the Social Media Department in the Ministry of Information and Strategy from June, 2020, where he has demonstrated a keen understanding of modern and digital communication platforms.
Beginning his journey as an Information Officer II in the Ministry of Home Affairs and Culture in the year (2000-2001), Lagos State AIDS Control Agency, where he pioneered the Public Relations Unit and also became the Communication Specialist for the World Bank HIV/AIDS project (2001-2005). He was also at the Lagos State Sports Council, where he was part of the contingent to the National Sports Festivals in Ogun and Kaduna States (2005-2011). Dr. Atansuyi also had a stint at the Civil Service Pensions Office as a sitting pioneer Public Relations Officer until October until October 2011 when he was deployed to the Strategy Centre of the Ministry of Information & Strategy (2011-2013) after which he was deployed to Education Distric V1 (2013-2015). He also sojourned in the Ministry of the Environment (2015-2018).
Beyond the corridors of government, Dr. Atansuyi’s passion for education shines through his role as a seasoned educator. He has imparted knowledge on diverse subjects, including public relations, social media, and communication, during his tenure as a lecturer at The Polytechnic Ibadan, Lagos Centre. This reflects his deep commitment to shaping the next generation of communication professionals, fostering a legacy that extends beyond his own accomplishments.
Dr. Atansuyi has served as a resource person at various symposiums, conferences, workshops, and trainings where he shares his wealth of knowledge, expertise, and insights with eager participants, fostering intellectual growth and professional development within the community. A facilitator at the Public Service Staff Development Corporation (PSSDC), Lagos State, the scholar has had the honour of facilitating Structured Training for eligible officers within the Lagos State Civil Service.
As an active member of the Nigeria Institute of Public Relations (MIPR) and the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Dr. Atansuyi remains deeply engaged in professional societies. This underscores his unwavering dedication to upholding industry standards and ethical principles, further solidifying his reputation as a responsible and conscientious practitioner. He is Fellow Certified Research Scholars and Administrators (FCRSA).
While his professional and academic pursuits command respect, Dr. Atansuyi’s multifaceted interests extend into the realm of extracurricular activities such as being the youth leaders of his Church. He rose to being the Chairman of Central Executive Council of the Church in higher institutions of learning in Nigeria and overseas. He is an avid reader, a dedicated teacher, and a sociable individual who enjoys meaningful interactions with people from all walks of life, reflecting a well-rounded personality that transcends the confines of his profession.
As a communication savant, his expansive research interests encompass a wide array of critical domains, including political communication, new media, development communication, public relations, advertising and language management. This broad spectrum highlights his commitment to addressing pressing issues within the field, while his publications and active participation in major conferences and workshops serve as a testament to his proactive and engaged role within the academic and professional community. Dr. Olajide Emmanuel Atansuyi is indeed a stalwart figure, whose contributions resonate both within and beyond the boundaries of Mass Communication.
Dr. Atansuyi has always demonstrated leadership strengths and ability to manage multiple responsibilities in a fast-paced corporate environment. He achieves greatness and success by working well independently as well as collaboratively in a team setting with proven capability to ‘think outside the box’ in identifying problems and implementing innovative solutions with a great sense of responsibility.
He is married and blessed with lovely children.