Dr. Jacob Shagbaor Suemo is a seasoned academic with extensive training and experience in the field of Mass Communication. He holds a Ph.D. (2018), an M.Sc. (2012), and a B.Sc. (2007) in Mass Communication, all from Benue State University, Makurdi. Additionally, he earned a Diploma in Theatre Arts with distinction and an Alison Diploma in Teaching Skills for Educators. He also holds a certificate in Broadcasting and Digital Communication from Calvin College, Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA.
Born on August 17, 1984, at NKST Hospital Mkar in Gboko, Benue State, Dr. Suemo began his primary education at Robert F. Kennedy Nursery & Primary School, Gboko, in 1989 and attended Government Secondary School, Makurdi, from 1995 to 2001. His academic journey culminated in a Ph.D. in Mass Communication from Benue State University in 2018.
Dr. Suemo’s professional career began as a Television Presenter/Marketer with NTA Makurdi Network Station in 2005. He later worked as Editor of Pavilion Newspaper in 2007, Marketing Manager at Elrovic Media Concept (NYSC) in Benin City, Edo State, in 2008, and Manager at Benue State University FM. In 2009, he transitioned to academia as a Lecturer, starting as a Graduate Assistant and rising to Senior Lecturer. He currently serves as the Head of the Department of Mass Communication at Nile University of Nigeria, Abuja, overseeing five studios and both undergraduate and postgraduate programs. Previously, he was the Director of Communications at the World Bank Africa Centre of Excellence: Centre for Food Technology and Research.
Dr. Suemo is the Chairman of the Board of Directors and CEO of the Centre for Advancing Professional Standards in Journalism and Media Studies (APSTAJOMS). He is also a registered Scholar of the African Council for Communication Education, a member of the International Communication Association, Nigerian Institute of Public Relations Practitioners, Advertisers Regulatory Council of Nigeria, Association of Communication Scholars & Professionals of Nigeria, African Council for Communication Education, Institute of Mass Communication and Information Management of Nigeria, Haggai Leadership Institute, and Nigerian Union of Journalists.
He has authored over 35 peer-reviewed journal articles, five book chapters, and three books. Dr. Suemo has presented at numerous national and international conferences and is recognized as a public speaker, motivational speaker, and skilled communication strategist with a passion for excellence.
Dr. Suemo has traveled extensively, visiting the United States, Germany, France, Ghana, Togo, Mali, Guinea Bissau, and Senegal. He is married to Mrs. Shekinah Iember Suemo, and they have five children.
