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Nifemi Apantaku: Why representation in the media matters

By Jessica Eblie

Nifemi's hometown: Saint John, New Brunswick

With big dreams of working in graphic design and advertising, MACS student OluwaNifemi Apantaku is seizing every opportunity that Western University has to offer her.

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Creating has always been a passion for 20-year-old OluwaNifemi “Nifemi” Apantaku, who balances her artistic talents with her career aspirations. She believes creativity, art and soft skills are crucial in media and that these attributes are equally as important as STEM skills (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) in the field.

Nifemi is a fourth-year undergraduate student studying Media and Communication Studies (MACS) at Western University. She was drawn to the interdisciplinary nature of the program and the unique course offerings in the program, which is hosted by the Faculty of Information & Media Studies (FIMS).

“So many of the classes are different, and a lot of the time, you can create really interesting work; you’re not just limited to writing essays. You can make videos and create graphics,” she says. “I like the fact that it’s broad and you can choose what you want to do. It’s not a cookie-cutter program; it’s exciting!”

Nifemi was drawn to Western University because of its diversity, community and inclusivity. It offered a refreshing shift from her small town of 60,000 people in St. John, New Brunswick. This change of scenery has been beneficial for Nifemi, who has embraced the many student opportunities available at Western.

"As a Black woman, getting a job in the tech and media sector can be very difficult as we are often diminished for our skills. I'm really glad that Western's B.L.U.E program was able to give me an opportunity to harness my skills through an internship." - Nifemi Apantaku

In addition to attending classes at Western, Nifemi enrolled in the Western Black Leadership University Experience (B.L.U.E.) internship program in 2024, which offered her practical experience. Over the Fall and Winter terms she worked as a student social media assistant for FIMS, creating and producing content for the FIMS TikTok page. She is also a member of the university’s African Students’ Association, which she considers essential to her post-secondary experience as it fosters community and a sense of belonging.

Fun Fact

Nifemi's favourite television show character is Dre from Black-ish. She likes that he worked in advertising and found that inspiring.

Nifemi hopes her work experience gained through the Western B.L.U.E. program will help her secure a future career in media or technology. She has a particular interest in how different groups of people are represented in and by the media and she hopes to serve as an inspiration to others.

“The reason why I want to work in the media is because I want Black children to be able to see themselves represented fairly within the media landscape and think that it’s possible to excel in this field,” she says.

Her creativity and innovation extend beyond the campus. Nifemi is an entrepreneur who sells her creations, specifically her paintings. Her artistic flair has motivated her career aspirations, as she hopes to apply her many talents and skills in advertising and graphic design.

Nifemi strongly believes that creativity is essential in the media and technology. She understands that while both the technical and creative aspects of media hold equal importance, when these components are combined effectively, the results are impactful and robust.

“There is an important place for creativity in the media landscape. It shouldn’t just be focused on STEM. Artists have a lot to add and contribute to this field.”

Nifemi is looking forward to completing her undergraduate degree in 2026. She hopes to pursue a master’s degree in the future focusing on business or media studies, before moving into the job market.

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Profiles in the Meet Our Students section are written by students in the Master of Media in Journalism & Communication program, who are enrolled in MMJC 9604 - Professional Writing.