Benue State University, Makurdi

The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Tor Joe Iorapuu initiated 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. As a follow-up to the establishment of the Faculty of C and Media Studies, the Vice-Chancellor appointed six HODs for some of the different specialized programmes, and a Dean, the current HOD for the Department of Mass Communication. The HODs whose appointment started with effect from February, 2024 are:

The above appointments were done preparatory to the NUC Resource Verification Visit to assess the status of the unbundled programmes. The visit held on 7th April, 2024 through a four-member delegation.

Following the successful outcome of the verification visit, the NUC wrote to the Vice-Chancellor in a letter dated 21st May, 2024 and conveyed the Ag. Executive Secretary’s approval of the six programmes through the full-time mode to be … in the main Campus of the University with effect from 2024/2025 Academic Session.

We in BSU are still in the second semester of 2023/2024 and the 2024/2025 shall start in March, 2025. Admission process for the six degree programmes has commenced.

a) We have only three full time academic staff and six adjunct staff i.e. nine staff on the whole. This appears adequate for now but we shall require more academic staff in the next couple of years as follows:

- 2 Professors
- 2 Senior lecturers
- 1 Lecturer I
- 2 Lecturer II
- 2 Assistant Lecturers
- 1 Graduate Assistant

As regards non-teaching staff; we require the followings:

- Secretary/Computer Operator
- Despatch Clerk/Caretaker
- Clerical Officer
- Chief Clerical Officer

b) Inadequate offices for staff including a Studio and Library
c) List of Equipment (See attached list as Appendix II)

We are yet to take off fully but in the 2024/2025 Academic Session.

a) Need for a Faculty Complex that can house offices, studios and other facilities and equipment for the Department of Public Relations and other departments.

b) To design and develop exceptional programmes in the Department, create a data bank and establish linkages with relevant stakeholders for the speedy growth and development of the Department and the Faculty.