By Edem Ekpo, Weekenders
CALABAR (WEEKENDERS, CONVERSEER) – The Senate of the University of Calabar (UNICAL) has approved the establishment of a new Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, a milestone aimed at advancing academic training and research in media-related fields.
The faculty, which received Senate approval on Thursday, will begin operations with seven pioneer departments, namely:
- Mass Communication
- Public Relations
- Development Communication
- Journalism and Media Studies
- Advertising
- Strategic Communication
- Broadcasting
Dr Lawrence Ekwok, Head of the Department of Mass Communication, announced the approval and described it as a remarkable achievement for the university. He noted that the Department of Mass Communication has now evolved into a full-fledged faculty following years of effort and commitment.
“To the glory of God, the Senate of the University of Calabar today approved the creation of the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies,” Ekwok said.
“Under my leadership as Head of the Department of Mass Communication, our department has transformed into a faculty with seven departments. We are deeply grateful to the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Florence Banku Obi, for her purposeful leadership.”
He also expressed appreciation to members of the university’s Senate for supporting the proposal, assuring that the new faculty would promote excellence in media education, research, and professional practice.
A student union activist representing the Faculty of Arts in the Postgraduate Students’ Union Government, Senator Eta Agbor, applauded Dr Ekwok and his team for their tenacity of purpose, zeal, and drive, which culminated in the unbundling of the department in line with the vision of the National Universities Commission (NUC).
He further commended Vice Chancellor Prof. Florence Obi for her dedication and commitment to expanding academic frontiers and repositioning the university to meet global manpower needs.
Agbor described the initiative as an impressive feat that demonstrates UNICAL’s resolve to strengthen its academic programmes to meet international standards.
He also urged the university management to take swift action in mobilising pending batches of Mass Communication graduates who are waiting to receive their certificates so they can participate in the mandatory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme.
With this approval, the University of Calabar has joined the ranks of Nigerian institutions offering specialised training across diverse fields of communication and media studies.
