Ekwok Takes Over As New HOD Mass Communication UNICAL

By Our Reporter 

The newly-appointed Head of Department, Mass Communication of the University of Calabar (UNICAL), Dr Lawrence Ekwok, has assumed office.

Ekwok took over from Prof.Okugo Chukwuemeke Uzoma, whose tenure ended on May 31, 2014. 

Dr. Joe Ekpang was the pioneer HOD of the department.

Ekwok is a Senior Lecturer in the department and has held various leadership positions. He was appointed by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Florence Obi 

In his handing over remarks, Uzoma commended the Vice Chancellor for finding him worthy to serve the school in such a capacity, saying he and the Team Mass Communication worked assiduously to take the department to the level it is. 

He added that within three years as HOD, the school authorities approved post-graduate programmes including Post Graduate Diploma, Masters and Ph. D, which commenced this 2023/2024 academic session.

According to him, the new HOD played a pivotal role during his tenure, promising to give Ekwok all the necessary support to take Mass Communication to the next level, which is unbundling of the department. 

Commending Prof. Uzoma for the tenacity and doggedness displayed while running the department, Ekwok said: "My predecessor gave his whole heart to run the department to achieve accreditation and recognition. 

"I would always consult with my former boss as I pilot the affairs.

 He should always make himself available as the story of the department can not be complete without him.

"We may differ on issue as we move along, but the spirit of reconciliation should always remain with us as the primary motive is to get the department on its feat so as to be able to meet new challenges arising from new responsibilities."

He promised to pay prompt attention to issues that affect the staff and students while calling on all to be alive to their responsibilities.