Education
Mixed Reactions Trail FG’s Unbundling Of Mass Communication
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.
The Acting Vice Chancellor of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Port Harcourt, Prof. Okechuku Onuchuku, emphasised the need for students to go beyond academic achievements during the university’s 43rd Convocation ceremony.
The theme, “The University Culture In Practice, The IAUE Experience,” highlights the importance of embracing cherished traditions and intellectual values that define great universities.
Prof. Onuchuku encouraged the new graduates to work hard and persevere, noting that their convocation marks a new beginning in their careers and personal lives. He emphasised that they must prove themselves worthy of the certificates and prizes they have received.
According to him, out of 2,887 first-degree graduands, four made First Class, 403 secured Second Class Upper, 2,030 got Second Class Lower, and 450 graduated with Third Class. Additionally, 1,492 postgraduate students graduated, including 306 PhD holders.
The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (Rtd), praised the university’s commitment to academic excellence and institutional maturity. He commended the Acting Vice Chancellor for achieving full accreditation for 47 academic programmes and implementing the NUC’s Core Curriculum Minimum Academic Standards.
The administrator urged the new graduates to uphold the positive values instilled in them by the university and strive for continuous knowledge and improvement.
By: King Onunwor
The Niger Delta Students Union Government, Rivers State Chapter (NIDSUG), has suspended its planned protest against the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) state office in Port Harcourt. The suspension followed an intervention by the state Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju.
The students had planned to protest on Thursday, citing alleged neglect by the NDDC, particularly in welfare and capacity-building programmes for students from the state. However, after the police intervention, the students agreed to participate in a roundtable discussion with the commission to address their concerns.
NIDSUG leader, Comrade Loveday Njoku, expressed dissatisfaction with the commission’s alleged exclusion of students from benefiting from its programmes. He presented a seven-point demand, including the reintroduction of scholarships for undergraduate and postgraduate students. Njoku emphasised that education is crucial for community development and urged the commission to invest in the future leaders of the state.
The students warned that if their demands are not met, they will resume the protest and occupy the state commission office until their demands are addressed. Despite previous attempts to reach out to the commission’s management team, the students claimed their efforts were unsuccessful.
By: Akujobi Amadi
As part of efforts to improve the welfare and overall quality of education for students in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, the Sole Administrator, Sir (Dr.) Clifford Ndu Walter DSSRS, FCAI, JP, paid an unscheduled visit to Universal Primary School, Rumukwurusi.
During the visit, Sir Walter expressed deep concern over the deplorable state of the school and its surrounding environment. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the development of the education sector, stressing its critical role in nation-building.
“I have visited the primary school in Ogbogoro, and now I’m here at the Universal Primary School, Rumukwurusi. I am not satisfied with what I’ve seen,” he stated, indicating that more surprise visits to schools would follow.
To address the issues, the Sole Administrator directed the Council Engineer to commence process for rehabilitation of the school.
The visit was part of a broader initiative aimed at conducting on-the-spot assessments of educational facilities to determine the level of intervention required by the local government council.
Dr. Walter also assured the teachers of his unwavering commitment to revamp the school and improve the learning environment for both staff and students.