All is set for the Faculty of Communication of the Bayero University Kano, BUK, to commence Degree programmes in Public Relations, Advertising and Broadcasting once the National Universities Commission, NUC, issues the guidelines for the implementation.
DAILY NIGERIAN reports that the NUC had recently approved the curriculum for the unbundling of the Mass Communication programme in Nigerian universities, resulting in the emergence of seven degree programmes.
At the weekend, the BUK’s Dean of Postgraduate School, Prof. Umaru Pate, while speaking at a panel discussion during a Conference and Dinner organised by the 2018/2019 BUK graduating students of Masters in Public Relations, MPR, in Kano, said most universities, not only BUK, were also awaiting further directives from the NUC before the implementation commences.
Mr Pate said: “The National Universities Commission (NUC) after consultations with academia and institutional stakeholders, has approved the curriculum for the unbundling of the Mass Communication Programme in Nigerian universities, which will result in the emergence of seven Degree-awarding programmes and the phasing out of the single BSc/BA Degree Programme in Mass Communication.
“The seven new programmes or departments that are awaiting further guideline from universities authorities include Journalism, Public Relations, Advertising, Broadcasting, Film & Multi-Media Studies, Development Communication Studies, Information & Media Studies.”
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Also speaking, the coordinator of Masters in Public Relations programme, Dr. Abubakar Minjibir disclosed that aside from NUC’s approval, BUK needed some resources, manpower and facilities to aid the operations of the new departments.
According to them, with effective information management, the public could be mobilised to support developmental and peacebuilding efforts.
Speaking on behalf of the graduating students, the chairman of the organising committee, Baba Kandi commended the panellists who are products of the institution for finding time to grace the occasion.
He said: “What can be more pleasing and fulfilling than having to celebrate our graduation ceremony in the midst of professional PR gurus, including National President NIPR, top crisis communicators, scholars and PR practitioners in the country who out of their busy schedules jettisoned all prior engagements in order to grace this occasion?”
At the end, the discussants urged governments at all level to deploy public relations strategies in confronting national challenges, especially insecurity.
DAILY NIGERIAN reports that the panel discussants included the President, Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, NIPR, Mukhtar Sirajo; Kano Chapter Chairman of the NIPR, Hamza Aminu; Retired Brigadier-General Sani Kukasheka; and ACP Baba Mohammed.
The session was moderated by Yushau A. Shuaib, a PR practitioner.
