The HOD made the call when members of the Organising Committee of this year's Press Week of the Kwara State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) paid him a visit. The journalists were led by union chairman, Mallam Abiodun Abdulkareem.

Mahmud said partnership between NUJ and the academics was necessary because there was a need for both to come together and generate ideas, which would enhance professionalism among journalists and academics.

"The collaboration will be a mutual benefit for both the academics and NUJ, because when we begin to to witness such partnership, a lot of things would be introduced that will enhance the activities and performance of journalists," he said.

He added: "From time to time, we will invite journalists to talks and share their experiences with our students. We believe that they are mentors to students of journalism."

Mahmud, a former General Manager of Radio Kwara, disclosed that post-graduate programmes would soon commence in the department, which at present offers undergraduate programmes in Mass Communication only.

The visit, according to chairman of the NUJ Press Week Committee, Mr Alli Mohammad Robiu, was aimed at strengthening relationship between the union and the department and seek the advice and support of the HOD for the Week.