By Ruth Ogechi Ani, Agbani

The Department of Mass Communication, Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) held an orientation for its first-year students on 11th July, 2024. The event, which took place in the department building’s final year class, was aimed at familiarizing the fresh students with the department’s programs and activities.

Dr Chidiebere Ezinwa, Head of the Department, in his opening address advised the students to observe and imbibe all the norms in the department to have a successful academic career. He enlightened the students about the unique aspects of the Mass Communication Department, distinguishing it from other departments within the school.

The HOD then administered a pre-test to the students, which they completed on a foolscap sheet and subsequently submitted.

Following the pre-test, Mrs. Ijeoma Ikwueze took the stage to deliver a presentation, introducing the students to the tutorial and non-tutorial staff members of the department. Mr. Joel Asogwa, the Examination Officer, addressed the students, explaining the consequences of examination malpractices. He shared a personal anecdote, recounting an incident when he had gone to print his examination, unknown to him that he was followed by two students, who had planned to bribe the typists to leak his examination paper.

Dr. Andrew Apeh, a lecturer, proceeded to discuss the grading systems, followed by Professor Sunny Udeze, who delivered a presentation on Ethics in Mass Communication. Additionally, other lecturers, including Professor Okafor Clementina, Dr. Maxwell Ngene, Mrs. Agbo Christiana, and Mr. Sabastine, also took the floor to share their thoughts and insights with the students.

The class representatives, Edeh Precious, and her assistant, Agu Onyekachi, shared their key takeaways from the recent orientation programme, highlighting a quote from Dr. Maxwell Ngene: “Every mass communication student has the power to build and destroy.” Precious and Onyekachi encouraged their peers to reflect on the importance of responsible communication and the role they can play in shaping the department and themselves.

The post-test, which was initially scheduled, was postponed due to time constraints. Instead, the HOD directed the students to review specific sections of the handbook in preparation for the rescheduled post-test.

The Orientation ceremony came to a close with a prayer led by Ebere Blessing, a female student, after refreshments were distributed to the students.

Speaking in an interview after the orientation, a year one student, Edennaji Ezinne , who participated in the programme shared her thoughts with ESUT Monitor. “I really learnt a lot in today’s orientation and I’m glad that I attended the programme. Dr. Maxwell Ngene’s speech, although short, really motivated me and also Prof. Sunny Udeze when he talked about our appearance as students”.

Written by Ruth Ogechi Ani, a 100 level student of Mass Communication, the report won the best award from the 33 news report from the students