In an era of information overload, misinformation, and fragmented values, effective visual communication has become critical to shaping public understanding and promoting national cohesion.
This was the submission of Professor Emmanuel Oladumiye, a Professor of Graphic Design and Advertising at the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), during the institution’s 187th Inaugural Lecture held on November 4, 2025, at the Obafemi Awolowo Auditorium.
Delivering the lecture titled “Graphic Design: Catalyst for Human Transformation and Development from Darkness to Light,” Professor Oladumiye urged information managers to leverage graphic design and visual communication to counter misinformation and expose deepfakes increasingly distorting public narratives.
“Graphic design has become a frontline tool in the fight against misinformation, especially now that AI can churn out convincing images and stories in seconds,” he said. “A well-crafted visual can either flag a deepfake or, if misused, amplify a false narrative—so the designer’s responsibility has never been higher.”
The don stressed that graphic design goes beyond aesthetics, serving as a tool for education, advocacy, and social transformation. Through posters, infographics, and campaigns, designers, he said, can promote sustainable practices, climate awareness, and responsible consumption.
He also called on government authorities to establish policies regulating outdoor advertising to ensure environmental sustainability and visual order in Nigerian cities, advocating eco-friendly materials and digital alternatives.
In his remarks, Vice Chancellor Professor Adenike Oladiji, represented by Deputy Vice Chancellor Professor Taiwo Amos, described the lecture as “thought-provoking and insightful,” commending Professor Oladumiye for his contributions to graphic design scholarship and national development.
