FUTA Prof Urges Use of Visual Communication to Tackle Misinformation, Build National Unity

In today’s digital age where misinformation spreads faster than truth, a Professor of Graphic Design and Advertising at the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), Emmanuel Oladumiye, has called on information managers to embrace visual communication as a tool for truth and national cohesion.

Delivering the university’s 187th inaugural lecture on November 4, 2025, at the Obafemi Awolowo Auditorium, Oladumiye spoke on the topic “Graphic Design: Catalyst for Human Transformation and Development from Darkness to Light.”

He said graphic design has become a frontline weapon in the fight against fake news and deepfakes, stressing that “a well-crafted visual can either expose falsehood or amplify it—so the designer’s responsibility has never been higher.”

According to him, visual communication can drive positive change by promoting sustainability, responsible consumption, clean energy, and environmental awareness through posters, infographics, and campaigns.

Describing graphic design as a visual language that expresses human aspirations and social values, he urged government agencies to develop policies that ensure orderliness in outdoor advertising and promote eco-friendly materials in public communication.

“Designers are no longer just stylists; they are educators, advocates, and innovators who shape perception and influence behaviour,” he said, adding that design education should integrate cultural symbolism, visual literacy, and environmental responsibility.

Professor Oladumiye further called for support for Nigerian designers through grants, competitions, and exhibitions that promote sustainability and human development.

Representing the Vice Chancellor, Professor Adenike Oladiji, the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Professor Taiwo Amos, commended the lecturer for his thought-provoking presentation, describing him as a leading light in the field of graphic design.