The Governing Council of Bingham University has endorsed the elevation of Dr. Desmond Onyemechi Okocha to the position of Full Professor of Journalism and Emerging Media.
The approval was granted during the Council’s 72nd regular meeting held on March 12, 2026, reflecting the university’s dedication to rewarding academic distinction and excellence in research.
According to an official communication signed by the Registrar, Daburi Misal, the promotion will take effect from October 1, 2026.
Dr. Okocha currently serves as Dean of the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies and is recognised for his extensive work in digital media research and strategic communication.
Over the years, he has built a strong academic profile through teaching, research, and leadership roles within the university system.
Outside academia, Okocha has also contributed to public service. He served as Special Adviser on Digital Media and Strategic Communication to the Governor of Abia State from 2020 to 2023.
During this period, his work underscored the growing importance of digital communication in governance, policy engagement, and information management.
On the international stage, he has collaborated with major development organisations, including the World Bank and the Open Society Initiative for West Africa, where he contributed to communication strategies and development-driven programmes.
He is also a Research Fellow at the University of Religions and Denominations and a member of the International Panel on the Information Environment, further demonstrating his expanding role in global academic and policy communities.
With more than 80 academic publications, his research covers areas such as digital journalism, automated journalism, development communication, and media ecology.
He is widely noted for his work on the impact of emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, on journalism practice and democratic participation in developing societies.
Colleagues have described his promotion as well-merited, pointing to his combination of scholarly excellence and practical experience.
The advancement is expected to boost the standing of Bingham University’s communication programme while motivating upcoming scholars in the field.
His elevation also positions him among a growing group of Nigerian academics influencing conversations at the convergence of media, technology, and development.
