An Open Letter to My Vice Chancellor: Utilizing Publicity to Showcase the Creative Excellence of Our Exceptional Students

Dear Vice Chancellor sir,  

I hope this letter finds you in high spirits and good health. As a devoted member of our reputable university and a keen observer of the remarkable abilities of our students, I discovered that our university is not paying much attention to publicity compared to other universities to showcase the ability, creativity, and resources that our students are endowed with to the world that will facilitate not only opportunities for our dear students but will create a good image of the university at large. I would like to propose an idea that can truly propel our school to new heights. By strategically harnessing the power of publicity, we can effectively showcase the high sense of creativity, brilliance, and exceptional talents of our students to the world.

In today's digital age, where social media platforms and digital communication dominate, educational institutions must have a strong online presence. Engaging in purposeful publicity not only promotes our school but also provides a valuable opportunity to highlight the extraordinary achievements of our students. Here are several captivating reasons why focusing on showcasing our students' creativity and exceptionalism through publicity is a wise investment:

Firstly, Publicity serves as a powerful source of inspiration and motivation for both our current students and future generations. When we shine a spotlight on our students' creative endeavors, we kindle a spark of aspiration and determination within others. Witnessing their peers excel in various artistic, scientific, and innovative pursuits can encourage students to explore their untapped potential and strive for greatness.

And perhaps, exceptional students gravitate towards exceptional institutions. By actively promoting our students' achievements, we can attract top talents and strengthen the intellectual courage of the students. When prospective students and educators observe the creative excellence and exceptionalism that our institution fosters, they will naturally be drawn to join our community, bolstering the overall learning environment.

Secondly, Publicity acts as a catalyst for forging robust partnerships and collaborations with external organizations, businesses, and community members. When our students' accomplishments take center stage, it opens doors for potential sponsorships, internships, mentorships, and professional connections that can enhance their educational journey. Such partnerships not only benefit our students but also contribute to the reputation and standing of our school.

And lastly, this will build a positive image for the University community at large. Publicity allows us to shape and cultivate a positive image of our institution. By showcasing the creative talents and exceptional abilities of our students, we demonstrate our commitment to providing a nurturing and stimulating environment that fosters personal and academic growth. This positive image not only attracts prospective students and their sponsors but also garners respect and admiration from the wider community.

However, all these aforementioned benefits could only be achieved if there are good strategies to implement this policy. From my end, the following are some humble points and they are as follows:

a. Engaging in Social Media: To establish a strong presence on social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn. Regularly share captivating stories, photos, and videos that highlight the achievements of our students across various disciplines. Encourage students, teachers, and parents to share their experiences and success stories. This will inarguably create a vibrant online community.

b. Showcasing Student Projects: Organize exhibitions, showcases, and competitions where our students can display their creative projects, scientific research, artwork, performances, and innovative solutions. Invite the local community, media outlets, and distinguished guests to witness the remarkable talent that resides within our school.

c. Collaborating with Local Media: Forge relationships with local newspapers, magazines, radio stations, and television channels. Share press releases and success stories about our students, inviting journalists to cover their achievements. This exposure will not only generate positive publicity for our students but also raise the profile of our school within the community and beyond.

d. Creating a School Newsletter: Develop a regular newsletter that highlights the accomplishments and endeavors of our students. Include sections dedicated to showcasing their creative projects, academic achievements, sports accomplishments, community service initiatives, and any other noteworthy contributions. Distribute the newsletter to parents, alumni, local businesses, and community organizations to keep them informed and engaged.

e. Participating in Competitions and Events: Encourage our students to participate in local, national, and international competitions and events that align with their interests and talents. Publicize their involvement and success in these endeavors to demonstrate the level of excellence our students consistently achieve.

f. Publicizing Alumni Success Stories: Reach out to our alumni who have achieved notable successes in their respective fields. Share their stories and accomplishments through various media channels, highlighting how our school played a pivotal role in their career and journey. This will not only showcases the impact of our institution but also inspires current students to strive for greatness.

g. Engaging Influencers and Thoughtful Leaders: Identify influencers and thoughtful leaders in relevant industries or fields of interest and invite them to visit our school or collaborate on projects with our students. Their endorsement and support can amplify our students' achievements and attract wider attention.

h. Creating a Digital Portfolio: Develop a dedicated section on our school's website that serves as a digital portfolio for our students' creative projects, artwork, research papers, and other accomplishments. This platform can be easily accessible to the public, allowing them to explore and appreciate the exceptional talents nurtured within our institution.

In conclusion, by utilizing publicity effectively, we have the opportunity to showcase the creative excellence and exceptional abilities of our students to the world. Through strategic engagement on social media, collaboration with local media outlets, organizing exhibitions, and leveraging our alumni network, we can build a positive image, attract recognition, inspire others, and forge valuable partnerships. Let us embrace the power of publicity and provide our students with the platform they deserve to shine on a global stage.

Thank you for reading through and giving a listening ear to this humble article. I have the firm belief that by implementing these strategies, we will not only celebrate the achievements of our exceptional students but we will also reinforce our school's reputation as a hub of creativity and excellence.

Sincerely,

Yunus Abdulkadir Olarewaju 

A 400-level student of the Department of political science, UDUS.