Unizik Mass Comm Professors drill new Students at induction, as Omenugha insists on hardwork

By Chioma Abigail Mbah

Former Commissioner for Basic Education, Anambra state and Senior Professor in the Department of Mass Communication, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, Prof Azuka Kate Omenugha has charged year one students of the department to ensure academic programmes remain their priority always.

She advised the students to focus on their books and avoid all vices and immoral acts like campus marriage ,stealing, exam malpractice which may result to 2years suspension, thereby making their stay in university longer than expected and also making them stay behind their mates.

Prof Omenugha who spoke during the induction ceremony of new students of Mass Communication department Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka organized by the Association of Mass Communication Students (ASOMACS) Unizik chapter insisted that”hardwork doesn’t kill, but pays”.

She narrated her sojourn in the department before being appointed Commissioner by former Governor of Anambra state, Chief Willie Obiano even as she said Unizik FM was licensed under her care and watch amidst challenges hence she used volunteer staff.

 The Head of Department, HOD, Mass Communication, Professor Cornelius Ukwueze, during his opening remarks enlightened the students on the Do's and Don't's  of the department as that is the sole reason for organizing an induction ceremony.

Prof Ukwueze who is the latest Prof in the department said:’ This is my first time of speaking as a Professor”, identifying the need for students to show respect always as budding journalists.

He formerly inducted the students after he led them into taking an oath of allegiance.

On his part, the founding lecturer in the department, Professor Godson Okafor, went down the memory lane of the department from creation to date, insisting that students must be proud of the pedigree of professionals they have in the department who have excelled in their various fields, even as he described Prof Kate Omenugha as a workaholic. He related to the students how prof Kate was able to become a Professor before him even as a junior to him then. He said he lectured almost all the professors and lecturers that were present at the event.

Speaking also on speech Communication,the Director, Unizik FM Awka Prof Ifeoma Dunu said ,” We pride ourselves as one of the best department in the institution.
” You, not only pass through university, you let university to pass through you”.

Former Head of Department of Mass Communication, Unizik Professor Uche Ebeze, encouraged the fresh students to always exhibit respect, discipline and excellence in all they do , warning them about unethical acts unbecoming of students studying Mass Communication.

He praised Prof Omenugha adding, “I acknowledge Prof Kate Omenugha for making me what I am today”

The Coordinator of Regular Undergraduate program of the department, Dr Henry Duru encouraged them to start on time at first semester year one to push for a resounding GP rather than from final year when it’s too late.

Dr Duru said ” Fourth year is not final year”, adding that, their success or failure starts in their 100L. Furthermore, he taught them how to calculate their GP at every end of a semester.
Other prominent and great scholars that graced the occasion were Dr Uche Ekwugha who is the Staff Adviser of ASOMACS, Comrade Odogwu Emeka Odogwu PhD, the state chairman of Nigeria Union of Journalists, Secretary of NUJ Sir Aloysius Ofordile, Dr Oriemi Dada, Dr Gloria Chukwuemeka among others.

Appreciating their guests, the ASOMACS President, Comrade Maximillian Ekwomadu, apologized for starting the event late due to issues partaining to accessing cash due to new CBN/Govt policy on currency.

He thanked the Professors and Doctors, Lecturers in general and students for making out time out of their busy schedule to be available for the event.

Comrade Ekwomadu charged the students, “To the students, It’s just the beginning of the road. Four years can go in the blink of an eye. Try your best to utilize the time you have, be of good character, focus on your studies, Have fun and make healthy friendships and relationships”