Mass communication holds departmental orientation for it's fresh students. by Ani Ruth Ogechi

The Department of Mass Communication at Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) held a departmental orientation for its first-year students, on Friday, 11th of July, 2024. The event, which took place in the department building's final year class, aimed at familiarizing the fresh students with the department's programs and activities.

Despite a slow start with a small number of students in attendance, the orientation session gained momentum as the day progressed. Mr. Chidi Tony, the Head of the Department, made it a mandatory requirement for students to show proof of their payment to the Association of Mass Communication Students (ASMACS) in order to be allowed to participate in the orientation. Dr. Barr. Chidiebere Tony Ezinwa, the Head of Department, was present and assisted in the commencement of the orientation, alongside other lecturers.

Mr. Joel Asogwa, one of the lecturers, initiated the proceedings with an opening prayer, which was followed by a welcome address from Dr. Chidiebere, the Head of Department. Emphasizing the importance of the event, Dr. Chidiebere stated, "The only way to participate in mass communication is to participate in the orientation exercise." His words conveyed a sense of disappointment and concern regarding the low turnout of students.

The Head of Department, Dr. Chidiebere, went on to enlighten the students about the unique aspects of the Mass Communication department, distinguishing it from other departments within the school. The HOD then administered a pretest to the students, which they completed on a foolscap sheet and subsequently submitted.

Following the pretest, Mrs. Ijeoma Ikwueze took the stage to deliver a presentation, introducing the students to the tutorial and non-tutorial staff members of the department. Next, Mr. Joel Asogwa, the Examination Officer, addressed the students, explaining the consequences of examination malpractices. He shared a personal anecdote, recounting an incident when he had gone to print his examination, unknown to him that he was followed by two students, who had planned to bribe the typists to leak his examination paper.

Dr. Andrew Apeh, a lecturer, proceeded to discuss the grading system, followed by Professor Sunny Udeze, who delivered a presentation on Ethics in Mass Communication. Additionally, other lecturers, including Professor Okafor Clementina, Dr. Maxwell Ngene, Mrs. Agbo Christiana, and Mr. Sabastine, also took the floor to share their thoughts and insights with the students.

The class representative and assistant representative The Class Representative, Edeh Precious, and her assistant, Agu Onyekachi, shared their key takeaways from the recent orientation program, highlighting a quote from Dr. Maxwell Ngene: “Every mass communication student has the power to build and destroy.” Precious and Onyekachi encouraged their peers to reflect on the importance of responsible communication and the role they can play in shaping the department and themselves.

The post-test, which was initially scheduled, was postponed due to time constraints. Instead, the HOD directed the students to review specific sections of the handbook in preparation for the rescheduled post-test. The Orientation ceremony came to a close with a prayer led by Ebere Blessing, a female student, after refreshments were distributed to the students.

After the orientation, during an interview with Edennaji Ezinne, she stated, "I really learnt a lot in today’s orientation and I’m glad that I attended the orientation...., Dr.Maxwell Ngene’s speech, although short, really motivated me and also Prof. Sunny Udeze when he talked about our appearance as a student”.