For almost 10 years, Diinsider has been conducting a global online learning program for changemakers, entrepreneurs, strategic comunications and media students who are passionte about creating social impact through storytelling. As of the moment, we have 200+ alumnis from 30+ countries, whom we call Diinsider’s global corresponndents. Today, we are thrilled to annouce that we have the great opportunity to look back and talk with some of them in our earlier years, and see how much they have grown in the past years. Today, we have the opportunity to talk with Abdulmalik A. Lawal, who is orignally from Nigeria and currently actively internationally, to share his journey with us.
Q: Where are you in your career now and why do you choose this career (e.g. health research/studying in US/etc)?
Abdulmalik: Right now, I’m doing my master’s in Journalism and Media Innovation at the University of Nevada, Reno, with a focus on health communication, misinformation, and crisis communication. I also work as a research assistant, writing science communication pieces and collaborating on projects that tackle issues like antimicrobial resistance and healthcare stigma. I chose this path because communication has always been my thing. My journey actually started here at Development Innovation Insider, where I learned just how powerful a well-told story can be in inspiring action and solving real problems. Then, during the Ebola outbreak in Nigeria, I saw firsthand how dangerous health misinformation could be as people were making life-or-death decisions based on false information. Health research and communication bring together my love for storytelling and my desire to make a tangible difference. Studying in the U.S. has opened doors to work with people from different backgrounds, access world-class research, and see how communication can bridge gaps between science and the public. For me, this career is about taking complex information and turning it into something people can trust, understand, and use to make better choices for their health.
Q: What do you think is the role of communication and media in preventing/controlling health risks? How does health risks communication matter for strengthening health systems? Do you have some examples from your work or study to demonstrate this?
Abdulmalik: Communication and media are at the heart of preventing and controlling health risks because they shape what people know, how they feel, and ultimately what they do. You can have the best medical intervention in the world, but if people don’t understand it, trust it, or feel it’s relevant to them, it won’t work as intended. Media plays a critical role here because it’s where most people encounter health information in their daily lives
Health risk communication matters for strengthening health systems because it builds trust and encourages cooperation between the public and health institutions. When messages are clear, culturally sensitive, and consistent, people are more likely to follow preventive measures, seek care early, and support public health initiatives. Over time, that trust becomes part of the system’s resilience, especially during crises. For example, during my time working in communication, I’ve seen how a well-crafted radio segment in a local language can reach rural communities that health workers can’t visit every day, or how an engaging news feature can make people pay attention to a public health campaign they might have otherwise ignored.
In short, communication and media aren’t just messengers are partners in prevention. When used effectively, they can mobilize communities, strengthen trust, and give health systems the public support they need to thrive and vice versa.
Q: What are your plans after graduation?
Abdulmalik: After graduation, I am transitioning into a doctoral program to deepen my expertise in health communication and media research. My focus will be on advancing evidence-based strategies that tackle misinformation, strengthen public trust, and improve health literacy in underdeveloped and developing African countries. Alongside my academic work, I plan to collaborate with health organizations and media outlets to design communication interventions that are both research-driven and culturally relevant. In the long term, I want to ensure that communication as a powerful tool is being utilized for healthier and more informed communities.
Q: What is your best/or most impressive memory from Diinsider’s experiences? What is one thing (if any) that you have as inspiration/wisdom from your Diinsider experience that leads to your career today?
Abdulmalik: All the sessions I attended, the articles I wrote, and the friends I made at Diinsider created a truly rich and memorable experience for me. However, one moment that will forever stay with me is when I wrote my article on girl child marriage in Nigeria. That piece felt like a turning point; it was as if it unlocked my potential and showed me the power, I have to drive meaningful change through my words. It made me realize that writing is not just about telling stories, but about sparking conversations, influencing perspectives, and inspiring action. That lesson has stayed with me and continues to shape how I approach my career today. I can say that the confidence I gained from working with Diinsider has stayed with me to this day. At the time, I didn’t have much experience—I was just an undergraduate, the youngest on the team, and the only Nigerian and African. Yet, I was trusted to share my voice, contribute ideas, and write stories that mattered. That experience taught me that where you start from doesn’t define how far you can go, and that your perspective has value no matter your background or age. It was an empowering lesson that continues to guide how I carry myself and pursue opportunities today.
Q: Anything else you would love to share with Diinsider’s audience.
Abdulmalik: What I would love to share with Diinsider’s audience is that your voice truly matters, no matter where you are starting from. When I first joined Diinsider, I didn’t have years of experience or an impressive portfolio, but I had passion and a willingness to learn, and that opened doors for me. Never underestimate the impact of telling stories that matter, even if they start small. The connections you build, the skills you gain, and the confidence you develop will stay with you long after the work is done. Keep showing up, keep writing, and keep believing in the power of your ideas to inspire change.
