My Administration 'll Ensure Mass Communication Dept Needs Are Met Before I Leave Office, VC
Benjamin GBOR
The Vice Chancellor of University of Calabar (UNICAL), Prof Florence Obi, has stated that the administration will ensure that Mass Communication Department is given all the support it needs to strive.
Speaking when members of the African Council for Communication Education (ACCE) Local Organizing Committee paid a working courtesy visit to her office, Prof Obi said her administration is keenly interested in the training and re-training of staff of the institution, saying it will enable them to update their knowledge and acquire new skills.
Represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Research, Linkages, and Collaboration, Prof. Peter C. Okafor, the Vice Chancellor emphasized that training and re-training of staff have become imperative, as it helps staff to be well-equipped with the requisite skills for teaching and working.
In her words, "I will do everything possible to make sure the Department of Mass Communication strives and their needs are met before I leave office.
"My administration is keen on encouraging staff of the institution to host conferences, noting that it affords them the opportunity to listen to people's research, exchange ideas, and fit into the global or current needs of the society."
While describing ACCE as a great association, she commended members of the local planning committee, Department of Mass Communication, for their efforts in securing the hosting rights for the forthcoming conference and assured that the institution is willing to host the event.
Earlier, the Head of Department of Mass Communications and Chairman, LOC ACCE-UNICAL, Dr. Lawrence Ekwok, said the aim of the visit is to intimate the Vice Chancellor of the forthcoming ACCE-UNICAL conference slated to take place in the institution.
While describing ACCE as the biggest communication organisation in Nigeria, whose sole aim is targeted at educational training, he noted that the institution was chosen to host its 26th international conference.
"We contested alongside other institutions with the approval of the Vice Chancellor. Fortunately, UNICAL was selected and given the hosting right for the conference.
"In light of the above, UNICAL will play a key role, with the Vice Chancellor serving as the Chief Host and declaring the conference open, even as he solicited funds from the management to achieve the successful hosting of the conference."
Dr. Ekwok commended the Vice Chancellor for her support towards the department, noting that he is optimistic that the needs of the department will be met.
