26th March, 2015
Damilare Okunola
The announcement of plans by management of the University of Lagos, UNILAG, that it would fast track the takeoff of School of Journalism and Mass Communication has been applauded by the students of the institution.
Professor Ralph Akinfeleye, Chairman, UNILAG Radio Board, had during the first edition of the UNILAG Mass Communication Alumni Association (UMCAA) in the institution on Tuesday, 24 March, 2015, declared that the proposal to have a School of Journalism would be fast tracked.
He disclosed that during the last UTME examination, at least 3,500 students sought admission to the school to study Mass Communication, but very few were given admission.
The varsity don said setting up the School of Journalism would allow more students’ admission and further strengthen the study of the course in the institution.
P.M.NEWS Campus Square sought the opinion of some students of the institution and they all hailed the institution for such a wonderful initiative.
“I believe this attempt has been in the pipeline for a while now. Hopefully it will become a reality soon. The Deputy Dean encouraged us and told us that the everything will come out well, just like the School of Medicine for the Medical Doctors,” noted Aberin Olatunji, a 500-level student of the Mass Communication Department.
Another student, Lois Nweke, said “it would be easier for us to achieve our aims if we have a separate school of journalism. I also think it is laudable because it will help the students practise in their own environment.”
According to Ademola Adewole, a 200-level student of the Mass Communication Department, “I can assure you that it will help us get really good the moment it kick off. We shall have our own place where we can easily relate with others. We welcome the idea, wholeheartedly.”
Apart from the privilege of having Nigeria’s first campus radio station, Oladimeji Elegbede believes that it will also represent another first in terms of campus television station in UNILAG.
“It is our own thing. We shall also be the first to have a TV station on campus. It would be really great for the students,” he said.