By Sebastine Okafor

Determined to increase the productive output of its staff members, the board of the Department of Mass Communication at the Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) during the week, organised a one-day staff sensitization workshop/reorientation for all the teaching and Non-teaching staff in its fold.

The event, which took place on Thursday, June 28, 2024, had in attendance four professors from Departments of Mass Communication Department and Public Administration as well as the Dean of the Faculty of Management Sciences, Prof. Chioma Oleka, who was ably represented by her Associate Dean, Dr. Ikechukwu Ezugwu, among others.

In his opening address, the Head of the Department, Dr. Chidiebere Ezinwa, stated that the essence of the programme was to get the staff of the department, especially the new ones, acquainted with the work ethics of their jobs. This, he emphasized, “would enhance productivity, ethical standards, and improve the overall conduct of all staff, especially those in academics.’

One of the key areas highlighted was the need for increased productivity among staff members. “Timeliness and presence are crucial,” Dr. Ezinwa stressed. “Staff are expected to be punctual and present at the right place at the right time.”

He also emphasized the importance of a positive work attitude, encouraging staff to embrace constructive feedback and foster a more united department with a common sense of purpose.

Prof. Okechukwu Chikeleze, speaking on examination conduct, emphasized the responsibilities of invigilators. “Exams are designed to test students’ knowledge, not to harass or intimidate them,” he said.

He listed prohibited actions such as shouting, use of force, and any form of intimidation, highlighting the need to maintain a calm and credible exam environment. “We must avoid distractions such as phone use during invigilation and be punctual for our duties,” Prof. Chikeleze added.

Addressing the issue of examination malpractice, Prof. Chikeleze underscored the importance of fair treatment and scientific invigilation methods.

“Treat students fairly and verify accusations before taking action,” he advised.

He also outlined the reporting procedures for malpractice cases, which require the signatures of two invigilators and allow students to write a counter-report if necessary.

Prof. Sunny Udeze discussed work ethics, focusing on personal conduct, responsibility, integrity, and effective communication. “Maintain respectful relationships with students and colleagues, be punctual, and actively participate in meetings and classes,” he advised.

Prof. Udeze also emphasized the importance of handling conflicts impartially and maintaining fairness in decision-making. “Integrity and honesty are key to a lasting, positive reputation,” he noted.

Prof. Linus Iloegbunam Ogbuoshi elaborated on staff relationships and academic mottos.

He emphasized the importance of adhering to bureaucratic organization principles, including codes of conduct and appraisal methods. “Respect seniors, produce course compacts, and participate actively in invigilation,” he stated.

He urged staff to avoid changing exam timetables, uphold academic standards, and foster cooperation and mentorship among colleagues.

“Avoid malicious behavior and backbiting,” Prof. Ogbuoshi advised, highlighting the need for a harmonious work environment.

Prof. Clementina Obiageli Okafor spoke on academic advisory and class attendance, stressing the importance of regular meetings with students to monitor academic progress and develop study skills.

“We must avoid accepting gifts and any form of sexual harassment,” she stated. “Ensure regular class attendance and enforce appropriate attire for students.”

According to reports, the staff reorientation and sensitization workshop provided valuable insights and expectations for improving the productivity, conduct, and ethical standards of the academic staff. By adhering to these guidelines, the Department of Mass Communication at ESUT aims to foster a more productive, respectful, and ethical academic environment.

However, this comprehensive guide for academic staff summarizes the crucial points discussed during the workshop, underscoring the department’s commitment to upholding the highest standards of academic and professional conduct.

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The Enugu State Commissioner for Water Resources, Honourable (Dr) Felix Nnamani, in an exclusive interview with ESUT Monitor, disclosed that he graduated with a Third-class degree from the Department of Political Science, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, ESUT in 1996.

He made this disclosure while recounting his days of humble beginnings saying “I graduated from Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Department of Political Science in 1996 with Third-class Honours,” but didn’t stop at that level as the desire to acquire more knowledge to impact the society continued to push him in the ladder of his academic excellence.

“I didn’t stop there, I had to go to the University of Nigeria, Nsukka where I obtained Postgraduate Diploma in Public Administration and Local Government. It gave me the leverage now to get admission and go for Masters Degree.”

However, he highlighted some challenges he faced as an undergraduate that led to his graduation with third-class, decrying the hostile environment in which they were made to learn.

“We were the first to be admitted into the Faculty of Social Sciences, I went through pre-science programme in Abakaliki then ASUTECH (Anambra State University of Technology), at the point of getting admission in 1991, we were moved to Adada Campus in Nsukka. Adada Campus was not a joke, it was not an easy place. We were bathing in the stream, snakes were biting people, you couldn’t even concentrate, the few lecturers that were coming made enormous sacrifices coming from Enugu in a school bus to come and teach us on daily basis. We did that for almost three years before the then Military administration closed the campus and we came back to Enugu.” He said.

Asked if his grade is a true reflection of his intellectual ability, Honourable Nnamani responded in the negative stressing that his set then should not be judged by their academic performance because they lacked the basic facilities for a conducive learning environment coupled with their relocation to Enugu which brought them into a different situation entirely.  

“No, coming back to Enugu, it was difficult for us to integrate because we were looking different, the suffering and experience we got there is only God that knows. We were not supposed to be judged by our academic performances there because the facilities for you to really excel and pursue your goal were not there.

“And it’s not like we’re coming from a family where the resources are available. I came from one of the poorest villages in the state. I’m from Ugwuomu, it is one of the remotest villages in Enugu State. We trekked 15 kilometers from Ugwuomu to be able to go to St. Patrick in Emene to get secondary education. I remember going to farm with my mother to uproot cassava, go to Orie Emene and sell it before you can get money to go to school. I remember washing cars at the airport corner in order to get money to get to campus. A lot of factors contributed and God helped us to surmount, but that didn’t shift our focus to becoming who we are today.”

He also stressed that his resilience and commitment to his goals is what helped him surmount all the challenges life threw at him.

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