Minister of Information and Culture Alhaji Lai Mohammed has donated copies of his book, Headlines and Sound Bites: Media Moments That Defined an Administration, to the library of Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) in Lagos. The donation aims to support scholarship, knowledge sharing, and the documentation of Nigeria’s contemporary history.

A Contribution to Scholarship and Historical Record

Speaking during the presentation to the rector and college management, Mohammed described the gesture as part of a broader initiative to donate the book to at least 20 higher education institutions across Nigeria. He emphasized that the book was written out of a deep conviction that Africans should tell their own stories rather than rely on external narratives, which are often distorted by bias or lack of context.

“Too often, our national experiences are documented by others. We owe it to ourselves and to posterity to create our own historical records,” Mohammed said.

The former minister, who served nearly eight years under the late President Muhammadu Buhari—the longest tenure for that office in Nigeria—explained that Headlines and Sound Bites is an account of stewardship. The book chronicles key media moments, policy communications, crises, controversies, and decisions that shaped public perception during the Buhari administration.

Practical Insights for Students and Professionals

Mohammed noted that the publication is intended for students, researchers, media professionals, public relations practitioners, historians, and policy analysts. He highlighted that it offers an insider’s view of governance and strategic communication in practice rather than theory.

Drawing from his experiences managing government communication during national security challenges, he also cautioned against the dangers of misinformation, disinformation, and fake news. Mohammed stressed the importance of first-hand information, responsible messaging, and context in shaping public understanding and preventing panic.

He encouraged students and young professionals to critically interrogate narratives, seek the truth, and appreciate the power of communication in shaping national history, underscoring that knowledge should not remain confined to private collections but be accessible for study and practical application.

YABATECH Welcomes the Donation

In response, YABATECH Rector Dr. Ibraheem Abdul expressed profound appreciation for the donation, describing it as timely, inspiring, and intellectually enriching. He highlighted the college’s commitment to connecting students with experienced practitioners, noting that learning from leaders who have served at the highest levels can greatly shape students’ aspirations and mindset.

Dr. Abdul praised Mohammed for documenting his public service experiences, calling the book “a valuable document for posterity” that will serve as a rich resource for students, lecturers, and researchers in media studies, public relations, governance, and national development. He assured that the book would be fully integrated into the college’s academic programs to strengthen teaching, learning, and research.

Delivering the vote of thanks, Dean of the School of Liberal Studies, Mrs. Abosede Ogunnaike, lauded Mohammed on behalf of the college community, describing the donation as a lasting intellectual legacy. She also commended the rector and management for fostering an environment that enables such impactful engagements.

The event concluded with an interactive session between Mohammed, students, and staff, reinforcing YABATECH’s dedication to enriching its library resources while offering learners practical insights into media, governance, and nation-building.