By Kelvin Obambon
In seeking to enhance the professional readiness of future media practitioners, the newly unbundled Department of Journalism and Media Studies at the University of Calabar (UNICAL) has sought a strategic partnership with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Cross River State Council.
The Acting Head of Department, Dr Kwita Dan-Obo, led a delegation on a courtesy visit to the NUJ leadership at the Ernest Etim Bassey Press Centre in Calabar on Tuesday, April 28, 2026.
Speaking during the visit, Dr Dan-Obo emphasised that the NUJ is the “first port of call” for the department, noting that professional affiliation is indispensable for both department and students. She highlighted the necessity of moving beyond the classroom to ensure students gain hands-on experience in the field.
“What we do in school is theoretical; you are the ones in the field with the practical knowledge,” Dr Dan-Obo stated. “We are here to seek collaboration so that our students can have practical knowledge on how to go about the practice of journalism.”
The HOD further explained that the visit served as a “familiarisation and introduction” to raise awareness about the newly unbundled department, expressing optimism that the synergy would increase the department’s visibility and attract more students and developmental partnerships.
In her response, the Chairman of the NUJ Cross River State Council, Comrade Archibong Bassey, welcomed the UNICAL team, noting that while the department’s nomenclature is new, the spirit of cooperation between the university and the union remains a long-standing tradition.
“The synergy between the department and the NUJ Cross River State Council is something that has always existed,” Comrade Bassey said. “We’ve always worked with the Department of Mass Communication; we are just going to continue that relationship.”
Addressing the practical needs of the students, the Chairman pledged the union’s support in providing internship opportunities and field attachments.
“It is one thing exposing students to theoretical aspects of the profession, and it’s another thing exposing them to the practical aspects. By the time they graduate, they won’t be found wanting because they are already rooted in what they are supposed to do,” she added.
Regarding the request for student registration with the professional body, Comrade Bassey clarified that the NUJ operates under national standards which typically require practitioners to belong to specific chapels. However, she committed to consulting with the national leadership to provide proper guidance on the best framework for student integration.
The meeting concluded with a commitment from both parties to maintain an “open-door policy” to foster a new era of media education and professional excellence in Cross River State.
The HOD was accompanied on the visit by some lecturers, including Dr Judex Okoro, Dr Effiong Okon, and a couple of students in the department of Journalism and Media Studies.
