The Faculty of Communication of the Bayero University Kano (BUK) may commence degree programmes in Public Relations, Advertising and Broadcasting once the National Universities Commission (NUC) provided the guidelines for the implementation.

This was one of the outcomes of a panel discussion, at a Conference and Dinner organised by the graduating Masters in Public Relations (MPR) class of 2018/2019 session of BUK in Kano.

Speaking on the recent unbundling of Mass Communication to specialised field of studies, the Dean of Postgraduate School, Professor Pate, said most universities are awaiting further directives before the implementation.

Professor Pate said: “The NUC, after consultations with academia and institutional stakeholders, has approved the curriculum for the unbundling of the Mass Communication Programme in Nigerian universities, which will result in the emergence of seven Degree-awarding programmes and the phasing out of the single BSc/BA Degree Programme in Mass Communication.

“The seven new programmes or departments that are awaiting further guideline from universities authorities include Journalism, Public Relations, Advertising, Broadcasting, Film & Multi-Media Studies, Development Communication Studies, Information & Media Studies.”

Also speaking on the same vein, the Coordinator of Masters in Public Relations programme, Dr. Abubakar Minjibir, disclosed that Bayero University is ready to commence the programme once other resources are provided.

Dr. Minjibir said: “Currently Bayero University Kano has Faculty of Communication which offers Masters in PR and has three Departments namely Information and Media Studies for ICT and Digital Media, Theatre and Performing Arts Department for film production, and Mass-communication Department for print journalism and broadcasting. We only need some resources on manpower and facilities including approval of relevant authorities to commence the programmes.”

Also speaking at the occasion, the panel of discussants urged government at all level to deploy public relations strategies in national challenges, especially on insecurity. They insisted that with effective information management, the public could be mobilised to support developmental and peacebuilding efforts.

The panel members included the President Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Mallam Mukhtar Sirajo, Kano Chapter Chairman, Mr. Hamza Aminu, Brigadier General Sani Kukasheka (rtd), ACP Baba Mohammed. The session was moderated by Yushau A. Shuaib, a PR Practitioner.

Speaking on behalf of the graduating student of Masters in PR, chairman of the organising committee, Baba Kandi expressed their delight for the panel who were all graduates of the Mass Communication of Bayero University Kano.

“What can be more pleasing and fulfilling than having to celebrate our graduation ceremony in the midst of professional PR gurus, including National President NIPR, top crisis communicators, scholars and PR practitioners in the country who out their busy schedules jettisoned all prior engagements in order to grace this occasion. (PRNigeria)

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