Mobilising Youth for National Rebranding

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.

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. Gathered at the MAD House, University of Lagos, students and communication experts examined the role of young Nigerians in strengthening the country's image.

Beyond Socio-Economic Challenges

Speaking at the event, Convener Victoria Uwadoka stated that 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 and resilience rather than allowing negative narratives to dominate public discourse.

According to Uwadoka, 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. Professor Sunday Oloruntola, the inaugural Dean of the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, also commended the initiative, observing that the country's reality extends far beyond the stereotypes often portrayed in global headlines.

Soft Power and Cultural Diplomacy

A major highlight of the programme was a panel discussion led by Goge Africa Worldwide Co-founders, Ambassadors Isaac Moses and Nneka Isaac-Moses. They identified culture, identity and personal conduct as critical pillars in redefining Nigeria's image before the international community. The speakers emphasised that Nigeria's globally recognised music, fashion, cuisine, films and creative industries remain powerful instruments of cultural diplomacy capable of expanding the country's soft power.

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 panel concluded that Nigerians are exceptionally creative and resilient, capable of achieving global excellence when provided with the right platforms.

Launching the Campus Collective

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 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 initiative aims to foster a stronger, more balanced global perception of Nigeria while encouraging greater civic responsibility among the next generation of leaders, influencers and innovators.