Students of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) have been urged to become active ambassadors of Nigeria by promoting truthful, balanced and inspiring narratives capable of reshaping global perceptions of the country.
The call was made at the Campus Edition of Pivot Nigeria: Reframing the Lens, a national reputation campaign organised by HighStakes PR Professionals Limited at MAD House, University of Lagos, where students, academics, media professionals and communication experts gathered to examine the role of young Nigerians in strengthening the country’s image.
The initiative, which marks the expansion of Pivot Nigeria’s national engagement to tertiary institutions, seeks to encourage students to embrace responsible storytelling, ethical leadership and civic responsibility as essential tools for building Nigeria’s reputation both locally and internationally.
Speaking at the event, Convener, Victoria Uwadoka, said the country’s numerous challenges should not overshadow the remarkable achievements recorded daily by millions of Nigerians across business, science, technology, arts, culture and community development.
She stressed that Nigeria’s global reputation would improve when citizens deliberately project authentic stories that reflect the nation’s innovation, resilience and rich cultural heritage rather than allowing negative narratives to dominate public discourse.
According to her, national reputation is not built solely through strategic communication but through the daily conduct, integrity and values demonstrated by ordinary citizens, adding that every positive action contributes to a stronger national identity.
Delivering the university’s goodwill message, the inaugural Dean of the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, Professor Sunday Oloruntola, commended the organisers for bringing the conversation to Nigerian campuses, describing the initiative as timely and relevant.
Oloruntola observed that while Nigeria continues to grapple with socio-economic challenges, the country’s reality extends far beyond the stereotypes often portrayed in global headlines, urging students of communication to appreciate the enormous influence of framing in shaping public perception.
The event featured presentations from respected voices in media, communication, academia and culture, who examined how national reputation affects foreign investment, tourism, international partnerships, economic opportunities and citizens’ confidence in their country.
A major highlight was a panel discussion led by Goge Africa Worldwide Co-founders, Ambassadors Isaac Moses and Nneka Isaac-Moses, who identified culture, identity and personal conduct as critical pillars in redefining Nigeria’s image before the international community.
Responding to the question, “Why Nigeria?”, Ambassador Nneka Isaac-Moses insisted that the country’s greatest strength lies in its people, describing Nigerians as exceptionally creative, resilient and capable of achieving global excellence when given opportunities.
Ambassador Isaac Moses added that while media narratives influence international opinion, the everyday actions and behaviour of Nigerians equally shape the country’s reputation, noting that personal credibility often opens doors long before professional qualifications are considered.
The speakers further emphasised that Nigeria’s globally recognised music, fashion, cuisine, films and creative industries remain powerful instruments of cultural diplomacy capable of strengthening national identity and expanding the country’s soft power across the world.
A key outcome of the programme was the launch of the Pivot Nigeria Campus Collective, a student-led network established to sustain advocacy through storytelling projects, digital campaigns, dialogue sessions and community initiatives. Members will also participate in a 30-Day Challenge designed to promote responsible citizenship, balanced storytelling and purposeful leadership across campuses. Student leaders, Aborede Feyisara and Adewunmi Oluwasemilore, were elected to coordinate the UNILAG chapter.
As the first engagement in a nationwide university series, the Pivot Nigeria Campus Edition reaffirmed that Nigerian students are not only future leaders but also today’s influencers, innovators and custodians of the nation’s reputation. By empowering young people to tell authentic stories rooted in truth, excellence and national pride, the initiative aims to foster a stronger, more balanced global perception of Nigeria while encouraging greater civic responsibility among the next generation.
