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Mixed Reactions Trail FG’s Unbundling Of Mass Communication

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Mixed reactions have continued to trail the recent decision by the National Universities Commission (NUC), to unbundle  Mass Communication as a course of study in universities and polytechnics across the country.
The National Universities Commission had recently, in Abuja, announced the decision of the commission to unbundle it into seven  degree awarding  programmes
Since the announcement  by NUC,   many Mass Communication  students across  Nigerian universities have reacted in different ways
While some see it as a welcome development which will help in grooming students into specific areas of specialisation, others have condemned the decision, saying it rather came too late , as the study of Mass Communication has been  appreciated in both polytechnics and  universities.
Ngozi  Nnadozie, a 400 level student of Mass Communication, Rivers State University, commended  NUC for taking the bold step by unbundling the course into different areas as this she said ,would help any student who wishes to study any of the courses to do so without distraction.
According to her,  most persons who graduated with a degree in  Mass Communication , went into the labour market confused because they didn’t have a particular field they specialized on ,adding that  with the recent development, more professionals would emerge.
Joyce Kalu, a 400 level  Mass Communication student of the same university   opined  that the  unbundling of the course would bridge the specialization gap in Mass Communication  where  people  become jacks of all trades and masters of none.
”Anyone who wishes to study journalism would be taught the course in detail. Most Nigerian universities and polytechnics students are taught only the theoretical part of the course without being engaged in real life situations because the study of Mass Communication has many branches but following the new turn of things, a student would have focus and take decision from the beginning on the aspect of communication he wishes to study. Also the university administration would get more equipments, and manpower to teach the course”, she stated.
Another student,  Ifenyinwa  John of Port Harcourt Polytechnic   applauded the new policy , saying that it was an avenue for students to study beyond Mass Communication.
She advised administrators  of Nigerian universities to comply  with  the new NUC   policy and ensure that the newly introduced courses were  accredited in order to make their study  authentic.
Franca Chiwendu a graduate of Mass Communication from Abia State University, however, said the decision rather came late and urged  the commission to give proper orientation on the newly introduced courses  to aspiring students who will  study any of the courses.
She also appealed to the commission to make sure any university undertaking the courses is  well equipped before giving  such institutions  accreditation.
“Although the Nigerian University Commission had given a free hand to any university that is ready to  get qualified and digitally experienced lecturers to take the courses as it is also a means by which young graduates can gain employment”, she stated.

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School Resumption:Rivers begins monitoring of compliance  to academics standards

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As Secondary and primary schools  in Rivers state ,including public and private owned  resumes for the first term 2025/2026 academic session  today after a one month vacation at the end of the third term  2024/2025 academic session .,the state ministry of education said quality assurance supervisors will resume school visitations and monitoring immediately.
The state ministry of Education disclosed this in a statement signed by the permanent secretary ,
Dr. (Mrs.) Ndidi Chikanele Utchay and made available to the tide ,the statement stated that staffs of department of quality assurance services (SEQAS)  in the ministry and it’s agencies will commence  immediate  routein assessment visitations to all schools in the state, to ensure Compliance with Established Educational Standards .
The statement reads thus:
“This is to notify all public and private schools operating in Rivers State that the State Education Quality Assurance Services (SEQAS) will commence follow-through and routine assessments immediately, upon resumption of the 2025/2026 academic session. These assessments are designed to:
 Ensure Compliance with Established Educational Standards.”
“Evaluate the Quality of Teaching and Learning,
Review Curriculum Implementation and Teaching Methods,
Assess Infrastructure and Learning Environment, and
Promote Students Welfare and Overall School Improvement.”
“Consequently, all Public and Private Schools are by this announcement advised to make all necessary preparations and ensure full compliance with regulatory requirements. “
The statement also said applications for School approvals and upgrades should be submitted directly to the office of the Permanent Secretary, as negotiations with individuals and agents will no longer be tolerated.
“The  state Ministry of Education appreciates your continuous co-operation and commitments to sustaining high educational standards in our dear State.”the statement stated.
By: Akujobi Amadi
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University of Port Harcourt elevates five professor’s on communication and public relations

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The  Governing Council of University of port Harcourt in Rivers state has appointed
 five new Professors of Communication and Media Studies of the institution.
This was contained in a Facebook handle of  the public relations officer of the university,Dr Sammy Kpenu  disclosed that those elevated to the ranks  of professor include erudite and world-class Prof. Ntiense James Usua , promoted to  professor of Broadcasting,
Prof. Faustina Ginikanwa Nwachukwu – Strategic Communication and Advertising, and
Prof. Benedict Obiora Agbo – Public Relations and Advertising.
Others are,Prof. Sunny C.J. Mbazie , Public Relations and Advertising, while
Prof. Clement Afamefuna Asadu ,was appointed  professor of Behaviour and Social Change Communication, of the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, University of Port Harcourt.
By: Akujobi Amadi
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Our academic activities are AI driven – VC ….declares I’ntl Conf on education 

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The Vice Chancellor of Rivers State University, Prof. Isaac Zeb-Obipi, has declared that all activities in the University are AI-driven, stressing  the need to prepare the future workforce through Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Education as a pathway to achieving sustainable development.
He  made this remark while declaring open the 4th Annual International Conference of the Department of Science Education, held from Wednesday,at the Faculty of Education Auditorium.
The vice chancellor commended the department for choosing a theme that aligns with his vision for the University and expressed optimism that the conference would produce a communiqué with clear strategies for the future.
Also speaking,the Head of Department, Science Education, Dr. Dorathy Ekineh,  stated that the convergence of STEM Education, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Sustainable Development is crucial in shaping the next generation of leaders, innovators, and problem solvers.
According to her, the conference provides an opportunity to explore, discuss, and collaborate on strategies to equip the workforce with the skills required to face the challenges and seize the opportunities of the future.
Earlier In his welcome address, the Dean of the Faculty of Education, Prof. Isaac N. Dokubo, described the conference as timely, noting that the world is rapidly embracing AI in all sectors.
He explained that the primary aim of the conference is to examine how AI and STEM Education can prepare tomorrow’s workforce to compete effectively with their counterparts globally.
 Delivering the keynote address, the Dean, Faculty of Education, University of Port Harcourt, Prof. Cheta Williams, stated that the workforce of the future will thrive at the intersection of STEM, Artificial Intelligence, and sustainability.
“If we align our education systems, innovations, and ethical compass, we will not just prepare for the future, we will shape it,” he stated .
He averred that the workforce of tomorrow is already being built today in classrooms, universities, innovation hubs, and government boardrooms,adding that the future is not something to wait for, but something to design and build together.
Also presenting a paper titled “STEM Education and Sustainable Development for a Resilient Future”, Prof. Keziah A. Achuonye from the Faculty of Education, Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, highlighted the vital role of STEM in driving resilience and sustainable growth.
By: Akujobi Amadi
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