UNICAL VC Pledges to Make Communication Faculty a Model
By Judex OKORO
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Prof Offiong E. Offiong, has pledged to make the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies a model within the university community in Nigeria.
Prof Offiong emphasised that communication is a crucial component across all sectors, and the new faculty will be repositioned to meet industry demands and compete with similar faculties in other universities.
He made the remarks during a familiarisation visit to the faculty on Tuesday, noting that his administration will focus on strengthening existing programmes rather than establishing new faculties.
Acknowledging challenges with office space, the VC assured that steps would be taken to address the issue and provide essential needs within the university’s limited budget.
He added that plans are at an advanced stage to rehabilitate the faculty library, with a contractor expected on site by the end of the year and completion projected for next year to ease accommodation pressures.
“We have proposed to TETfund to build another office complex beside the Faculty of Engineering to accommodate more staff and classrooms,” he said.
“Since this is a new faculty, we will pay attention to its needs to enable it stand strong and compete with similar faculties across Nigerian universities. We should strive to be the best in every programme we offer.
"This administration is committed to solidifying existing faculties rather than rushing to build new ones.”
Regarding the verification of new departments scheduled for 2027, Prof Offiong urged them to affiliate with relevant professional bodies to avoid future challenges. “We will do everything to ensure all departments pass accreditation,” he added.
He directed the Director of Works to provide permanent seats for mini- theatre of the faculty.
Offiong also instructed the Director of Academic Planning to work with the Dean to provide offices for the Heads of Departments, including Mass Communication, Journalism and Media Studies, Broadcasting , Advertising, Public Relations, Strategic Communication, and Development Communication.
Earlier, the Dean of the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, Prof Esekong Andrew-Essien, commended the VC for promptly appointing new HoDs and facilitating the signing of indemnity forms for final-year students to enable their mobilisation for NYSC.
Prof Andrew-Essien highlighted that the faculty is one of the largest in the university, with a first-year intake of about 700 students, and emphasised the need for more classrooms and office equipment to support administration and teaching. He also stressed the urgency of recruiting staff and providing infrastructure to ensure the new departments meet National Universities Commission (NUC) accreditation standards.
“We need classrooms, seats, Radio and TV studios, control rooms, and technical staff. Our students must be well trained and equipped to meet industry demands,” he said.
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