JAMB Registrar: Unbundling of Mass Communication in Nigerian Varsities Untimely

Hammed Shittu in Ilorin

The Registrar and Chief Executive of Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof. Is’haq Oloyede, yesterday, disclosed that the unbundling of mass communication discipline in Nigeria’s tertiary institutions is untimely.

Speaking in Ilorin, Tuesday, while delivering his address at the 15th Year Anniversary Celebration of the University of Ilorin 89.3FM Radio Station, Oloyede stated that specialization should be restricted at the post- graduate level.

The theme of the programme is entitled: “The Future of Radio, AI and the Transformation of Broadcasting”.

According to him, “Nigeria is still developing and has not reached the state for such development”.

He said that the country has many graduates looking for jobs, adding that narrowing down their opportunity to a particular discipline would also limit their chances of getting employed.

Oloyede added, “We need to be broader, giving the level of our under development. It is important to keep mass communication at the undergraduate level”.

 Oloyede however described radio as a form of mass media and sound communication that contributes significantly towards development of the society.

“The intention of the radio is to improve the night economy of a community, especially Ilorin. Some people are night workers, while some are insomniacs,” he said.

Oloyede observed that Nigerian night economy keeps dwindling and needed attention, adding that radio could be used to achieve such development.

He reminded the university that the major role of the varsity radio is to disseminate educational programs, and information to students in and surrounding areas of the institution.

Also speaking at the event, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Egbewole, lauded the achievement of the campus radio since its establishment 15 years ago.

He commended the visionary stance of Oloyede who helped to establish the varsity radio during his tenure as Vice Chancellor of Unilorin.

Egbewole pledged the University will continue to ensure that the radio continues to develop and excel further, despite all odds,

“There is need for navigating, repositioning and going back to approaches employed.

“The university will continue to identify with issues that challenges and proffer solutions to the community,” he said.

Also in her lecture, Prof. Francisca Oladipo, the Vice Chancellor of Thomas Adewumi University, Oko, submitted that Artificial Intelligence (AI) will enhance radio communication.

She described radio as a powerful medium, and that with emerging technology, it can reshape the industry.

According to her, radio broadcasting is diverse, dynamic and through AI can provide opportunities for personalization and interaction with presenters.

Oladipo noted that AI allows machines to carry out tasks including natural language processing, where news can be translated into indigenous languages.

She further explained that AI can be employed in assisted script writing and fact checking.

Earlier in his opening address, the Director of the Corporate Affairs of the University, Alhaji Abdulganiyu Kunle Akogun observed that the radio station has become a veritable force to reckon with.

He added that it had made waves in all areas of broadcasting while effectively serving as one of the public relations outfits of our Better by far University.

According to him, the radio was established on August 13, 2009 by the administration of Prof. Is’haq Oloyede, to “provide a window to the larger community about what the University was doing as well as set standard for socially responsible entertainment.

“It is to serve as a laboratory for training and simulation of activities; prepare students for careers in the media industry; education, information, entertainment and community development purposes,”