AE-FUNAI Mass Comm HOD Eyes Stronger Alumni, Second-Term Reforms

The Head of the Department of Mass Communication at Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State, Dr. Joseph N. Chukwu, has outlined his achievements in office and unveiled his plans for the department following his reappointment for a second term.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with NaijaNews Today, Dr. Chukwu disclosed that the department is working towards the formal establishment of an alumni network that will unite graduates of Mass Communication under a single umbrella.

“Right now, various sets are organising on WhatsApp platforms and I am in touch with them. Very soon they will come up with a strong alumni to complement that of the school. We are working towards that,” he explained.

Achievements on First term

Dr. Chukwu reflected on the first year of his administration, identifying two landmark achievements. The first, he said, was the department’s participation in the CODESRIA Fellowship (Council for the Development of Social Science Research in Africa) based in Dakar, Senegal.

“One is that we benefitted from CODESRIA Fellowship. They sent a research fellow from the UK to prepare our senior staff for the take-off of our postgraduate programme. For one month, we were taken through many intricacies, especially supervising a postgraduate student. Apart from that, the beneficiaries are coming out with three journal papers to be published in top-tier journals,” he stated.

The second, according to him, was the successful commencement of the postgraduate programme in the department. “We have 22 postgraduate students made up of seven undergoing PhD, nine in the M.Sc class and the remaining four undergoing Postgraduate Diploma (PGD). I count myself fortunate to be in the driving seat in the department at such a time like this,” he added.

Challenges Confronted

On challenges encountered in his first term, the HOD admitted that the introduction of the postgraduate programme overstretched the department’s staff strength.

“One of the challenges is inadequate staff for the department. As a result of the introduction of the PG programme, the available teaching staff are over-stretched. But thank God the Vice-Chancellor is tackling the problem as management has advertised for recruitment of new teaching staff. When this is done, the burden will be lessened,” he said.

He also pointed to ongoing development projects, including a brand new faculty building currently under construction.

Plans for Second Term

With his reappointment, Dr. Chukwu emphasised that the focus will be on consolidating earlier gains, improving student guidance, and strengthening academic discipline.

“We are working towards proper guidance of the students to ensure they graduate at record time. Many students do not care about checking their results until final year when some will discover they have carryover courses that will delay their graduation. We intend to reverse that by stepping up counselling and public enlightenment of the students,” he explained.

He stressed the department’s zero tolerance for academic misconduct. “We have zero tolerance for sorting, indiscipline and exam malpractice, and we are intensifying efforts to eradicate them,” he declared.

Staff Development and Student Exposure

On staff development, Dr. Chukwu highlighted the role of capacity-building programmes sponsored by TETFUND.

“Two of our faculty staff have just returned from a three-day ACSPN conference in Warri, Delta State. Three more will attend ACCE conference in Calabar next month, all sponsored by TETFUND. Some of our staff are also overseas building their capacity. Indeed, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Sunday Elom, is intentional about staff welfare and capacity building and we are keying into that,” he said.

For students, the HOD assured that exposure to industry practices and professional bodies remains a priority.

“We are inducting them into professional organizations to help them adjust to the society when they graduate. We are exposing them to the Association of Communication Scholars and Professionals of Nigeria (ACSPN), Nigeria Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), and other bodies as student members. Of course, our second, third and final year students participate in Students Industrial Work Experience (SIWES) where they go for attachment in the media industry to gather industry experience,” he explained.

A Message to Staff and Students

In his closing remarks, Dr. Chukwu expressed appreciation to the university community for their support.

“I commend the staff and students for the massive support and goodwill I have continued to receive from them. This is an inclusive administration and we are driving the department together to greater heights. I maintain open doors. The students have my phone number and I also belong to their various platforms where I make contributions and answer questions always. We are one happy family and we are looking forward to even a more robust journey ahead,” he said.