Mass Communication

BRIEF HISTORY

The Department of Mass Communication, Akanu Ibiam Federal Polytechnic, Unwana was long in coming and had become a negative reference point in the Polytechnic. Despite being the first Federal Polytechnic in the South East, it was the only one without the Mass Communication programme. It was finally birthed in the Polytechnic in October 2020 after some previous individual effort by the hard-working, and determined former Director of the Directorate of Affiliation, Collaboration, and Linkages (DACOL), Dr. Ngozi Anyachonkeya who had initiated a memo for the establishment of the Mass Communication programme in the Polytechnic in 2018. By 2019, he had secured the support and approval of the then Rector, Venerable Ogbonnaya Ibe-Enwo and the Polytechnic Management to put into effect the processes for the establishment of the programme. Dr. Anyachonkeya then teamed-up with the former Director of Academic Planning, Dr. Ike Maduabuchi and invited Mr. Fidelis Asogwa, an Assistant Registrar at the Public Relations Unit in the Polytechnic, to write the background paper for the programme for approval of the Polytechnic Management which would then be forwarded to the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) for approval. This task was completed and approved in 2020.

The department has faced some funding challenges for necessary equipment to scale the NBTE resource inspection huddles particularly when it failed NBTE resource inspection in 2023. However, there has been some series of interventions to provide the needed equipment for a successful resource verification from NBTE after which the department will be ready for its first students in the 2023/2024 academic session.

BENEFITS OF STUDYING THE COURSE

Mass Communication as a course of study continues is a preferred course of study for both male and female students all over the country. It is arguably, the most sought after course of study in the arts and humanities because of its perceived glamour and the versatility of its products. There are numerous reasons Mass Communication attracts students much more than any other course of study in the arts, social sciences, and humanities.

1. The scope of Mass Communication is wide and this wideness confers versatility on those who study the course such that they easily fit-in anywhere they find themselves. For example, in Nigeria, graduates of Mass Communication ranks number one among those in journalism, Music, Advertising, Public Relations, Nollywood, Banking, Insurance, Marketing, and Public Service.
2. Mass Communication is a glamorous course which confers celebrity status on its practitioners especially those in broadcasting, acting, entertainment, public affairs, and event management.
3. Mass Communication has common universal language, practice, and engagement such that how it is practiced in Nigeria is how it is practiced elsewhere. This makes adaptation easy and seamless for those in the sector.
4. Graduates of Mass Communication find it easier to secure employment than others. This is because of the wide scope of the course and the versatility of its products.
5. Mass Communication confers self-confidence on its graduates and the ability for the use of language especially in public speaking. It is noteworthy that most notable public speakers in Nigeria are products of Mass Communication.
6. Self-employment is another reason a lot of people study the course. Recent technological development has made citizen journalism, advertising agency, public relations practice, and broadcasting easy for individuals who want to make a living out of these sectors as self-employed practitioners.

QUALIFICATIONS FOR ADMISSION INTO MASS COMMUNICATION (ND)

Five papers at WAEC or NECO including English language and Mathematics are the basic requirements for admission. The candidates must have also sat for JAMB.

QUALIFICATIONS FOR ADMISSION INTO MASS COMMUNICATION (HND)

There is no HND programme for now.

HEADS OF DEPARTMENT FROM INCEPTION

Mr. Fidelis Asogwa has been the acting Head of Department since inception.