University of Jos - Nigeria
UNIJOS PRAISED FOR ESTABLISHING AND SUSTAINING CAMPUS RADIO STATION
The Jos Zonal Director of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), Dr. Igomu Onoja, has commended the University of Jos for nurturing and sustaining the University’s Radio Station ICE FM 96.1 despite the difficult economic situation in the country. Dr Onoja gave the commendation while on a courtesy call to the University Management during a routine visit to inspect the facilities in the FM Station. According to the Director, their visit was to inspect operations at the University’s Radio Station in line with NBC’s statutory regulations and point out areas that might require Management’s intervention.
Speaking on the state of facilities in the FM Studio, Dr. Onoja said the Commission had observed that the transmitter used in the station was above the capacity required for a Campus Radio station while the floor of the studio was not well covered to prevent shocks. Other observations were that the studio was too congested which would prevent Staff and Students from having a conducive working environment.
Dr. Onoja also pointed out that the Radio Station had no backup studio which is a major requirement for production services and that the studio had only one tower light instead of a minimum of three, for the safety of low flying aeroplanes. He further recommended that stair cases or rest platforms be provided on the mast to enable the tower climbers rest on them while climbing to effect any maintenance.
Dr. Onoja appealed to the University Management to make efforts to reduce the capacity of the transmitter or possibly provide a new studio with adequate space for convenience. He also appealed to the University Management to look at the possibility of providing a backup studio for students and their supervisors to sit and hold post mortem meetings after production. Dr. Onoja appealed to Management to provide computers with appropriate software for students to interact with their studio facilitators, which would help them to learn more on broadcast production and transmission.
The Vice- Chancellor, Professor Seddi Sebastian Maimako, who was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Professor Teresa Nmadu, noted all the Commission’s observations and assured the NBC that the University would do its best to address any shortcomings observed. The Vice-Chancellor, however, noted that some of the observations raised by the Commission were beyond the scope of the Radio Station and the Department of Mass Communication.
Professor Maimako thanked the Commission for its input geared toward improving the system, and requested the NBC not to relent in its efforts in pointing out any further weaknesses that need to be addressed. Maimako assured the NBC of the University’s readiness to continue to partner with it towards doing the needful to address challenges within the limit of its resources.