Benue State University, Makurdi

The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Tor Joe Iorapuu instituted the idea of a new Faculty of Communication and Media Studies following the unbundling of the Department of Mass Communication by the National Universities Communication (NUC) into nine Departments. With the take-off of the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, the Vice-Chancellor appointed six Heads of Departments (HODs) for the new specialised programmes and the Dean, Rev. Fr. Prof. Vitalis Torwel, who also doubles as HOD of Mass Communication. The HODs whose appointment took effect in February, 2024 are:

1. Dr. Maria Agbenu Onyilo Advertising

2. Prof. Michael A, Kombol Broadcasting

3. Prof. Andrew O. Ijwo Development Communication

4. Dr. Kevin Alow Journalism and Media Studies

5. Dr. Tyotom Keghku Public Relations

6. Dr. Caleb Terngu Chile Strategic Communication. The appointments were made preparatory to the NUC Resource Verification Visit, which assessed the status of the unbundled programmes. The visit was on the 7th April 2024. On the 21st May, 2024 NUC conveyed its approval of the six programmes and departments in the University with effect from the 2024/2025 Academic Session.

The department is prepared and prospective candidates have been advised to change to their preferred course in advertising for the 2024/2025 admissions.

The department has four tenure academic staff and five adjunct staff a total of nine staff, ideal for a department. However, the department will require more staff soon in the following categories:

2 Professors

2 Senior Lecturers

2 Lecturer I

2 Lecturer II

2 Assistant Lecturers

2 Graduate Assistant. In the non-teaching category, the department requires the services of: -

i. Secretary/Computer Operator

ii. Chief Clerical Officer

iii. Clerical Officer

iv. Dispatch /Cleaner

a. To have a Faculty complex that can accommodate offices, lecture theatres, conference rooms, and studios for the Department of Advertising and other departments.

b. To design professional programmes, establish corroborative connections with professionals in the industry and engage in collaborative projects and research for the growth of the Department, Faculty and University.