Thomas Adewumi University successfully hosted the March Edition of the TAU KnowledgeX Series, a monthly knowledge-sharing and engagement forum for the university community. The session, themed “Mastering the Art of Effective Communication in Academia,” provided insightful discourse on the importance of communication in academic settings.
The event was hosted by the Coordinator of Human Capacity Development, Dr. Farohunbi Samuel, who welcomed participants joining both physically and virtually. In his opening remarks, he highlighted the significance of the topic, stating, “Today, we are talking about a topic that resonates with everyone—grammar, sentences, and communication—from an expert, one of TAU’s own.”
The session was facilitated by Mr. Adelokun Adetunji, a distinguished scholar, poet, and lecturer from the Department of Languages at TAU. As an accomplished poet and academic, he delivered an engaging presentation, defining communication as “the art of making sure people hear what you meant, not just what you said.” He emphasized that communication is a fundamental tool in maintaining peaceful human relationships and cuts across all fields of study.
Mr. Adetunji described communication as “tricky, unpredictable, and sometimes hilarious,” but asserted that mastering it makes life significantly easier. He outlined key reasons why communication is crucial in academia, including its role in facilitating clear knowledge transmission, supporting collaboration and research dissemination, and preventing miscommunication and misunderstanding.
Furthermore, he examined key communication channels in academia, categorizing them into: verbal, written, non-verbal, digital, and persuasive communication. To enhance the participants’ understanding, the facilitator provided practical examples of common misconceptions about communication in academia. He also shed light on listening skills and different types of listeners, followed by an exploration of communication theories relevant to academic interactions.
Additionally, Mr. Adetunji discussed barriers to effective communication and presented strategies for improving communication skills, emphasizing the 7Cs of Communication (Clarity, Conciseness, Concreteness, Correctness, Coherence, Completeness, and Courtesy). Concluding his presentation, he reiterated that “communication is crucial for success in academia.” He also shared his top six quotes on the essence of communication, leaving the audience with valuable insights to refine their communication skills.
Recognizing his impactful contribution, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Francisca Oladipo, presented Mr. Adetunji with a certificate of appreciation on behalf of the university community. She commended him for his insightful presentation on a topic that resonates with everyone.
The event was well attended by TAU staff, with virtual participation from other institutions and organizations. The TAU KnowledgeX Series continues to be a platform for fostering intellectual engagement and professional development within the academic community.