By Nwabuike Favour

The Head, Department of Mass Communication at the Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic (formerly Abia State Poly), Dr Dennis Emeka Ubani, in this exclusive interview with our Business Editor, Nwabuike Favour, explores the importance for unbundling of the department and why the OOP is better placed in this spectrum.

Dr Ubani also identified the one particular need he would request from the Abia State Governor, Mr Alex Otti if he meets him one-on-one.

Profile

My name is Mr Dennis Emeka Ubani a PhD holder in mass Communication. And my areas of specialty are Public Relations and Advertising.

Assumption office as HOD

Being the HOD was of recent but I was part of the staff that started this programme, so I understand the department well. When you talk about Mass Communication, it is very broad family and thank God my school recently unbundled which means we now have some departments that have moved from the conventional Mass Communication to be a department on their own. So Mass Communication and school of media studies are now the family umbrella name. There are other areas like Advertising, Public Relations, Online Journalism, Media Studies among others. All of these are branches of Mass Communication.

Before I came in there were limited infrastructure, and luckily for us the Governor when he assumed office appointed the new Rector, Dr Christopher Okolie, a man knowledgeable about everything and as soon as he realized the challenges we had in the department, he didn’t waste time to provide them. Recently we had accreditation where all 39 programmes run by this school received full clean bill of health.

The other challenge is staffing but it is also being tackled.

Is Mass Comm. still relevant in the society today?

Maybe what you should have asked me is, is communication relevant in our world today? Without communication, there would be no existence. In fact, communication started right from time traced down to the first book of the Bible in Genesis. It was God and the trinity that started Mass Communication when they said let us make man in our own image. Remember communication is interpersonal, intra-personal and Mass Communication. Without communication existence wouldn’t have be. Just imagine in a family were everyone is dumb, what kind of family will that be? Imagine a society where nobody is communicating, how will the government know the problems of the Masses? So there is need for interexchange of feelings and opinions. People must talk, they must communicate. What we should talk about now is the international super highways, you talk about the internet, Goggle etc these are all modern communication channels. And anybody not in communication base is irrelevant in the society.

How old is Mass Communication in the OOP?

We’ve graduated 3 sets now. As a department, the course runs for five years, we have two years and one year break for our Industrial Training (IT) then they come back for another 2 years making it 5 years. Therefore, we are 8 years old here in Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic.

What are the advantages of unbundling Mass Communication?

During our days in school, it was really challenging, my set was the first set that studied Mass Communication in Abia State University. Around that time, there were doubts of textbooks, people were not writing (publishing textbooks) and we had issues getting books to read and with time we got them but it happened we had to read all the areas of Mass Communication as I earlier mention. So unbundling it makes it easier for people to choose the area where they are good at. I might be good in Broadcasting because my voice is good but not good in Advertising as well as other courses even film acting. And we have a department for that. The unbundling helps people to concentrate so as to become masters in what they do. It gives room to specialization.

What is the population of Mass Communication students in the OOP?

Every year, we don’t have the same number of students applying for the Programme, and this is a new year. We always have almost a thousand students and because of the way the Governor and the Rector have set up the system, I bet you we will have large number of students during this year’s intake.

If you meet the Governor today, what will be your request?

First I will thank him for being the governor of Abia State and for a job well done especially for appointing our new Rector. We do call him the game changer. But if I meet him today, the only request I will make is staffing. I will ask him to allow us to recruit more lecturers. We need more hands to handle the courses here in the department.

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As staff and students of the Department of Mass Communication, Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) continue to yearn for the unbundling of the department into a faculty, the Vice- Chancellor of the university, Prof Aloysius-Michaels Okolie has offered explanation on why the management is yet to implement the approval for the unbundling

Speaking in an exclusive interview with ESUT Monitor, the VC said apart from Mass Communication, the Department of Architecture also got approval for unbundling but regretted that the management is limited by funding to embark on the projects.

While describing Mass Communication as a pivotal department with potential to excel as a faculty with six departments, the VC said the funding for takeoff is critical because apart from providing the infrastructure, manpower will also be needed to management the faculty

“Mass Communication got their approval for unbundling about six years ago. It should have multiple departments within the Faculty of Mass Communication, about six, if I’m right, between four to six. Their own was the earliest approval. We have the intention to unbundle but we don’t have the financial capacity to embark on it now. We have not done the unbundling because inadequate funding.  

“Mass Communication has the potential to flourish as a faculty with six departments but the funding for takeoff is enormous. Both infrastructure and staffing are key components that must be factored in and right now, we don’t have them. But we are losing sleep over it,” the VC told ESUT Monitor

He noted that the management is keen in expanding the university adding that “Architecture is begging us for a faculty, and it has been approved by the regulatory body that it should be a distinct faculty instead of a department. It should be a faculty with about six departments.  We are looking into all these but the issue is that when you try to solve one problem, several other problems will spring up. However, we are not deterred. If we have the right resources today, we will unbundle Mass Communication and Architectures without delay.”

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 Enugu – Agbani – The Vice-Chancellor of Enugu State University of Technology (ESUT), Professor Aloysius-Michaels Okolie has made a passionate plea to the National Universities Commission (NUC) accreditation team, imploring them to approach the crucial exercise as a peer review mechanism aimed at improvement rather than punitive action. The VC stressed the immense pressure on the team, who are the first of 23 programmes slated for accreditation in the 2025/2026 academic cycle.

The VC made the call NUC Accreditation teams paid him a courtesy visit in his office during the week.

The Vice-Chancellor used his welcome address to the NUC team to lay bare the turbulence facing the Nigerian university system, including the ongoing fallout from the recent ASUU strike, which he acknowledged as a fight for a just cause. He confessed that the NUC itself was in “serious problem” trying to adjust the accreditation schedule after the interruptions.

The VC emphasized the critical nature of the initial visit, warning that a poor result would create a “nasty” domino effect that would “flow down to the other 21 programmes.” He reminded departments under review, Architecture and Mass Communication, of their historical strength, noting that the latter had previously scored over 70 percent.

To ensure continuous readiness, the university has adopted a unique, proactive funding measure: allocating ₦10,000 from every school fee paid into a dedicated “accreditation account” for constant facility upliftment and repairs.

Acknowledging the persistent challenge of underfunding in public universities, the VC lauded the intervention of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) for helping to improve infrastructure. He highlighted significant investments in the university’s library, noting that millions of books are now available online through subscriptions like EBSCO and Terra, ensuring students and faculty have access to global resources.

While the VC joked that the Mass Communication Department’s biggest problem was having too many students subscribing, he voiced serious concern for the Insurance and Risks Management programme, which suffers from low enrollment across Nigerian universities. He appealed to the NUC experts to use their experience to offer recommendations on how to attract more students, stating it would be a “suicide” to strike out the program.

The Vice-Chancellor concluded with an open-door policy, challenging the team to point out any deficiencies they could fix within their arrival and promising a proactive, bureaucracy-free response from the university team. He referenced a religious metaphor of forgiveness, stating the NUC team was there to help, not to “vilify us or punish us.”

Already, Mass Communication, Insurance and Risks management and Public Administration Departments have undergone accreditation in the last six days

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My industrial training at Kids FM, Wazobia Port Harcourt was an experience I will always cherish. First, it was fun, then busy, and later, full of lessons that shaped my growth as a Mass Communication student.

When I arrived at the station, I was nervous and excited. The presenters were already talking on air, and everything in the broadcasting room was well set. Everyone seemed focused on their roles. I noticed that the engineers only came in when there was a technical glitch which showed how smoothly things usually run.

As the days went by, I began to understand how a radio station works. I watched how presenters prepared their shows, selected songs, and kept children entertained. Soon, I started helping out with small but important tasks. I helped create content, picked phone calls, played adverts and songs, and even played the already prepared news. I also wrote short scripts for my OAPs (On-Air Personalities) and helped them plan their shows.

But the most memorable day of all was the day I was given the chance to go on air, LIVE! It was unreal!. It was as if I was dreaming. The topic was “the importance of breakfast” and I also talked about how to prepare cooked yam and egg sauce.

 At first, my heart was beating fast, but as soon as I started talking, I became calmer and amore confident. I spoke about why breakfast is important and explained the easy steps of preparing the meal. That experience made me proud of myself. Truly, it was a day I will never forget.

During my training, I also observed how the engineers worked behind the scenes to make sure every sound was clear and smooth on air. Their teamwork with the presenters showed me that broadcasting is not a one-man job,  it takes everyone’s effort.

One of the best events we had during my stay was the “Kids FM Family Fun Day”, which we held on Independence Day. It was full of excitement and laughter. There were raffle draws, singing, dancing, and games for everyone. It felt like one big happy family coming together to celebrate.

I learned so much from my time at Kids FM – how to create and edit contents, how to speak with confidence, how to edit videos, write scripts, and make every conversation engaging. Most of all, I learned how to believe in myself. The people I met there encouraged me and boosted my passion for broadcasting.

My time at Kids FM, Wazobia Port Harcourt, was more than just an internship, it was a journey that helped me discover my voice, my composure and my talent. I left the station with new skills, new confidence, and a stronger dream to build a career in broadcasting.

My Gratitude to my HOD, Professor Chidi Ezinwa for his fatherly role and all he is doing with the board of the department to give us the best journalistic training.  

By Ali Hope Onyinyechi is EMN Reporter and in 300level

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By Okoro Chikaodiri

The Mass Communication Department of the Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) has received 50 new sets of Five-seater desks to address the seating challenge faced by year one students.

The department’s Head, Associate Prof Chidi Ezinwa expressed gratitude to the University Management for their prompt response in providing the desk which had become a nagging issue for the department.

According to Associate Prof Ezinwa, the department had informed the school management about the need for additional seats, especially in year one classe where students often had to stand during lectures.

The Vice Chancellor responded promptly by providing the new seats which immediately deployed in the lecture hall to enhance teaching and learning

The HOD described providing a conducive learning environment as a top priority for the department and expressed happiness and surprise at the rapid response from the Vice Chancellor, noting that the provision of new seats would enhance the academic experience of students.

He emphasized that the department and management had done their part in creating a comfortable learning environment, and now it’s up to the students to take advantage of it.

The new seats are expected to improve the overall learning experience for year one Mass Communication students at the ESUT.

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By Amaechi Agbo

The Rector, Institute of Management and Technology (IMT), Prof Gozie Ogbodo has described the institute as the incubation hub that feeds media houses in Nigeria with trained graduates.

Prof Ogbodo who stated this in a recent media interaction, noted that the Department of Mass Communication in the institution is renowned for producing quality graduates who had gone ahead to excel in the media industry both nationally and globally.

“What IMT is doing as an institute which is very renowned in Mass Communication and has produced very reputable nationally and internationally acclaimed professionals in media, is that we are the incubation institute which is feeding many of the media agencies in Nigeria.

“The work we are doing here is benefiting agencies like FRCN, AIT, Arise News, The Guardian, Punch, and all that. We believe that with their continued support, we would definitely have a strong partnership which would help our students become best graduates and come out with better professions in the media field. So, the work we are doing no doubt complements each of them,” he stated.

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   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

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