AKSU VC Receives Encomiums as Versity gets NBC's Radio License
Speaking exclusively to THE INK reporter, the Head of Department, Department of Mass Communication, Akwa Ibom State University, Prof Mbuk Mboho confirmed that the university has gained the approval of National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to begin test running of the radio station.
According to him " I was in Abuja one weeks ago and I received a letter confirming the approval by Mr. President for the kickoff of AKSU FM, as I am speaking with you, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof Eno Ibanga is in Abuja and the National Broadcasting Commission has called to inform me that the VC has actually collected the license.
"That means that we will be starting our test transmission any moment from now. The license will indicate the frequency that the station will be operated from. But I can confirm that the NBC has given us the approval".
Prof Mboho also said that the entire state stand to benefit from the station as it will help in information dissemination. "The station when operational will be beneficial to entire Akwa Ibom State, the students of the department, the University itself and the environment will benefit tremendously".
He added that the transmitter approved for the institution is expected to reach the entire state as such it is not only meant to service the school community alone.
"The transmitter that has been approved is sufficient to cover Akwa Ibom State so to say. This will give our students the opportunity to learn directly how to broadcast and make use of studio equipments. It will also help publicize the activities of the University, that of the society and even activities of the State Government".
The renowned communication expert also poured encomiums on his Vice Chancellor, Prof Eno Ibanga for his efforts in changing the face of the institution through impactful programmes.
"Without the efforts of the Vice Chancellor, Prof Eno Ibanga, this dream would not have been a reality, we would not have come this far. He has showed much interest to have complete programmes and not haphazard programmes. Our students are equipped with sufficient skills that will help them to be employable either within the institution or at any radio or television establishment. If there are enterprising students, they can establish production centers, producing programmes for people and earning good pay at the end”.
He also stated that with approval being granted for the takeoff of station, the recent directive by NUC for the unbundling of Mass Communication in higher institutions, the school has the option of running seven full fleshed departments.
On his part, the president, Akwa Ibom State University Alumni Association, Comrade John Bassey, in a release, congratulated Professor Eno Ibanga for midwifing the project which according to him, will help students of the department to gain practice experience and improve the socio-economic fortunes of the institution.
According to him, "...a digital radio station such as the one whose license has been approved and given for full operation as AKSU FM by NBC, midwifed by the pace setting and performance loaded Vice Chancellor, Prof. Eno James Ibanga (fnip), offers, I cannot hesitate to say a very big congratulations to you sir and your management team including the resourceful staff of mass communication department.
“Akwa Ibom State University being one of the youngest institutions amongst the eight campus FM radio whose license are given is indeed an indication of a rapid development ongoing in the institution and championed by your administration.
"While we believe that this license will further enhance the academic and socio-economic fortunes of AKSU and its host community, we also understand that the importance of this achievement is beyond just broadcasting"
Meanwhile, students of the department have also expressed delight over the development.
Speaking with our report, Joy Akpan, a student of the department thanked Professor Ibanga and the Head of Department for making her dream and that of her colleagues a reality.
"It was my desire to have a practical experience of what broadcasting entails. I am excited, my colleagues are excited, our spirits are high and we really want to kick start the test transmission. We are grateful to the vice chancellor who has remained steadfast despite distractions from various quarters. Students of AKSU can comfortably compete with their counterparts in any part of the country. We are equally pleased with the HOD who has brought in his wealth of experience in discharging his duties", she said.
(C) Victor Ufot
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