By Marvis Osiobe-Eterigho
The Vice Chancellor of Southern Delta University, Prof. Sunny Awhefeada, has charged staff and students of the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies to embrace innovation, global relevance, academic integrity, and collaboration in order to reposition the institution as a globally visible and nationally relevant university.
Prof. Awhefeada gave the charge during his official visit to the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies at the university, describing the visit as “homecoming” owing to his sabbatical stay in the department between 2023 and 2024.
Speaking on the vision of his administration, Prof. Awhefeada said the university under his leadership would strive to become “a globally visible, nationally relevant and inclusive university,” while its mission would focus on “repositioning for human sustainability through innovation and creativity.”
According to him, global visibility would depend largely on the quality of research output, publications, and scholarly interventions by members of the university community.
He urged academics in the faculty to intensify efforts in publishing books and articles in reputable and high-impact journals capable of positively influencing humanity.
The Vice Chancellor stressed that scholars must take advantage of the university’s mandates of research, teaching, and community service to intervene in global issues through intellectual contributions and media engagement.
On national relevance, Prof. Awhefeada observed that Nigeria’s numerous socio-economic and political challenges present opportunities for scholars in communication and media studies to contribute meaningfully to national discourse.
“As a Faculty of Communication, you have the tool more than any other faculty to let the world know that there is a university in Ozoro and Orerokpe,” he said.
He further emphasized inclusiveness, stating that the institution should be open to attracting both African and non-African scholars as members of staff.
He highlighted the university’s stable academic calendar, existing academic infrastructure, and hostel facilities as advantages that could attract global partnerships and participation.
Prof. Awhefeada also called on the faculty to contribute towards addressing challenges threatening humanity, including climate change, flooding, hunger, unemployment, terrorism, and war.
He urged lecturers and students to think creatively about how the media and communication discipline could help redeem humanity and promote sustainable development.
The Vice Chancellor encouraged interdisciplinary collaboration among the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, the Department of Theatre Arts, the ICT Directorate, and the English Department to deliver holistic academic and professional outcomes.
He disclosed that the university administration would organize workshops and seminars to train staff on grant applications, fellowships, and innovative academic practices aimed at enhancing professional growth and institutional development.
Addressing lecturers directly, Prof. Awhefeada urged them to mentor students effectively and nurture future media professionals and public intellectuals in the likes of Reuben Abati, Charles Aniagwu, and Pat Utomi.
He further stressed the need for academic ethics, character, and professionalism, warning staff against all forms of corruption and sexual harassment.
“Every staff of Southern Delta University is being enlisted into a campaign against corruption,” he said, adding that lecturers must ensure students can graduate from the university without being subjected to extortion or exploitation.
The Vice Chancellor concluded by urging staff members to become good time managers, remain open-minded, think big, and maximize the opportunities within their disciplines for the advancement of the university and society at large.
Dignitaries present were Prof Presly Obukoadata, the Deputy VC, Prof Ogochukwu Emiri, the University Librarian, Dr. Fr Christian Igwe, Dean, Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, Dr Solo-Anaeto, HOD Journalism and Media Studies Department, HODs of various departments, lecturers, student representatives amongst others.
