Former Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, has taken his story of governance and media battles to the students’ shelves of Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), Lagos, with the donation of copies of his book, Headlines and Sound Bites: Media Moments That Defined an Administration.
Presenting the books to the rector and management of the institution, Mohammed said the donation was his modest contribution to academic growth and knowledge sharing. He disclosed that YABATECH is one of at least 20 tertiary institutions across Nigeria that will benefit from the initiative.
According to the former minister, the book was born out of his conviction that Africans must document their own stories, rather than allow outsiders to define their realities.
“Too often, our national experiences are written by others. We owe it to ourselves and future generations to tell our own stories, in our own voices,” he said.
Mohammed explained that the publication captures key media moments, policy communications, crises, controversies, and decisions that shaped public perception during the Buhari administration, offering readers an insider’s view of governance and strategic communication.
He noted that the book was written not just as a personal account, but as a learning resource for students, researchers, media practitioners, historians, and policy analysts interested in how communication works in real-life governance, beyond theory.
Drawing from his experience as government spokesman during periods of national security challenges, Mohammed warned against the dangers of misinformation, disinformation, and fake news, stressing the need for first-hand information, responsible messaging, and proper context.
He urged students and young professionals to question narratives critically and understand the power of communication in shaping history, adding that knowledge should be accessible, debated, and applied — not locked away on private shelves.
Receiving the books, YABATECH Rector, Dr Ibraheem Abdul, described the gesture as timely and intellectually enriching for the college community.
He said the institution values learning from experienced practitioners, noting that exposure to real-life public service experiences helps shape students’ perspectives and future ambitions.
Abdul commended Mohammed for documenting his public service journey, describing the book as a valuable resource for teaching and research in media studies, public relations, governance, and national development.
He assured that the publication would be fully utilised to strengthen learning and research while exposing students to practical insights on leadership and nation-building.
Also speaking, the Dean of the School of Liberal Studies, Mrs Abosede Ogunnaike, described the donation as a lasting intellectual legacy for the institution.
The event ended with an interactive session between Mohammed and students and staff of the college.
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