By Agbasi Emmanuella and Mary Azi
The Department of Mass Communication yesterday welcomed the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Tanko Ishaya and his team for the commissioning of her newly built library and studio facilities.
The studio accommodates facilities for both radio and TV broadcast and has now birthed the Mass Communication TV (MCTV). These facilities provide the base for students to embrace practical learning and gain professional skills and experience.
Supported by the Ishaya administration, the studio facilities feature new opportunities for hands-on learning and practical involvement for students.
The department also unveiled the latest edition of her legacy newspapers dubbed Unijos Echo. The legacy paper is a production of 300 level students of the department. It features stories from Unijos and its environs with the online website functioning actively to keep students informed and entertained.
Following the accreditation exercise carried out by the National Universities Commission (NUC) in October, 2023, the unveiling of these facilities opens up for rapid development in the department.
The Head of Department, Associate Professor Godfrey Danaan presented a distinguished leadership award in honor of the VC for his outstanding leadership capabilities that has yielded unmatched development in university.
The VC, in his speech, expressed his delight with the achievements of the department, saying he was confident that the department will continue to produce top professionals in the media industry. He stated that the department has what it takes to achieve great feats and is undoubtedly a breeding ground for success stories.
Present at the unveiling ceremony were a number of UniJos alumni including the director of press Plateau state, Gyany Bere and the Honorable commissioner of information, Musa Ibrahim Ashoms.
The alumni pledged their unwavering support to the department with Honourable Ashoms donating 500,000 naira for the purchase of more equipment for the studio.
Since its inception in June 2008, the department has made several advancements and now has over 700 students in enrollment making it one of the most populous departments in the university.
The HOD acknowledged that with this growing number, there is a need for more support from the administration to increase productivity. He added that the allocation of a new faculty for the program (Faculty of Communication and Media studies) would support its growth trajectory and drive expansion.
This infrastructural development would enable students to have better access to good lecture halls and overall provide a conducive learning environment.
The VC, who is also a graduate of Computer Science from the university, emphasized the need for students to embrace modern information and technological advancements. To this end he gave his support that key rooms in the department will be powered by solar energy to avert issues of power outages affecting production, especially in the MCTV studio.
The HOD extended his appreciation to the VC, enjoining him to continue to support the necessary developments that will take the department to greater heights.
The President of the mass communication student body, (AMCOMS) Bonaventure Gyang, conveyed his thanks to the VC, saying that these developments would be a catalyst for positive change.
The department presented an honorary book/journal dedicated to Professor A.U. Enahoro to honor his service and achievements as the department’s longest-serving lecturer.
In an exclusive interview with MCTV, the VC highlighted some of the notable achievements of his administration to include the provision of free Wi-Fi and access to ICT services, increased security on Campus, and new opportunities for staff training.
He added that his leadership efforts had also resulted in an improvement in the University’s research output, attraction of major partnership and funding, inclusive of the 1 billion Tetfund grant that sponsored the donation of medical equipment to the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) amongst others accomplishments.
Gracing the occasion were notable personalities including the University Registrar; Dr Rejoice Songden, Plateau stateC0mmissioner of sport, and the Dean faculty of Arts amongst others.
Also present to receive the VC were distinguished staff of the department, Prof A.U Enahor, Dr Taye Obateru, Mrs Kyermun Dapiya, Mr Raymond Goshit, Mrs Emmanuella Daloeng, Mr Solomon Kwakfut, Mr Isaac Ejiga, Mr John Eden and Mr Ernest Toepan amongst others.
Photo gallery
