Madonna University Holds Skill and Career Development Summit, As Experts Motivate Students

By Deboy Oti , Awka

Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, Madonna University Okija , Anambra state has ended a week long 2024 Communication week celebrations with skill and career Development summit.

The summit which held at Chicago Hall of the institution with the theme ‘ Artificial Intelligence , the Media and Humanity’ was designed to equip the students with the necessary skills and knowledge for successful career development.

Associate Prof. Doris Ngozi Morah,
Dean, Communication and Media Studies Faculty, Madonna University, Okija described the event as memorable and enriching.

Associate Prof Morah’s speech goes thus: ” I heartily welcome you to the maiden edition of the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, Madonna University Nigeria Skills and Career Development Summit”.

The Summit which was designed to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge for successful career development, featured insightful keynote speeches, interactive panel discussions, and practical workshops.

She said further: “As we navigate the complexities of career development, it is crucial that we not only focus on the “what’s next” but also on the “why” and “how.” Today’s event aims to provide a holistic perspective on career growth, emphasising strengths, essential experiences, and strategic feedback. It is an opportunity for us to explore the essence of a rewarding career and understand how we can unlock our full potential.

“The summit was considered significant given the present realities of the communication industry and the global technological evolutions. The summit is believed to give students the chance to listen to and meet with established professionals in respective departments of the new faculty, which are Broadcasting, Public Relations, Information and Media Studies, and Mass Communication.

“The introduction of the Core Curriculum Minimum Academic Standard (CCMAS) further underscores the importance of today’s summit as we prepare students to fit in with the paradigm shift in communication and align with the new realities of communication and media studies.

“I therefore express my deep appreciation to the school management, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Prof Charles Ntamere, and the University Administrator, Rev Fr Cyriacus Emedolu, who consented to this event. This aligns with their desire to make Madonna University, Okija, the best in education and morals.

“I wish to extend my heartfelt thanks to Prof. Sister Purrisima Egbekpalu, the chair of today’s event and the Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, for facilitating the birthing of a new baby in “the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies” and providing much support since then.

“I most especially welcome the great Amazon of Communication and Media Studies, our Mummy and Mentor, Prof Chinyere Stella Okunna, the first female professor of Mass Communication in Sub-Saharan Africa and Nigeria, for accepting our request and always being ready to help develop humanity.

“I also welcome Dr Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Anambra State, for agreeing to share his time and knowledge with us today. Similarly, I want to welcome our resource persons, who graciously accepted our invitation to share their insights and expertise. Their contributions will undoubtedly enrich our discussions and provide valuable takeaways for all of us.

“I highly appreciate members of the university community, Professors, Deans of Faculties, HODs, and friendly colleagues who facilitated the success of this Summit and the 2024 Communication Week of the Faculty. As we begin this voyage of inquiry and learning, I especially thank the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies staff members for their unwavering cooperation and availability. I sincerely appreciate their constant dedication to offering excellent networking, collaboration, and learning forums.

“I also welcome our beloved Communication and Media Studies students and other students from the Department of Business Administration, Psychology, and Entrepreneurship who collaborated with our Faculty in the 2024 Communication Week. Thank you for being here. After this summit, I hope you will become more informed and empowered to pursue any career in your chosen field of study.

“Once more, I sincerely thank all of you for attending this Skills and Career Development Summit. I am sure you will find this event memorable and enriching, and your presence and involvement are vital. I am excited to observe its positive effects on our students. Therefore, I implore everyone to relax and enjoy the events as they progress. When this event concludes, I pray that you be blessed with God’s traveling mercies.

Other features including Novelty football match and cultural dance made the summit colorful. Prof Jonah Onoha represented Rev. Sister Prof. Purrisima Egbekpalu, Dean Faculty of Social Sciences, Madonna University Nigeria who was the Chairman on the occasion, even as he expressed happiness with the young faculty’s efforts and pledged continuous support.

The event which took place on May 17th Friday, 2024 with theme: “Exploring Opportunities and Careers in Communication and Media Studies”.
The event was anchored by: Dr Ejike Obeta and Dr Charles Eze

Keynote/Lead paper presenter Prof Chinyere Stella Okunna, DVC Paul University, Awka was in her elements at the event. Group Photographs were organised by Dr Z. Mmamaa even as 1st Plenary
Career session was handled by a
Public Relations expert, Mrs Chika Gladys Eneh- Former Head of Information and Public Relations. Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka;
New Media, AI, Digital Content Marketing and PRAD activities by Engr Emmanuel Opurum MD/CEO Soltec Engineering.

Others were on Mass Communication by Dr Njideka Ezeonyejiaku of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka;
Broadcasting by Adamma Onwuteaka, Programme Manager, Kpakpando FM, Mbaukwu . Personal branding /Skit Making by Chris Nwachukwu as well as
Online reporting/21st-century Journalism by Comrade Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, PhD, Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Anambra State.

The second Plenary were by the DVC, Madonna University Nigeria, Okija Campus, Prof Charles Ntamere and closing remarks by the Chairman of Planning Committee, Dr J.C. Ugwuanyi.