The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Mass Communication

  • Kogi Varsity Students decry delay in result collation

    Students of Kogi State University have expressed their grievances toward the delay in the compilation and releasing of result as at when due in the institution.

    While it is the dream of every student to see the dividend for hard work via a well-defined system that will further facilitate a sense of development in line with the sound academic life of the learners, the current system of education in Kogi State University have failed to bring such dream to fruition occasioned by a beehive of hitches experienced in the collation of terminal results among other excesses that has devalued the system since 2016.

    The above issue has led students in  some departments such as Mass Communication, Economics, and all the departments in the Faculty of Education (aside Library and Information Science)  who graduated January last year to be ostracize from  the recent mobilization for the compulsory one year national youth service .

    Some of the students who spoke with CAMPUSLIFE expressed their displeasure in the malady that is impeding on the progress of the institution. The students urged the management to put a nip in the bud by doing the needful.

    A Law graduate who identified himself as Premium Prime urged the management to do something fast about the issue.

    “I pray they do something fast about this. Law program of five years turned out to be Six  years instead, courtesy of strikes and related issues and after graduation here were are, no Law school no NYSC till now…just tired of everything” he said.

    Read Also: Kogi varsity gets N500m for courses’ accreditation

    Jeff Friday,  a 400 level  political science student the CEO of the student Facebook page also lend his voice on the issue, describing it as pathetic. “I am in 400 level but have seen just 100 level result, and is so pathetic. The management appeared nonplussed, leaving the students at their mercy.

    “The worst part is that those guys coming to ask us to vote for them for SUG are going to represent their own personal interest without standing firm to address some of these key issues affecting the students,” he said.

    In tandem with Friday submission, Omale Musa Usman, an alumnus of the school who spoke with CAMPUSLIFE  faulted the lapses experienced in the system on the inability of the Student Union Government to address the issue as at when due.

    According to him, “To have this whole issue resolved and settled, we need a credible SUG president who can stand for the students and fight for the interest of the students. “And if the school failed management fails to conduct the SUG election this time around then it will be left for all the departmental presidents to stand up and speak for the students they are representing.

    Also, a yet  to be mobilized  Mass Communication graduate who who identified himself Bidemi Ibiyanmi, said Trying to explain to friends and family why you haven’t seen your results or haven’t been mobilized for the NYSC is tougher than awaiting the results itself.

    Ibiyanmi clamored for more professional hands in the system so as to fast track the whole process. “I think it’s due to the school management inability to discharge her duty. More also, they lack adequate advancement in technology, because, some departments claim that the results were delayed because the system cracked down without a backup.

    Meanwhile, in a recent interview with one of the staff of the school who craves anonymity revealed that the school management is seriously working hard to see to the end of these lapses its system.

    “The management has been seriously working to ensure that this whole issue is nip to the bud. We are experiencing little hitches in the system because of the method adopted in terms of collation of results which is a bit slow but efforts have been made to see that all things are put in place to ensure that the terminal results are released on time.”

  • DELSU expels Four, rusticates 26 for alleged Examination Malpractices

    Delta State University (DELSU) has expelled four of its students, rusticated 26 and placed four others on indefinite suspension.

    This action of the university was contained in a special edition of the bulletin issued by the Department of Information and Public Relations, Vice Chancellor’s office, on Tuesday 5th June, 2018.

    According to the bulletin, the affected students were sanctioned for their alleged involvement in various examination malpractices.

    The Nation gathered some of those affected are the departmental presidents of Mass Communication, Economics, Political Science, Sociology, Business Administration and Geography and Regional Planning departments.

    However, in a swift reaction to the development, some of the affected students, when contacted, alleged that they were, indeed, being victimized by the management of the Faculty of Social Sciences for daring to raise questions over alleged misappropriation of hundreds of thousands of students’ dues.

    Read Also: DELSU final year student commits suicide

    A source in one of the departments who spoke on conditions of anonymity, said revealed “when the presidents of the respective departments noticed the way and manner the faculty president single handedly disbursed over N700, 000 for the conduct of a welcome party for 100 level students without the constitutional backing, they passed a vote of no confidence on him during congress which he (faculty president) boycotted.

    “While the congress was going on, the staff adviser stormed the venue demanding who authorized the congress and threatened that they would hear from him.

    “Days later, the departmental presidents were accused of plots to destabilize the peace of the university and summoned to face a panel which they did only for a bulletin to be released today stating that they have been rusticated for two semesters respectively”, the source said.

    Describing the defense of the students as an afterthought, the Public Relations Officer of the institution, Freeborn Aganbi said “students who are saying that are doing so to cover up for their exam malpractice. The management of the university is not interested in victimizing or punishing any student”.

  • Masari appoints new Special Adviser on Higher Education

    Gov. Aminu Masari of Katsina State has approved the appointment of Malam Bashir Usman Ruwangodiya as his  new Special Adviser on Higher Education.

    This is contained in a statement signed by the Secretary to the Government of the state, Alhaji Mustapha Inuwa and made available to News men on Thursday in Katsina.

    The statement said the appointment was based on Section 196 subsection 1 of the Constitution and in recognition of his track record of service.

    Read Also: Masari appoints new Special Adviser on Higher Education

    The governor congratulated the new appointee and prayed Allah to guide him in discharging his duties.

    The appointment took immediate effect.Until his appointment, Ruwangodiya was a lecturer at the Department of Mass Communications, Hassan Usman, Katsina Polytechnic, Katsina.

    NAN

  • Department’s day of culture

    Department’s day of culture

    It was a carnival of culture at the Kogi State University (KSU) in Anyigba when Mass Communication students held the African Communication Festival as part of the requirement to complete a course titled: African Communication System. MOHAMMED YABAGI reports.

    The Department of Mass Communication of the Kogi State University (KSU) was agog as 100-Level students rolled out drums to mark the African Communication Festival, which was part of a course titled: African Communication Systems.

    The course is offered in all tertiary institutions where Mass Communication is taught, but KSU incorporated cultural communication into the course to improve students’ understanding. The students were practically exposed to traditional communication systems, such as the use of the town criers, peer group setting, traditional marriage and cultural festivals.

    The Head of the Department of Mass Communication, Dr. Gabriel Ottah, who teaches the course, said the need to expose the students to traditional communication became necessary to enable them appreciate their cultures. This, he said, is why the department created the yearly African Communication Festival.

    During the festival, students dramatise the ancient practices in traditional society to promote the relevance of African communication media even in modern era.

    The festival was celebrated at Prof Francis Idachaba Lecture Theatre at the Faculty of Social Sciences.

    In attendance were the Ogohi Onu Anyigba, Alhaji Shaibu Okolo, Dean of Faculty of Social Sciences, Prof Adesola Ogidiolu, former Deputy Vice-Chancellor (DVC) for Academics, Prof Stephen Metiboba, and Heads of departments.

    In his opening speech, Dr. Ottah said the event had outshined the previous festivals, because apart from being the first to attract the presence of the Ogohi, it was also laced with inter-cultural exhibition by the performing students. Besides, he said the festival coincided with matriculation of freshers, which kept them in celebration mood.

    The HOD noted that DUFIL Prima Food Plc – producer of Indomie Noodles – sponsored the event for the first time, a development he described as evidence of “remarkable achievement” for the department. He urged other corporate organisations to partner with the department in future programmes.

    Dr Ottah described African culture as “unique and deserving of preservation”. He said that Africans were known for hard work, resilience, creativity, high moral values, humility and decency.

    He said: “Armed robbery, terrorist attacks, rape, indecent dressing, falsehood, kidnapping and similar vices are alien to our culture and should be discouraged. That is why in celebrating the African Communication Systems, we tell the world that the people of Africa that lived in the distant past had their own unique way of information dissemination among themselves.”

    He called on Africans to show pride in their culture instead of copying the western culture. He maintained that Africa’s open market, age groups, talking drums, iron gong, wooden gong and smoke alarms, among others were cultural items which were gradually going into extinction because of technologies. He called on schools to prioritise teaching of African culture and communication.

    While breaking the kolanut in performance of the rite to declare the event open, Alhaji Okolo thanked the organisers for re-enacting the perspectives of African culture in modern day. The Ogohi hailed the students and their lecturer for organising the festival, adding that it would go a long way in instilling discipline on upcoming generations. He called on the department and the university to sustain the event.

    In their separate remarks, Dean of Faculty of Social Sciences, Prof Ogidiolu, and the former DVC, Prof Metiboba, praised the students and urged them to maintain high standards in communicating African values to the world.

    High points of the event were performances by three cultural groups. One of the groups dramatised African traditional marriage as was done in a traditional Igbo society; the other group displayed the African open market setting to depict how market women sold wares and how criminals were punished by open disgrace and banishment.

    The third group featured African folktales in which an old man told story of the legendary Sango, a Yoruba deity. The students also performed Igala cultural dance and served African delicacies.

     

     

     

     

  • Photo: UNILAG Mass Comm team at AEJMC conference

    Photo: UNILAG Mass Comm team at AEJMC conference

    The four-person delegation from Nigeria at the 100th conference of the Association of Educators of Journalism & Mass Communication at Marriott Magnificent Hotel Chicago, USA.
    L-R: Prof. Ralph Akinfeleye, Dr. Tola Sunday, Dr. (Mrs.) Theresa Amobi and Chief (Dr.) Fassy Yusuf, all of the University of Lagos at the conference.

  • UNIABUJA to run Mass Communication, nursing, soon

    The University of Abuja would soon start running courses in mass communication, nursing, biochemistry, geology and others, its Vice Chancellor, Prof Michael Adikwu, has said.

    He said this at a briefing in Abuja on Monday to celebrate three years in office as vice-chancellor.

    Adikwu said the university had secured full accreditation for most of the courses that were not fully accredited in the past.

    “We are thinking of courses not hitherto running in the university how we can begin to offer them – courses like nursing, mass communication, biochemistry, geology and host of others.

    “We are looking at expanding into those areas. If we have more courses, more students can be taken.

    “All the 12 courses have full accreditation,” the VC said.

    He said it was not true that the university was paying half salaries to the university workers.

    “It is not true that we were paying half salaries. We have never paid less than 85 per cent or 90. The bursar can confirm this that we have never paid less than 85 per cent.

    “It was not only University of Abuja, but all the federal institutions. Some paid 75, some paid 80. Our own was very good,” he added.

  • Bida Poly to introduce microchip in ID cards

    The Managements of Federal Polytechnic Bida has disclosed plans to introduce electronic microchips into Students identity cards so as to facilitate online registration and security on campus.

    The Director of Consultancy Services, Alhaji Shehu Abubakar Suleman who disclosed this in an interview explained that with the present transformation of the world into electronic transaction and operations, the management thought it wise to introduce ID Cards with electronic microchips.

    Shehu stated that the ID cards will facilitate an online transaction and the use of the internet for cases such as login in the examination, payment of school fees, registration to mention a few.

    “In addition, the new ID card will also assist the School in monitoring all the online activities as well as the transaction of students as regards registration, this will greatly enhance the security of every information on Campus.”

    The Director further said that this microchip will come alongside a secret code number that will serve as a pin for students to enable them access the cards adding that it would reduce paperwork and time spent on the registration process.

    He, however, appealed to students to be patient as measures are put in place to ensure that they get identity cards very soon.

    Reacting to this, a cross section of students expressed their satisfaction and welcomed the idea as they stated that it will help ease the stress of registration, paying of school fees in relation to the institution rather than forming an unnecessary queue.

    An HND 1 student in Department of Public Administration, Hope Emmanuel expressed joy over the idea as she mentioned the University of Ilorin as an example of schools who adopted such strategy. She encouraged the management to put more effort in ensuring that the idea is not laid to waste.

    Another student in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Basil Okafor said that it is an advancement in technology and improvement in this pattern of Identity Card making will ease the stress of the students in terms of registration.

    In the same vein, an ND2 Mechanical Engineering student, Alegbo Emmanuel applauded the school management for introducing such idea as it will help reduce the stress embarked on by students.

    “If the school management can carry on the idea it will be a wonderful thing as it will be registered as first in history in any Northern part of the country.”

    An HND1 student in the department of Hospitality Leisure and Tourism Management, Joseph Agada said that it will be the first of its kind in any northern University or polytechnic in the country as such development is a prove of the world growing in Technology.

    Hannah Agbenyo in the department of Accountancy HND1 also commended the school management for introducing this new development to the school, he appealed to the Management to not hesitate to maintain and enforce such idea.

    An HND1 Student in Accountancy department Dada Mayowa supported the initiative of the school management, he pleaded with them to be patient in carrying out their intentions so as to get a perfect and better identity card in order to avoid the problem later on.

    Contrary to this aforementioned expressions, an ND2 Student in the department of Mass communication Clement Idoko and Ikenna Okafor a student in the department of Electrical Engineering disagreed that this idea can’t be achievable by the school Managements as it takes so much effort and finance to put this idea to action.

    It is however hoped that all hands will be on deck to ensure that this idea is brought into reality in order to avoid delay in the production of the identity card for this new section.

  • NIJ calls for admission

    NIJ calls for admission

    The Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ) has invited candidates for admission into the institution.

    In an advert signed by the Registrar, Dotun Adenijo the following programmes are available: Full time and Part time National Diploma (ND), Higher National Diploma (HND) and Post-Graduate Diploma (PGD) for the 2015/2016 academic sessions.

    For the National Diploma in Mass Communication programme, candidates must have a minimum of five credits including English Language and Mathematics at not more than two sittings.

    The advert further stated that candidates seeking admissions into Higher National Diploma (HND) in Mass Communication must have a National Diploma in mass communication from a recognized institution with at least lower credit and one year post ND industrial attachment experience.

    It added that candidates for Post-Graduate Diploma in Print, Broadcast Journalism and Public Relations/ Advertising must have a good HND or University degree in any discipline.  An evidence of participation or exemption from NYSC is also compulsory.

    According to the statement applicants are expected to obtain a bank draft for the sum of N3, 550 for ND,  N5, 050 for HND and N7, 050 for PGD at Eco Bank, Wema Bank or Aso Savings and Loans branches nationwide.

    Payments can also be made into the school account number 0042006463 in Eco bank and 012075045 in Wema bank. The Bank draft or payment teller should be presented to the registry department of the institution after which an application form would be given to the student.

    The application forms should however be sent on or before Friday the 31st of July 2015.

  • Caleb University Joins International Association

    Caleb University Joins International Association

    The Department of Mass Communication, Caleb University Lagos, is now an institutional member of the International Association for Media and Communication Research (IAMCR), one of the few such institutional members in Nigeria

    This was announced by the Head of Department, Professor Nosa Owens-Ibie, at the 2nd edition of the annual End-Of-The-Session Get-Together held at the permanent site of the university in Imota, Lagos State.

    He pointed out that all full-time and adjunct lecturers in the department have accordingly been registered as members.

    The Dean of the College of Social and Management Sciences, Professor Olukunle Iyanda, stated that with the rate the department is moving, it will soon become the reference point in communication training in Nigeria.

    He commended the Head of Department for his relentless efforts to build a model mass communication department; and advised that all should work towards making her the best in Nigeria.

    Mr. Dipo Oyedeji, a friend of the department, in appreciation of the strides made by the department, donated five laptops and a public address system.

    Deserving staff and students were also awarded prizes. A 100L student, Miss Margaret-Mary Awere Osiobor, was announced the next beneficiary of the Charles Emelue ‘CEO High Performing Female Economic Support Scholarship’ which entitles her to the sum of N20,000 monthly until graduation.

    Paul Aroloye and Ifedoyin Idowu as the Most Improved Students, Oluwadamilola Adesanya for the Best Academic Performance, Buari Oluwatosin and Osiobor Margaret-Mary as the Best Class Governor and Deputy (100 Level) respectively.

    Janet Jiya was awarded as the Best Voluntary Group Activity Leader, Ayishat Amoo, Adedamilola Adesanya, and Adetutu Onadeko were awarded for the Best Media Attachment performance, Bukola Kilasho for the Best Brand Caleb Performance, Kingsley Okeke and Stephanie Okocha as the Best Dressed Students.

    Lecturers awarded were Mrs Ijeoma Onyeator, Mr Ayotunde Alao, Mr. Emmanuel Richard for Selfless Service as Adjunct Lecturers, Mrs Ifedolapo Ademosu for Selfless Support,

    Mr Adegbenro Adebanjo, for Outstanding Selfless Service as Adjunct Lecturer, and Dr. Charles Nwachukwu for the Best Comparative Performance among Academic staff.

    Others awarded were Mr. Tunde Kajogbola for the Highest Individual Contribution through the Mass Communication Forum, Mr. John Ojo for being the Most Supportive University Staff, Ajayi Ademide for being the Most Versatile Student, Ajayi Paul as the Best Role Model, and Margaret-Mary Osiobor as the Star Student of the department.

    Professor Owens-Ibie, the Head of Department, in his address, enumerated the various achievements of the department during the session.

    The End-of-the-Session Get-Together featured drama, special numbers, comments by staff and students of the department, parents and other staff of the university, and the cutting of a special cake by final year students. One of the performers at the event was Ebunoluwa Oke, a student of the department and winner of the 2nd edition of the ‘Voice of Caleb’, a keenly contested reality music talent show in the university.

    The End-of-the-Session Get-Together is held every year to bring together staff, students, and parents/guardians.

    The Department of Mass Communication, Caleb University will produce its first set of graduates in June 2013.

    Meanwhile Mrs Bukola Akingbade, CEO, Bytesize Digital Marketing Agency has emphasised the importance of ideas in the present day, when she advised marketing professionals to think about ideas first before considering what channel to employ. She spoke on “Channel Neutrality: New Ideas Make the World Go Round” at the 14th Mass Communication forum of Caleb University, Imota, Lagos.

    She stressed the need for professionals to tailor messages in line with their understanding of consumers’ language, needs and brand sensitivity.

    The CEO also stated that advertisers should ensure that their ideas and messages are compatible with various media as the consumers are not stationed in one channel since channels are neutral.

  • Gunmen kill university lecturer in Maiduguri

    Gunmen on Sunday shot dead Malam Murtala Mohammed, a lecturer at the Mass Communication Department of the University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) at his residence in Maiduguri.

    Eyewitnesses told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Maiduguri that Mohammed was shot at his 202 Housing Estate, opposite the university campus.

    “He was shot at close range by a group of teenagers shortly after observing the Zuhr Prayers in front of  his house,.’’ the witness said.

    Also speaking, Malam Yusuf Ibrahim, a neighbour of the deceased, said the victim appeared to have been trailed by his killers from the university campus before coming to his house.

    “Apparently the killers must have trailed him from the university campus where he had gone to perform some official assignment in the morning,” he said.

    Ibrahim also said the killers fled immediately after shooting the deceased severally at close range.

    Also confirming the incident, Malam Ahmed Mohammed the UNIMAID Chief Information Officer, said he heard about the sad event in the afternoon.

    He said however that the university authorities could not take immediate action as the lecturer was killed outside the campus.

    “I learnt that his remains were taken to the University Teaching Hospital (UMTH) mortuary by a team of operatives of the Joint Task Force (JTF) who were alerted by neighbours after the event,” Mohammed said. (NAN)