By Faith Edeh, Awka
A new chapter has begun at Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka as the Department of Mass Communication has officially been upgraded to the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, with Allen Nnanwuba Adum appointed as its Acting Dean.
The appointment, which takes immediate effect, was approved by Vice-Chancellor Bond Ugochukwu Anyaehie and conveyed in a letter signed by the university’s Registrar, Chinenye Gloria Okeke.
Reacting to his appointment, Prof. Adum described the faculty’s creation as a product of God’s grace and the collective efforts of staff, pledging to operate an open-door, transparent and consultative administration focused on peace and excellence.
The development follows the National Universities Commission’s approval of the unbundling of Mass Communication into five departments: Mass Communication, Journalism and Media Studies, Broadcasting, Advertising, and Development Communication Studies.
Students admitted into the new programmes last year are expected to complete their first academic session in August.
Meanwhile, Chinwe Uzochukwu has been elected the new Head of the Mass Communication Department after defeating Uche Ebeze by 26 votes to 23 in a keenly contested election.
Declaring the result, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Hilda Osisioma urged members of the new faculty to embrace unity and work together for its growth.
Prof. Adum acknowledged the contributions of former heads of department and other stakeholders whose efforts culminated in the creation of the faculty, assuring that the new academic unit is well positioned to become one of the university’s leading faculties.
Tags: UNIZIK, Mass Communication, Communication and Media Studies, Prof Allen Adum, Education
