NUC Proposes Faculty of Media Studies, TETFund Supports with Infrastructure
By Sylvia Orji, Anastecia Ozioko, Peculiar Owoyomi
Mass Communication in Nigeria is undergoing a significant transformation, with plans to elevate it from a department to a full-fledged Faculty of Media Studies. Spearheaded by the National Universities Commission (NUC) and backed by Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), this initiative aims to create more specialized career paths for students and strengthen professionalism in the media industry.
To understand the impact of this transition on students, lecturers and the future of media education in Nigeria, we spoke with Dr. Alozie O. Christian, a senior lecturer in the Department of Mass Communication. In this exclusive interview, Dr. Alozie provided insights into the restructuring process, the key figures behind the initiative, and how it will transform media education in Nigeria.
Q: Good day, sir. Thank you for accepting to grant us audience. May we know your name and your position in the department?
A: My name is Dr. Alozie Ogbonna Christian, and I am a Senior Lecturer in the Mass Communication Department, university of Nigeria, Nsukka.
Q: Why do you think NUC wants to make the Mass Communication Department a faculty? What are your opinions on this new development?
A: The National Universities Commission (NUC) has proposed upgrading Mass Communication from a department under the Faculty of Arts to an independent Faculty of Media Studies. This initiative aims to foster specialization and professionalism in media education. This proposal has gained significant support from stakeholders, including the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), which is financing theinfrastructural development for the new faculty. The restructuring will enhance media education by creating a structured approach to learning, allowing students to specialize in specific areas of media practice.
Q: Who are the key stakeholders driving this transition?
A: The initiative was sanctioned by a team led by the NUC under the leadership of Professor Patrick. Additionally, Professor Potts, Vice-Chancellor of one of the Northern Universities, played a key role in supporting the initiative. Their collective efforts have ensured that Mass Communication receives the recognition it deserves as a specialized discipline.
Q: What role is TETFund playing in this transition?
A: TETFund is playing a crucial role by financing the infrastructure development necessary for the Faculty of Media Studies. This includes funding the construction of faculty buildings, equipping lecture halls, and providing essential resources to support the transition. Infrastructural development is already in progress, and once completed, Mass Communication will officially become a faculty. With adequate funding, the transition is expected to proceed smoothly, paving the way for a more specialized and professional approach to media education in Nigeria.
Q: What departments will be included under the new Faculty of Media Studies?
A: The new faculty will house several specialized departments, including: Department of Photojournalism, Department of Advertising, Department of Print Journalism, Department of Broadcast Journalism, Department of Public Relations, and Department of Digital Media and Marketing. This structure will allow students to focus on specific career paths, ensuring they graduate as specialists rather than generalists.
Q: How will this transition impact the professionalism of media studies?
A: Mass Communication must be treated as a professional discipline, just like law or medicine. Unfortunately, many untrained digital marketers, bloggers, and content creators mislead the public because they lack proper knowledge of key media theories.
For instance, Social Responsibility Theory emphasizes ethical journalism and accountability. Also, the Technology Translation Theory explains how media technologies adapt to different societal needs.
Many untrained media practitioners, whom I describe as “quacks,” lack an understanding of professional ethics and responsibilities. The establishment of the faculty will ensure that media professionals receive proper training, setting the standard for ethical journalism and credibility in media practice.
Q: How does the Faculty of Media Studies align with cybercrime laws and ethical responsibilities in digital media?
A: The faculty will emphasize accountability in digital media, particularly in enforcing laws such as the Cybercrime Act, which addresses: cyberbullying, cyberstalking, onlinedefamation and blackmail. Media professionals must take responsibility for their content, ensuring that all published news is factual, ethical, and free from misinformation. By training students in ethical media practices, the faculty aims to produce responsible journalists and media practitioners who uphold high standards in the industry.
Q: What is your final thought on this transition?
A: The transition from a department to the Faculty of Media Studies is a significant milestone in Nigerian media education. With the NUC leading the initiative and TETFund providing financial support, this transformation is expected to enhancespecialization in media education, uphold ethical media practices, and improve the credibility of journalism and digital media professions.
