The Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka, has unbundled its Department of Mass Communication into six new programmes and established a new Faculty of Communication and Media Studies.

The new Faculty has Prof. Majority Oji as the pioneer Dean, while the programmes include Public Relations, Advertising, Broadcasting, Journalism and Media Studies, Mass Communication as well as Film and Multimedia.

Oji, in an interview with The Guardian, said the development, which was in line with directive of the National Universities Commission (NUC), would enhance specialisation and professionalism.

He noted that the new development would avail undergraduates the opportunity to obtain a degree in any of the above branches of Mass Communication.

Oji noted that the unbundling was intended to make graduates more work-ready, give room for more admission of students and shift the profession away from its current “all comer” status.

He said: “When you unbundle Mass Communication, the gain first is for the university in terms of the number of students that are admitted. And of course, when you admit students, it helps to develop the university, and of course, it widens its economic base.

“Also, it gives opportunity for more students to be admitted, especially within the neighbouring communities and states. More students will now be given the opportunity to gain admission. Because the avenue before was restricted to Mass Communication,” he said.

Oji enjoined the students to take advantage of this opportunity to pursue their academic goals and become part of the institution’s community.

Recall that the National Universities Commission (NUC) had announced the unbundling of Mass Communication departments into faculties and mandated the restructuring of the programme in the various institutions.

Some of the institutions that have elevated their Mass Communication departments to faculty status include: Benue State University, Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo; Imo State University (IMSU), Lagos State University (LASU), University of Uyo, Bayero University Kano (BUK) and Nasarawa State University, Keffi.