By Dachi Alphonsus Kefas and Alice Ogri
The President of the Association of Mass Communication Students (AMCOMS), University of Jos, Gyang Christopher Bonaventure, in an exclusive interview with Unijos Echo, opened up on the highs and lows of his administration, highlighting key accomplishments and hurdles faced.
The outgoing leader assured of his commitment of extending support and guidance to the incoming leadership, while also emphasizing a seamless transition and sustained progress for the association.
Can you tell us about your journey so far as AMCOMS President?
“Well! My journey at first was a bit rough, because I just came into office and the economy of the country was going through a crisis. So there was increase in School charges, Departmental dues, Faculty dues and others. Obviously, students were not happy about that and they made a lot of trouble for me and my executives, but we tried our best to explain to the students the underlying motives behind the increment in those charges. Since then, my journey has been smooth and easy going. And I’m hoping to finish successfully.”
What do you consider the most significant achievements of your administration?
“For me, the most significant achievements in my administration are the impactful programs I and my executives organized. We have successfully organized seminars on projects, Digital Boot Camp, Solutions Journalism training, the traditional Welcome Special for new students and the Association of Mass Communication Students’ Week (AMCOMS WEEK). These programs were not just organized for educational and entertaining purposes alone, it also served as a catalyst for unity among students in all levels. It helped students to establish mutual relationships. This will strengthen the unity among students in the department and give them the opportunity to explore from each other.”
So far, what are the biggest challenges you faced and how did you overcome them?
“The biggest challenge I’m facing is the legacy project we are still working on. We need funds carry out the legacy project but the funds are not forthcoming. Our major source of income as an association is the dues paid by students and some have not yet paid the dues. If we have enough funds, we would have proceeded with the legacy project. The legacy project we want to do will demand space and we have been liaising with the department to see that physical facilities be provided so as to assign space and an office for us. So this is the major challenge we are facing.
What initiatives did you implement to enhance the academic and extracurricular experiences of mass communication students?
“We have had seminars on project and career guidance, we also organised a Digital Boot Camp on journalism. We organised a Book Club where students get to read and review books.”
How do you think your leadership is impactful to the overall growth and development of the department?
“My leadership has tried to meet the academic needs of the students. We organized a session where students were taught to plan their academics and to calculate their grades. It also admonished them on the amount of work needed to achieve good grades. We have also impacted the 300 level and 400 level students with the seminar on how they can write a good project thesis. We have also engaged the students in Social activities like the Hike, different sports competitions, Quiz, Cooking competitions and many more.”
Can you share some memorable moments or events that occurred under your leadership?
“The AMCOMS Week is one thing I will never forget easily. The football matches and the cooking competitions are something I will never forget in a hurry. I could see how students from different levels actively participated in the activities.”
As you prepare to exit office, what steps will you take to ensure that the upcoming election for your successor is conducted in a manner that is transparent, free and fair?
“I plan to establish an electoral committee that will be transparent and unbiased. This way, we can have a free and fair election. I will also ensure that security is on ground on the day of election to enable the electoral committee do their job as expected and to make sure that no one else interrupts the electoral process.”
What advice do you have for your successor and future department leaders?
“My advice to the future leaders is that they should always listen to the students, identify their needs and relate their issues to the department before making any decision. And when taking action, they should be swift and intentional. The students put you in that position so that you can represent them. So they should do that justly.”
How do you plan to stay involved with the department even after exiting your seat as AMCOMS President?
“The Mass Communication department will always be my home. The department has built me up to be the person that I am and I will always keep in touch with the lecturers and students even after the end of my tenure in office.”
