By Waziri Isa Adam
Mass Communication Department of University of Lagos has been upgraded to Faculty of Communication and Media Studies effective from October.
The new faculty will comprise of departments of Mass Communication, department of Public Relations and Advertising, and department of Journalism and Broadcasting and Media Studies
The Head of Department, Prof. Sunday Oloruntola, confirmed the development, stating that the upgrade followed a directive from the National Universities Commission (NUC) to unbundle the Mass Communication program. Prof. Oloruntola noted that the process began from the time of Professor Ralph Akinfele when he was the Head of department and was finalized after the NUC’s mandate.
The departments will offer various undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
The upgrade means the faculty can now employ more lecturers and admit more students. The department will require additional facilities, including a radio station, TV station, and photo lab, to support practical training. The UNILAG Mass Communication Alumni Association (UMCAA) has been supportive of the department’s growth and has contributed to its development.
The UMCAA has played a significant role in the department’s growth, with members contributing to its development. The association has repaired the department’s toilet facilities and is working on providing a new banner depicting the new faculty’s name.
The upgrade of the Mass Communication department to a faculty marks a significant milestone in the university’s history. The new faculty will provide more opportunities for students and lecturers, and its impact will be felt across the university community.