Years after, construction of UNN faculty of communication and media studies set to begin

In a momentous event, the Department of Mass Communication at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), initiated the construction process for a state-of-the-art Faculty of Communication and Media Studies which is to be completed in 48 weeks.

The official handover on Tuesday, February 7th, involved key figures from the University, including the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Pat Okpoko, Dr. Ekwelem Okechukwu from the Physical Planning Unit, Prof. J.O. Wogu from the Department of Mass Communication, alongside other dignitaries.

The groundbreaking ceremony marked a significant step towards realizing the department’s years-long dream of a well-equipped facility to enhance learning.

The proposed Faculty of Communication and Media Studies is poised to house departments including Public Relations, Advertising, Development Communication Studies, Broadcasting, Journalism, and Media Studies which is in line with the NUC directives on unbundling.

The catalyst for this project was the request championed by Prof. Wogu Joseph, the Head of the Mass Communication Department, and other dedicated stakeholders.

Their plea to the University Vice-Chancellor for a modern, well-equipped facility that fosters effective learning paved the way for the official handover ceremony to the contracted company, signifying the beginning of the project’s first phase.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor Speaks

In his address, at the groundbreaking event, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Patrick Okpoko extended appreciation to the Vice-Chancellor and the Director of the Physical Planning Unit, acknowledging their steadfast commitment to realizing this vision. He emphasized the importance of unity to ensure the successful execution of the project, leaving behind a legacy for future generations.

In his words “I want to begin by thanking the Vice-Chancellor who made sure that this is a successful event. Initially, I thought this project was something that wouldn’t come through due to the situation of things in the country.

“I also commend the Director, Physical Planning Unit, who gave me a hint when the project slot arrived which made me remember I have somewhere I also belong which is the Department of Mass Communication. The DPP and his team supported me in bringing this project to fruition.

“I also want to thank the Department of Mass Communication. I remembered them for this project because they started talking about their own land on time. So, when this opportunity came, I figured we could start somewhere and I assure them that this is just a new beginning as many good things would still be coming their way.

“I also want to appeal to anybody who has anything to support the system to make it work, to do it, so we can leave a legacy when we’re done.

“Our job here is temporary. Those who established the system created a sustainable one and hopefully, the younger ones would continue the legacy, as it is in a relay race. So I want to wish you all well, and also implore the contractor and consultant to do the needful.”

Words of the Director of Physical Planning Unit

Dr. Okwelem Okechukwu, Director of Physical Planning Unit, provided insights into the extensive process that led to this significant development. From the initial expansion request to approval by the Needs Assessment Committee and intervention from TETFUND, Dr. Okechukwu applauded the Vice-Chancellor’s dedication to elevating the university’s infrastructure.

He noted, “The VC is at the forefront of transforming the landscape of the university and he has made conscious efforts to see that serious upgrade is carried out on infrastructural development of the university, fulfilling the promise he made before assuming office, which is to make the academic environment suitable for both the students and the lectures.”

Consultant Onuoha reassures stakeholders

Architect Esther Onuoha, the Consultant, expressed gratitude for being entrusted with the project, assuring stakeholders of successful implementation.

In her words, “It’s a good day for us and it’s like a dream come true, for the Department of Mass Communication, I can see the smiles on their faces. I want to appreciate the school, for finding us worthy as consultants to handle this project, in God’s special grace, we’re going to deliver as and when due.”

A longstanding dream fulfilled

For Prof. Wogu Joseph, the HOD, Mass Communication department, it was simply a dream come true, as the pursuit that started years ago finally yielded fruit.

He stated, “I am so happy that this project is happening. This is one of the things I dreamt of when I assumed office as the HOD, of having a Faculty of Communication, and by God’s special grace, that dream is coming true, through the DVC administration, alongside the VC, with their help in facilitating this process and and I’m so happy that today the contract has been awarded and very soon commence work. All I pray is God’s grace should be on them, throughout the period they’re going to work here so that at the end of the day, we’ll have every course to glorify his name.

Bethiyke Nigeria Ltd gives 48-week completion deadline 

In an interview with John Ugwueze, Head of Bethiyke Nigeria Ltd, the contracted company, assured attendees of timely and quality delivery.

He revealed that the project is scheduled to span 48 weeks, emphasizing the company’s commitment to meeting deadlines.

Ugwueze stated “Every project has a period and the project period varies, depending on what’s obtainable and it’s encountered on the site.

This project has a period of 48 weeks for completion. We’ve been timely in delivering our project, and I don’t think this particular project is going to be different, from what we’ve been doing. However, the specifications of this project make it chunky, which means, we’ll start and finish at a specified period.”

When pressed about the specifications of the project he revealed the project was a ‘Turnkey’ project which would be carried out from start to finish by the company at a specified period.

“This means we are going to take the project through the entire process from substructures, super structures which is the floors and the roofs, rendering, tiles, electricity and the rest of them would all be here by the end of the project.

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The official handover of the construction site symbolizes a new era for the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, as it embarks on the journey to create a cutting-edge facility for the Department of Mass Communication and the broader Faculty of Communication and Media Studies

By Emmanuel Eze, Kelechi Ogbu, By Fortune Nwokedi and Makwe Covenant Nkiruka