The Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Professor Zana Akpagu has scored another first with his initiative to establish a partnership between the university and the Cross River State Broadcasting Corporation (CRBC) and Hit FM for the training of students of the Department of Mass Communication and Digital Media. 

The agreements between the University and the two organisations were signed recently. 

Speaking during separate visits to the two media outfits, Head of Department of Mass Communication and Digital Media, Dr. Joseph Ekpang said the partnership which was an initiative of the Vice Chancellor,  Prof. Zana Akpagu, was primarily geared towards equipping students of the department with requisite practical skills in digital media and broadcasting. 

Dr. Ekpang, who spoke on behalf of the University, said the training would afford the students ample opportunity to learn about current trends in media practice, which will, in turn enable them stand out among their contemporaries in the media world. 

He said the partnership became necessary owing to the Vice Chancellor’s  commitment towards producing value-driven graduates who can compete favorably on the global stage. 

While describing the partnership as a noble one, the Head of Department expressed appreciation to the media outfits for taking up the onerous task of training its students, saying that with their support students of the Department would excel in their profession. 

Dr. Ekpang said the training which would span through a period of two years would also encourage beneficial exchange of ideas between the institution and the media organizations.

Stressing that the institution was looking forward to exploring other areas of partnership with the media outfits, Dr. Ekpang said, ‘’ it is our deepest gratitude that your organizations have taken up the challenge of training our students and we are also looking at synergizing with you in the nearest future to advance the course of education’’. 

This came as he described the General Manager of CRBC, Dr. Mrs. Teresa Essien and the Managing Director of Hit FM, Mr. Patrick Ugbe as tested and trusted media gurus who have recorded notable achievements in the media industry. 

Responding, General Manager of CRBC, Dr. (Mrs.) Teresa Essien commended the Vice Chancellor of UNICAL for the initiative, just as she underscored the need for training and re-training of media professionals. 

Dr. Teresa who warmly received the HOD of Mass Comm in her office said the training would help the students to learn and fraternize with professionals in the media industry, which she said, would put them on the right track in the media world. 

The CRBC General Manager who said the partnership would be of mutual benefit to her organization and the institution promised to groom the students to become better media practitioners even as she urged them to take the training seriously. 

On his part, Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Hit FM, Mr. Patrick Ugbe described the partnership as one which would open up new vistas of opportunities for the students in the media world. 

He said for deeming it fit to train the students on the practical aspects of their profession, UNICAL has proven to be a reputable institution which promotes academic excellence. 

Mr. Ugbe said his organization would do the needful as regards the training, assuring that they would take it upon themselves to tutor the students on basic skills in media practice. 

Highlight of the visits was the signing of the agreement by the MD/CEO of Hit 95.9 FM, Mr. Patrick Ugbe and the General Manager of CRBC,  Dr. Mrs. Teresa Essien.