By Amaechi Agbo

Owerri – The Vice-Chancellor, Imo State University (IMSU), Professor Uche Chukwumaeze has underscored the importance of research in the socioeconomic development of nations.The erudite scholar noted that there would be no development and civilization without research.

Prof Chukwumaeze stated this while declaring open the two-day 4th International Conference, Merit Awards and Induction Ceremony of the Association of Management and Social Sciences Researchers of Nigeria (AMSSRN) holding at the University’s Auditorium, on Wednesday.

In his speech, the Vice-Chancellor underscored the importance of research in reshaping humanity and urged the association to encourage group research in order to enhance mentorship

“We thank God that this Association exists which is in recognition of the fact that research is the hallmark of development. Without research, there will not be civilization, it is key to the economic recovery of any nation.

“When research goes to the area of the economy, you will understand the importance of Management and Social Sciences in our society

“The meaning of what you are doing here in our university is that you are interested in the development of this country. I will add that by the time you conclude your conference, that you should push for the encouragement of the need for group research. Oftentimes, individual research don’t acheieve the expected goal. There is enough resources for group research such that the professors will mentor the younger ones,” the VC said.

The Vice-Chancellor who is a Professor of Law and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) pleaded with the State Governor to support research and encourage indeginous researchers to grow by supporting them.

“It’s on this note that I want to plead to the Accountant General to carry the message to His Excellency, that we need encouragement especially on the group research. And when the State Government wants to embark on any project, this university and the association are ready to lead the research. The idea that international bodies should come and do research here and there, sometimes you realize that the answer lies within us. We have professionals who can do these researches and submit findings to the government,” he stated.

In her opening speech, AMSSRN President, Prof Uche Lucy Onyekwelu, thanked the management of the University for their hospitality and support stressing that the association will work collaboratively with the management in reshaping society through research.

She examined the key mandates of the association and advocated for effective synergy between the gown and the town in order to reconfigure Nigeria’s socioeconomic potentials and upshoot her academic trajectory

“Let me on behalf of the Executive Board of AMSSRN, Express our gratitude to the educational friendly Governor, His Excellency, Senator Hope Uzodinma for his strides in advancement of scholarship in Imo State. To our host and father, the Vice-Chancellor of this great university, Professor Chukwumaeze, for your commitment in promoting research, which is one of the core mandates of the University. You didn’t only welcome us into your university, but you also made our stay here hospitable. You provided all we needed for conducive interface and made time available to be with us when we paid you and your management a courtesy visit. We are greatly honoured, Prof.

“This year’s conference is not only a scholarly gathering but also a celebration of our shared commitment to excellence and resilience in research, scholarship and mentorship. In addition to robust academic deliberations, this occasion features the induction of new members and the conferment of AMSSRN’S Distinguished Personality Awards on a selected few individuals whose contributions to Good Governance, Educational /Human Capital Development, Research, and Scholarship have been exemplary and resonates with AMSSRN visions. We congratulate all inductees and awardees, whose untiring sacrifices and unwavering dedication to philanthropy have merited the recognitions.
“Permit me to emphasize that the tripod of Research, Scholarship and Mentorship forms the bedrock of AMSSRN’s vision. We in the association believe and have been running an advocacy to affirm that ‘Research without Mentorship lacks Continuity’, Scholarship without research lacks substance, and mentorship without scholarship lacks direction.

“Our vision is to strategically connect the gown and the town ensuring that the intellectual outputs of our scholars directly inform industry practices, government policies, and societal transformation,” she said.

Speaking on the theme of the Conference, “Integrating Digital Innovation for Research and Development: Issues, Challenges and Strategies” the Keynote Speaker, Mr Justice Okoye challenged researchers and students to leverage on the evolution of scientific discoveries to improve on their professions.
Mr Okoye who is also the Chairman, Imo State Internal Revenue Services, opined that research is at the heart of human capital and educational advancement and thanked AMSSRN for their commitment in that regard.

On his part, the Special Guest of Honour and Accountant General of Imo State, Dr Linus Okafor charged the participants on the deployment of artificial intelligence in resource management. While expaciating on the gains of AI, Dr Okoye who stood in for the State Governor, warned the participants against making AI their master.

Highlights of the first day of the 4th International Conference which ends today in IMSU, Owerri were confirmenent of different awards to deserving individuals as well as induction of 68 new members into the various ranks of the association

Day two of the conference will witness paper presentations.

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In its desire to continue to add more value to the society, expand knowledge and its membership, the Association of Management and Social Sciences Researchers of Nigeria (AMSSRN) will in September hold its 4th International Conference at the Imo State University (IMSU) Owerri.

Scheduled to hold at the IMSU Auditorium, the two-day Conference will also feature Induction of new members as well as award presentation to distinguished Nigerians who have impacted humanity in their various endeavours. Participation in the conference will be physical and virtual with international collaborators featuring.

The 4th International Conference of AMSSRN will play host to researchers and participants from the academia, industry, governmental ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) in Nigeria. The conference is expected to provide a fertile ground for intellectual cross-breeding and enable strategic collaborations among stakeholders and participants.

Since its inception five years ago, AMSSRN have held Conferences, Public lecture, Seminars and Workshops among others to bridge the gap between the academia (gown) and industry (town) in pursuit of sustainable socio-economic development through Research.

The 2025 International Conference will have as the Keynote Speakers, Justice Okoye, FCA, FCTI, Executive Chairman, Imo State Internal Revenue Service and Professor Bibian Oluchukwu Njogo, PhD, FAMSSRN, Professor of Corporate Finance/ Development Finance, Bells University of Technology, Ota, Ogun State.

Anchored on the theme “Integrating Digital Innovation for Research and Development: Issues, Challenges and Strategies”, the Conference will hold between Wednesday 3rd and Thursday 4 September, 2025 commencing from 11am each day.

The Registrar of the association, Dr. Aondokaar Kwaghfan is the Chairman Conference Committee, while Dr. Leonard Amaefule is the chairman, Local Organising Committee, LOC

Speaking in an interview, the National President, AMSSRN, Professor Lucy Onyekwelu said the three-in-one event is aimed at adding greater value to the society stressing that while the Conference aims at bringing the industry players and the academia in a table to converse and proffer solutions to social problems affecting the society, The Induction ceremony will usher in new members in the body.

Professor Onyekwelu who was the immediate past Chairman of ICAN Agbani & District Society added that the Award ceremony is part of AMSSRN’s events to honour those who have sacrificed in building a better viable society. She appreciated the IMSU Vice-Chancellor and the Management for their support

“We are organising a two-day International Conference that will also feature induction of new members into the body as well as award presentation to distinguished individuals who have sacrificed a lot in shaping humanity through research and innovations.

“On the induction, we have scholars that will be inducted into Fellowship, Full Membership and Associate Membership categories.
“As for the Merit Award, we have pencilled down notable Academic juggernauts, people who have made mark in research and human capital development, captains of industries cum professionals, policy makers, philanthropist of diverse nature both in Nigeria and diaspora will be accorded different recognitions by the Association.

“Let me also use this opportunity to appreciate the IMSU Vice-Chancellor and his Management for their support. Their approval for us to use the Main Auditorium is deeply appreciated and we look forward to having our guests and participants in Owerri next week,” she said.

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In a significant development, Nasarawa State University, Keffi, has officially upgraded the Department of Mass Communication to a fully-fledged faculty, solidifying its commitment to academic excellence. This transformation was recently ratified during a pivotal session of the university’s senate held on Thursday.

The strategic move resulted in the expansion of the Mass Communication department to encompass Media Studies, leading to the establishment of the Faculty of Mass Communication and Media Studies.

Professor Muhammad Rabiu has been appointed as the inaugural Dean of the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies.

Under the faculty, three distinct departments have emerged, each with a designated head. Professor Kaior Samuel Akpede heads the Department of Broadcasting; Dr. Tsegyu Santas takes the helm of the Department of Journalism and Media Studies, and Dr. Anthony Ogande assumes leadership of the Department of Public Relations.

During the announcement, Dean Rabiu shared the vision for the future, quoting the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Professor Suleiman Bala Mohammed. The Vice-Chancellor affirmed that, ”in due course, the remaining five departments within the unbundled Mass Communication programme would be unveiled for academic activities.”

These upcoming departments include Advertising, Development Communication Studies, Film and Multi-Media Studies, Information and Media Studies, and Strategic Communication Studies. This expansion not only broadens the academic offerings but also signifies Nasarawa State University’s dedication to staying at the forefront of contemporary communication studies.

The establishment of the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies reflects the university’s commitment to providing a comprehensive and diverse education in the dynamic field of communication. With this move, Nasarawa State University, Keffi, is poised to make significant contributions to shaping the future of media and communication professionals.

Nigeria’s Universities regulatory body, the National Universities Commission, NUC had directed full implementation of the unbundling of the Mass Communication department to take effect from 2021.

Some Universities such as Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo; Lagos State University, (LASU), Lagos; Imo State University, (IMSU), Imo; University of Uyo, Bayero University, Kano (BUK), among others have elevated their Mass Communication Departments to Faculties.

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