By Maxwell Menkiti Ngene, (Ph.D)

In the vibrant tapestry of Nigerian society, the mass media plays a pivotal role, weaving together the diverse threads of culture, information, and entertainment. With its far-reaching impact, the media has become an indispensable institution, earning a special mention in the Nigerian Constitution.

The framers of the Constitution wisely recognized the significance of a free and independent media, deliberately avoiding any entanglement with government control. This rare privilege stems from the understanding that the media serves as a beacon of truth, holding those in power accountable and providing a platform for the voices of the people.

So, why is the media’s existence so crucial in society? The answer lies in its ability to facilitate informed decision-making, foster cultural understanding, and promote social cohesion. Just as a robust transportation system, reliable food supply, quality education, and healthcare are essential for a functioning society, a vibrant media ecosystem is equally vital.

Imagine a society without the media’s watchful eye, where corruption and abuse of power go unchecked. Envision a world without the media’s informative voice, where citizens are left in the dark about critical issues affecting their lives. The media’s role is not just to entertain; it is to educate, to enlighten, and to empower.

In Nigeria, the media has played a profound role in shaping the country’s history, from the struggle for independence to the present day. It has provided a platform for marginalized voices, exposed corruption, and promoted cultural understanding.

As a private enterprise, the media is uniquely positioned to service Nigeria’s capitalistic economy, providing vital information that enables citizens to make informed decisions. The media’s role is not just to reflect society; it is to shape it, to challenge it, and to inspire it.

In conclusion, the mass media is a cornerstone of Nigerian society, providing a vital link between the government, citizens, and the world. Its existence is a testament to the power of information, the importance of accountability, and the resilience of the human spirit.

The post The Indispensable Role of Mass Media in the Nigerian Society appeared first on ESUT Monitor.

The Department of Mass Communication, ESUT, has felicitated with the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Professor Aloysius Michaels Okolie on his Birthday.

The Vice-Chancellor marked his 58^th birthday on Saturday, March 15, 2025.

In a goodwill message signed by the Head of the Department, Barr Dr Chidiebere Ezinwa, the department eulogised Professor Okolie for his transformative strides in the university, award of Most Outstanding Vice-Chancellor in Nigeria  and appreciated God for preserving him.

Read the message below:

Dear Vice Chancellor,

On your special day, we celebrate your remarkable leadership, vision, and dedication to excellence in education. Your innovative approach has transformed ESUT, fostering a culture of creativity, healthy competition, collaboration, and inclusivity.

Your unrelenting support has encouraged and empowered both staff and students to strive for excellence, and your commitment to academic excellence has elevated our institution’s reputation. Your recent conferment of the title of Most Outstanding Vice Chancellor in Nigeria in 2024 is a testament to this.

As you mark another year of life, we express our heartfelt gratitude for your tireless efforts to create a world-class learning environment.

 May this milestone birthday bring you joy, fulfilment, and continued success in your endeavours.

Happy Birthday, Prof!

Best regards,

Dr. Chidiebere Anthony Ezinwa,

HOD, Mass Communication.

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A Professor of Communicology and Mass Communication, the former Director, Mature Students programme, ESUT, will elucidate on the topic “Communication Innovation Paradigm in the Digital Age: Silent Saboteurs Shaping Psychosocial Security in Nigeria”

Professor Ogbuoshi is an erudite scholar who has been a driving force for excellence and innovation in teaching, learning and research.

The lecture is expected to reveal the silent saboteurs who are clandestinely trying to destroy the God-given innovation to humanity and the world at large. He will proffer concrete remediations on how to normalize the situation before it becomes out of hand or control.

The lecture will be very enriching, promising and educative to all and sundry including the scholars, teachers, policymakers, government agencies, business people and a host of others. Don’t miss out, Try to be there to enable you be a part and parcel of the presentation.

The lecture will commence by 10am.

The post Prof Ogbuoshi to Deliver ESUT’s 44th Inaugural Lecture April 3rd appeared first on ESUT Monitor.

By Nnaji Martha

Robbery, either armed or not, across the institutions in Nigeria, is becoming a norm and equally a nightmare for some students, especially in lodges where most students stay for easy attendance to lectures and other school activities. Most of these incidents happen during the time that students are most likely to be away or have travelled back to their various places for holidays or to attend to pressing needs at home.

Most of these armed robbers don’t really think that these are students who are struggling to afford what they need for their schooling, especially those who come from poor backgrounds but, due to distance, have decided to live near the school for easy access.

One of the victims of these armed robbers, a student in ESUT’s Mass Communication Department, 200 Level (who kept her name and lodge anonymous for security purposes), narrated her ordeal with armed robbery when the school vacated for the Christmas and New Year holiday celebrations, and she left for her holiday as well.

In her words: “I left my lodge exactly on the first of January. I was the last student to leave my lodge, but my lodge caretaker was very much around. On the 5th, my immediate elder brother came back from Anambra State and went to my lodge to collect his box, which he had dropped off before going to “Light of the Nation” state. When he got to my lodge, he called and told me that my room had been burglarized. Everything in his box was made away with: his 2 packs of boxers, 2 packs of white singlets, 10-11 jean trousers, his up-and-down leather clothes, his customized jersey, footwears, and most importantly, the two hundred thousand naira (200,000) he had given me for my school fees and all other payments I needed to make in school.

Then my solar panel (the panel, 3 bulbs, and the light supplier), my school bags in which my Fundamentals of Broadcasting Media textbook is, my perfumes, my soap for washing, my sister’s phone, her traveling bag, and some other things I can’t remember now. Where all gone. When I came to repair my room door that was hijacked by the robbers, I went to the caretaker, who was still the only person in the whole lodge. All she could tell me was that, in her words, ‘eyaah, don’t you know that they steal in this lodge? Were you not told that people’s things were not safe here? Why did you not drop your keys with me like everyone else does? At least if you had done that, then if anything is lost, you could hold me responsible.’ That was all she could tell me.

“Her reaction made me more confused and several thoughts ran through my mind. ‘Could she be an accomplice or was she just being unconcerned?’”

It was a very sad and devastating moment for her and her family. It is also very worrisome that most of these cases are not always treated as they should be, and students keep falling victim to such incidents.

This no doubt calls for extra security measures in lodges and hostels within and outside the campus to ensure students’ safety on campus

The post Robbery in the Lodges and Students’ Safety on Campus appeared first on ESUT Monitor.

 On the 19th of October 2024, I began to perceive the aura of this wonderland, and of course, I was thrilled to be there on the 9th of January 2025 to witness the institution for myself. Undisputedly, the Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) was never eulogized excessively. Indeed, they are worth every iota of acclamation.

On that day, lectures hadn’t become intensively yet because students tend not to be in school until the following week when all the school activities would have been inaugurated properly. Obviously, there were not many people on campus, yet I felt submerged in being neglected by older students. I had an older friend who would always blitz my DM and go as far as extending the conversation in person. Everyone was still emphasizing how older students neglect and disparage new students, termed “FRESHERS.” The fear of this word stuck tightly in my brain, and I never wanted to be a victim.

This impression made me avoid speaking to anyone that day about anything. My instinct kept encouraging me that I could do everything myself, like pinpointing my faculty, locating the library, and finding other basic necessities. But not until I got lost in the vast environment did I realize my limitations. I trekked for about 20 minutes without finding a single route I recognized. At this very peak, I lost my ego, fidgeting at the same time because it was getting late. At first, I thought of hopping on a bike, but I certainly didn’t know my destination nor where I was standing at the moment. This time, I had to ask people around me for my current location. All thanks to my lucky stars, I was not neglected by the students I managed to ask, as my sentiments were glued to avoiding being addressed as a “fresher.” Perhaps I didn’t ask for directions directly from any of the students I approached.

Here’s what I did: I picked up my cell phone and called a friend who had been in the school for a while—a final-year student, to be precise. She conveyed that I should look out for a motorcyclist and hand over the phone to him after I told her my current location, aided with its description for better clarification. I did as she said, and all thanks to God, the motorcyclist was smart enough to understand everything she said to him over the call. I didn’t know what she said to him, but I had a second thought: “What if this bike man mistakenly asks me where I’m heading to since he doesn’t hear clearly?” But it wasn’t so.

I hopped on the bike, and shortly, I was set down at a popular market that I was familiar with—“EKE AGBANI.” After I made the payment, I looked around and said to myself, indeed, I’m a “FRESHER” because I realized it took the motorcyclist 2 minutes to get there, while it could be walked in a maximum duration of 5 minutes.

This incident was quite awful but not horrible. The view and bliss of the institution I dreamed of met my expectations, so I never felt too bad as a fresher.

Sincerely, I’m thrilled to be a student at ESUT.

Nwabuike Favour Ihechiluru is a 100 level student of Mass Communication Department, ESUT

The post My First Day In The University, The Fresher Tag appeared first on ESUT Monitor.

The Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) holiday that lasted for two months between early August and middle October, 2024 exposed me to the two intricate sides of life

After my last paper on August 8, I decided to stay in school for extra one week to arrange myself for my holiday and also prepare for my trip to Lagos through road. The road networks, are wonderful, no doubt. No portholes, no police and security checkpoints almost in every pole, you know!

The holiday didn’t really last for me because after one week of relaxation in my father’s house, I resumed work with Karanty Home Sheild company as a marketer and we had a new product which we wanted to bring to the market.

As a marketer, I started awareness campaign for the product which is a water purifier another type of water dispenser.

The Purifier reminded me of the ESUT’s 38th Inuagural lecture delivered by Prof Umezurike Hughes Okafor at the ESUCOM on 29 August, which I followed online courtesy of ESUT Monitor Newspaper. The topic was on purifying the purifier, the kidney.

This is a story for another day, anyway.

My target audience were office owners and residents, the product was a household or office utility.

I started work with my team visiting estates management, offices and even residents because we also repair and install home appliances.

My first deal was with the management of Atlantic View Estate at Alpha Beach road, Lagos. I met with the estate manager and introduced the products to him, he was interested in buying and also gave me opportunity to come with my team to meet the residents on their meeting day and that opportunity gave us a lifeline.

I must say, that marketing job is not easy but it is something one needs to experience in life, it exposes you to the diversity of human nature.

Due to the nature of my job, I didn’t have time for recreation. There was no rest. No thanks to the hard skin I have developed in ESUT. In ESUT, you are not only built academically, you are toughened mentally and in character to face your future… Initially, with all the hard experience in ESUT, I had thought that the lecturers are just being unnecessarily mean, but I was wrong.

The nature of the work made me to long to come back to school but the exposure also encouraged me to pray that the new date of resumption should be extended. So, my joy when the new resumption date was extended from 7 to 14 October was boundless. In my selfishness, I still prayed for another extension but it appeared God was not happy with me for the additional request.

At my new office, I visited companies/organisations and my encounters with prospective clients made me bold and expressive. It made me do more research on the products and also on my target audience.

I was able to learn follow-up and management skills. Everyday I was out on the road of Lekki to Sangotedo, Lagos State on business trip meeting with clients and closing deals.

In the course of my activities, I came to realize that my discipline, Mass Communication has really taught me a lot without my knowing. My work was easier for me because most of the things I experienced were what I was taught in class – from how an organisation operates how to use my communication skill to convince my clients, a lot.

Certainly, it was never rosy. I met people that were rude, in some instances I was rejected. Not just rejected but rejection with insults. Unfortunately for them, I refused to be intimidated because I knew that their anger was against harsh economy and not on my products nor myself. Where I got this instinct, I could not explain but I was persistent.

I was able to manage the situation and even made them patronize us. Often times, the rudeness would be neck-choking and when I reach house, I would be wondering, deep into the night, how I was able to handle them. When I recollect about the difficult encounters and my ability to handle them, I would rush to the mirror and hive myself a hi-five for a job well done. Wondering how “small Amarachi” could stand before CEOs and convince them, in their moment of anger, to buy our products!

My experiences further made me to appreciate my lecturers for their efforts especially on Advertising and Marketing related courses, they were indeed helpful. Often times, I didn’t pay rapt attention to these course. But my exposure during this long-short vacation, has changed my mindset.

Stepping into my final year in Mass Communication Department would be refreshing and Marketing and Advertising related courses should better be ready for me.

The two- month long vacation, was sadly short for me because they didn’t just give me an opportunity, but a life experience. I was able to work under pressure, I tasked and gave myself targets and I met them. I was able to manage stress effectively, the feeling cannot be forgotten. I found my field of interest and I’m sure I can do well in Marketing or Advertising Agency.

There’s a proverb that says “you can forget what you saw but you can’t forget what you felt”. That is what happened to me this holiday, I can’t forget the feeling of Boldness, expression, accountability, satisfaction, conviction, rejection and the feeling of being Important.

The post My ESUT Long Vacation: An Experience Of Rejection And Fulfilment appeared first on ESUT Monitor.

By Sebastine Okafor

Professor Obiageli Okafor of the Department of Mass Communication, Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), has been appointed as the Director of the Joint Universities Preliminary Examinations Board (JUPEB) Programme.

Prof. Okafor, a renowned expert in Public Relations Practice, brings a wealth of experience and academic leadership to this vital position, where she will be responsible for overseeing the program aimed at preparing students for university education.

Her appointment comes as a recognition of her years of dedicated service in the field of education, particularly in public relations and communications. With a strong commitment to academic excellence, Prof. Okafor is expected to elevate the standards of the JUPEB programme and enhance its impact on students seeking to gain admission into tertiary institutions across the country. Her leadership in the role is seen as a significant step towards ensuring quality education and preparation for the future generation of students.

Prof. Obiageli Okafor, who hails from Achị in Oji River, is married to Chief Hyacinth A. Okafor of Ugwuakulu Etiti Obeleagu Umana in Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State, a retired Deputy Registrar in the same institution.

As the newly appointed Director, she is set to collaborate with various universities and educational bodies to further the objectives of JUPEB. Her contributions to the academic community have been lauded over the years, and this new role will allow her to continue her work in shaping the educational landscape in Nigeria.

The post Professor Oby Okafor Appointed New  Director ESUT JUPEB Programme appeared first on ESUT Monitor.

The National Association of Academic Technologists, NAAT, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, ESUT Branch has appointed ESUT Monitor Newspaper Staff Adviser, Mr Amaechi Agbo Chairman of the Association’s Electoral Committee, ELECO.

The three-man NAAT-ESUT Electoral Committee was inaugurated during an emergency congress held on Thursday, September 5, 2024 at ESUT main Campus, Agbani.

The three members of the committee are, Comrade Amaechi Agbo, Mass Communication Department, Chairman; Comrade Chioma Okwueze, Secretary and Dr Promise Onyebuenyi of Department of Educational Foundations, member.

Inaugurating the committee, the outgone chairman of the NAAT-ESUT branch, Comrade Anthonia Onyia charged the members to be transparent and uphold the electoral guidelines. She noted that the three members were selected based on competence to pilot the electoral process

In his acceptance speech on behalf of the committee, Com. Agbo thanked the congress for the confidence reposed in them and pledged that the election will be free, fair, transparent and in accordance with the electoral laws of the association.

He also made a passionate appeal for all members to support the committee to achieve its noble responsibility.

“Today, we have been bestowed with a sacred responsibility to design the future of our great association. This is a task we are ready to accomplish by ensuring that losers lose farily and winners win transparently.

“However, the duty of conducting this election is not solely that of the ELECO. It is the responsibility of every member of our noble association to put hands on the desk to chart a new path for NAAT-ESUT. We have a serious challenge of conducting our branch election within six days, but with your unalloyed support, we will succeed,” he said.

The 2024 NAAT-ESUT Election is slated to hold on Thursday, September 12. The date was announced by the National Executive Council, NEC via a letter to the branch dated September 3, 2024.

The post NAAT-ESUT Election: ESUT Monitor Staff Adviser, Amaechi Agbo Appointed Chairman Electoral Committee appeared first on ESUT Monitor.

The Association of Mass Communication Students (ASMACS) in Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) has presented certificates to the outgoing students of the institution.

The event which took place on the 27th of August, 2024, prior to the BSc project defense of the students, was held at ESUT Mass Communication Complex, Agbani. With the aim to appreciate the students for their outstanding performances, especially the outgoing executives of the association.

In his address, the Head of the Department, Dr. Chidiebere Ezinwa, thanked the outgoing students for choosing the department and commended their steadfastness in completing their studies, despite some students dropping out for various reasons.

He stated that the department has done its best in providing all the necessary training required for their success in the labor market, adding that the ball is now in their court to shoot into the net.

Dr. Ezinwa, who is also a legal luminary, urged the students to be law-abiding and to avoid getting involved in any kind of crime, as it could lead them into trouble and frustrate the better future ordained for them by God.

According to him, “I wish to congratulate all of you for making it to this day. Choosing Mass Communication in the first place is something that should be applauded because the university has other departments. Now that you are about to finish, it is also important that you abide by all the professional ethics of the profession and show quacks that you are trained journalists. We in the department have done our best, and it is now left for you to make us proud. Please, always be law-abiding and avoid running into trouble by engaging in crimes that are inimical to the growth of society. There is a need for you to take life easy as things will always fall into place.”

In her address, the staff adviser of the department, Mrs. Ijeoma Ikwueze, thanked God for His mercy, especially on the outgoing students, whom she is convinced will make the department proud.

She stated that Mass Communication is a course that provides sustenance for those who take the time to read and put into practice all they have been taught.

Mrs. Ijeoma also prayed for the students, urging them to be honest in all their endeavors and to seek God’s guidance when confused.

She also assured them that the department is open to assist academically and morally whenever called upon, as it has always done.

Presenting the certificates to the outgoing executives of the association in ESUT’s Mass Communication Department, the current president of the association, Comrade Chinonso Ogbu, appreciated his predecessors for their commitment to the progress of the association and the welfare of the students.

He stated that his leadership aspires to take the organization to a higher level that will benefit both the students and the institution.

Some of the outgoing students who spoke with newsmen expressed their happiness, especially for being the first to receive such an honor from ASMACS.

They extolled the Head of the Department, Dr. Chidiebere Ezinwa, for his outstanding contributions to the growth of the department, which they said have positively impacted them in different ways.

They also thanked the management of ESUT for accepting them when they applied to study at the institution and assured that they would do their best to be the best in society.

The event also had some staff of the department present, such as the Exam Officer, Mr. Joel Asogwa, the Undergraduate Project Coordinator, Mr. Sebastine Okafor, and ESUT Monitor Staff Adviser, Mr. Amaechi Agbo, among others.

The presentation of certificates serves as a motivation for students to strive for excellence and actively participate in departmental activities. The department looks forward to seeing the positive impact of this initiative on its students.

The post ASMACS Honours Outgoing ESUT Mass Communication Students with Certificates appeared first on ESUT Monitor.

Determined to creating awareness about journalism practice in Nigeria, Ikenga Media and Cultural Awareness Initiative on Friday held a one-day mentoring workshop for students of Mass Communication Department, ESUT.

with the theme: “Building a Satisfying Career in Journalism” the workshop featured practical exercises, question and answer sessions as well as news writing segments.

Making her presentation on the sub-topic, “Journalism at a Glance”, Miss Chiamaka Okafor, a journalist and Executive Director Media and Information Literary and Intercultural Dialogue Foundation, took the students on the rudiments of news gathering, writing and reporting.  

Ms Okafor emphasised on the need for the students to be amenable to the several opportunities that abound for them in the journalism profession stressing that journalism practice is a noble profession everyone should aspire to join.

On his part, Mr Chinagorom Ugwu of Premium Times dispelled rumours that journalism doesn’t pay. He noted that just as it is obtainable in other professions where lazy ones abound, he added that hardwork is the driving force in earning a good living in journalism.  

Speaking on “Ethical Issues in Journalism” he emphasised the need for the upcoming journalists to imbibe the ethics of the profession and operate within the shores. He listed ethical conducts a journalist should uphold.

“Accuracy and factual reporting are ethical. When faced with speed and accordance in news reportage, accuracy should take prominence. Another ethical rule is none disclosure of source’s identity. A rape survivor’s name should not be disclosed so as not to permanent etch her name on the report. Don’t mention names of rape victims or a minor.

“Do not accept ‘brown envelope’ in your reportage. When you collect a brown envelope, you have sold your conscience, objectivity is compromised,” he said.   

The one-day mentoring workshop had over 100 students in attendance as well as lecturers including the head of the department, Dr Chidiebere Ezinwa who gave vote of thanks after the programme.

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