Ndidiamaka EdeContract for the construction of Faculty of Communication Complex in the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) has been awarded.
The new site for the construction is located behind the Department of Works, UNN.
This followed the request made by Mass Communication Department to unbundle the department into a faculty in line with the latest prescription by the National Universities (NUC) for a conducive teaching and learning environment.
According to the director of Physical Planning Unit, Dr OKechukwu Ekwelem, Mass Communication Department needed expansion and the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Charles Igwe has approved it. He noted that the vice chancellor is at the forefront of transforming the landscape of the University.
In his words: “Some of the faculties are in a tight structure, so part of the VCs promise was to make the academic environment comfortable for lecturers and students.
Dr Ekwelem also stated that the name of the company that has the contract is Bethiyke Nig. Ltd, while the estimated time frame for the work is 48 weeks. except in incase of unforeseen circumstances, 48 weeks is 48 weeks,” he said.
The official handover of the site for the construction of phase-one of the building to the contractor took place on Tuesday, February 13, at the designated area (land) for the project, where the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Administration, Prof. Uche Okpoko, the director of Physical Planning, Dr. Ekwelem Okechukwu, Architect Esther Onuoha and her team, HOD and Lecturers of Mass Communication Department etc., gathered for the official signing of the brief that has been translated into lines by the architecture for the physical building.
Speaking at the gathering, the deputy Vice -Chancellor, Prof. Okpoko disclosed that the fund for the project and the physical site has been handed over to the consultancy group. He said: “it is a great thing for us all, we appreciate the school for finding this project worthy. Prof. Okpoko thanked the Vice- Chancellor, as well as the Department of Mass Communication, stating that the school will ensure that the work is done.
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He therefore encouraged the consultant and the contractor to do the needful. In his words, this is a great institution, we would ensure that we move the project. I encourage the consultant and the contractor to do the needful, once you want to do something, do it well because it is about leaving a legacy.
On the other hand, Architect Onuoha, speaking for the consultancy group assured that they will not stop at only translating the brief into reality, but will supervise the work to the end. He explained that the contractor is someone that has been delivering, hence they will ensure he delivers within the specified period.
The name of the consultancy group according to Architect Onuoha is DH nominees and it is made up of the chief consultant who translates the cost, the architectural consultant, who translates the brief into lines, structural, electrical and mechanical engineers all working together for the completion of the building.
During an interview with the contractor, Mr. John Chukwueze (Bethiyke Nig.Ltd), he promised that they will offer quality work within the stipulated time. “I want to thank the school and Mass Communication Department for this opportunity. We will work hard to ensure quality and conclusive project,” he said.
The HOD Mass Communication Department, Prof. Joseph Wogu, who was visibly excited about the project, said it is what he has always dreamt of and appreciated the school authority especially the Vice chancellor, the deputy Vice Chancellor, the physical planning unit, the consultant, contractor etc. He as well prays that God gives them the grace to complete the work.
The initiative of unbundling the national curriculum of Mass Communication Department in Nigerias higher institutions was moved by the National University Commission (NUC) in 2019. According to report, the idea was welcomed by media and communication practitioners in 2020. This NUC’s initiative was aimed at rebuilding the University system in Nigeria. The seven department of communication studies following the unbundling are: journalism and media studies, public relations, advertising, broadcasting, film and multi-media studies, development communication studies and information and media studies.
