Benue State University, Makurdi

The vision for establishing the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies at Benue State University was conceived by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Tor Joe Iorapuu. This initiative came as a direct response to the directive of the National Universities Commission (NUC) to restructure the Mass Communication program into nine distinct academic departments, thereby enhancing specialization within the field. To actualize this vision, the Vice-Chancellor moved swiftly to set up the new faculty by appointing Rev. Fr. Prof. Vitalis Torwel as Dean and six Heads of Department (HODs) to oversee various specialized areas of study. These appointments, effective February 2024, marked the beginning of a new chapter for communication studies at the university. The newly appointed HODs are as follows:

These appointments were made in preparation for an important milestone—the NUC Resource Verification Visit. This visit, conducted by a team of four delegates on April 7, 2024, aimed to evaluate the readiness of the new departments to commence operations. After a thorough assessment, the NUC expressed its satisfaction with the arrangements and, in a letter dated May 21, 2024, conveyed its approval for the six academic programs. This approval allowed the programs to run as full-time courses at the university’s main campus, starting from the 2024/2025 academic year. Currently, the university is in the concluding stages of the 2023/2024 academic calendar, which is expected to end by early 2025. Consequently, the first academic session for the new faculty and its departments is scheduled to begin in March 2025. Admission processes for students into these programs are already underway, signaling the commencement of this transformative initiative.

At present, the Department of Broadcasting (DoB) is supported by a total of nine (9) staff members, comprising:

While this staffing level is manageable in the short term, it is clear that additional personnel will be essential to sustain the department's operations and meet its growing demands in the near future. Over the next few years, the department aims to increase its academic staff by recruiting individuals to fill the following positions:

• Two Professors, whose expertise will be critical in leading research initiatives and mentoring junior staff.
• Two Senior Lecturers to provide advanced teaching and contribute to curriculum development.
• One Lecturer I to strengthen the mid-level teaching cadre and contribute to research.
• Two Lecturer II positions to support core teaching responsibilities.
• Two Assistant Lecturers, who can assist with foundational courses and student guidance.
• One Graduate Assistant, to support both teaching and administrative tasks.

In addition to academic staff, there is a pressing need to recruit essential non-teaching personnel to ensure the smooth operation of administrative and logistical activities. The following roles need to be filled:

• A Secretary or Computer Operator to manage departmental documentation and communication.
• A Dispatch Clerk or Caretaker to handle logistical tasks, including correspondence and upkeep of facilities.
• A Clerical Officer and a Chief Clerical Officer to oversee record-keeping and office management.

Furthermore, the department faces significant infrastructure constraints. There are not enough offices to accommodate staff, and the absence of a dedicated studio and library severely hampers the ability to deliver practical and research-based learning experiences. The department also requires an extensive list of equipment to support its academic and professional activities (details provided in Appendix II).

Although the department is not yet fully operational, it is poised to begin its academic activities during the 2024/2025 session. The groundwork has been laid for a promising start, with systems and processes being put in place to ensure a smooth transition into full functionality. The department remains committed to addressing its challenges and delivering excellence in all its endeavors.

1. Establish a Center for Indigenous Media Research and Development

• Focus: Research on local communication practices, indigenous storytelling, and cultural preservation through media.
• Rationale: Benue State is rich in cultural diversity and indigenous languages such as Tiv, Idoma, and Igede. Research in these areas will not only preserve local heritage but also contribute to the global discourse on indigenous media practices.
• Impact: Provide solutions for bridging gaps between traditional and modern communication.

2. Develop Community-Centric Programming
• Focus: Design broadcast programs addressing local community challenges such as education, healthcare awareness, and agricultural development.
• Rationale: Rural communities in Benue face unique challenges that can be addressed through targeted media interventions.
• Example: A series on climate-smart farming techniques for local farmers to mitigate climate change effects.

3. Establish Practical Linkages with the Nigerian Broadcast Industry
• Focus: Collaborate with broadcasters like NTA Makurdi and local radio stations for hands-on training.
• Rationale: Equip students with real-world skills and bridge the gap between theoretical learning and industry practices.
• Impact: Graduates will be industry-ready, meeting the needs of a dynamic broadcast environment.

4. Prioritize Staff Development Programs
• Focus: Send staff for local and international training, conferences, and exchange programs in broadcasting and media.
• Rationale: Continuous professional development ensures the department remains at the cutting edge of broadcast education.
• Example: Partner with UNESCO's media training initiatives.

5. Introduce Specialized Courses on Digital and New Media
• Focus: Explore the impact of digital platforms like YouTube, podcasts, and social media on traditional broadcasting.
• Rationale: The rise of digital media has redefined the industry, and students need to be equipped with skills to adapt to this change.
• Impact: Graduates will be at the forefront of innovative content creation.

6. Conduct Research on Media’s Role in Conflict Resolution
• Focus: Investigate how broadcasting can mediate conflicts in regions like Benue, which has experienced communal clashes.
• Rationale: Media is a powerful tool for peacebuilding and fostering understanding among diverse groups.
• Example: Develop radio programs promoting dialogue and reconciliation in Tiv and Idoma communities.

7. Build an Ultra-Modern Broadcast Studio and Media Lab
• Focus: Provide students with state-of-the-art facilities for hands-on learning.
• Rationale: A modern studio is essential for practical skill acquisition, simulating industry standards.
• Impact: Enable students to produce high-quality content and compete globally.

8. Expand Research on Climate Change Communication
• Focus: Study how media can effectively communicate the impact of climate change to local and global audiences.
• Rationale: Benue's agricultural economy is directly affected by changing climate patterns.
• Example: Campaigns to educate farmers on weather-resistant crops through radio and TV programs.

9. Develop Media Literacy Programs for Local Communities
• Focus: Teach local populations how to critically engage with media content to avoid misinformation.
• Rationale: With the proliferation of fake news, media literacy is vital for informed decision-making.
• Example: Workshops in rural areas to educate people on identifying credible information sources.

10. Establish a Pan-African Media Excellence Conference
• Focus: Host annual conferences bringing together academics and practitioners from Africa to discuss media’s role in societal transformation.
• Rationale: Position the department as a regional hub for broadcast research and innovation.
• Impact: Strengthen African voices in global media narratives, fostering collaboration and growth.

The department should aspire to become a leading hub for broadcast research and education in Nigeria and Africa. By leveraging Benue’s unique cultural and social dynamics, the department can influence the global broadcasting landscape, train a new generation of innovative broadcasters, and address pressing societal challenges through impactful media interventions.