Cross River State University risks losing accreditation as NUC issues deadline

Chances are slim for the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS) as the National Universities Commission, (NUC) has issued a December 5, 2021 deadline for management to fix the studios of the Department of Mass Communication or lose accreditation, by the said deadline.

This is coming less than a year after the institution changed its name from the Cross River University of Technology (CRUTECH), following an assent to the bill converting it to a conventional varsity earlier this year by Governor Ben Ayade.

The facilities in the studios which serve the purpose of training students in different fields of communication, especially in journalism, television, radio, print, advertising, and photography and were among the best in the country, have deteriorated over time with successive administrations not being able to fix the infrastructure. The argument has largely centered on a lack of funds.

Previous graduates of the department had, at different times, said that they were unable to utilise the studio for different reasons.

And the NUC, whose responsibility includes approving educational programs offered in Nigerian Universities is said to have communicated to the institution, the need to get the studio functional.

According to a source, this left the management of the institution and the faculty in limbo, with students planning a protest to draw attention to the seemingly helpless situation.

The students argue that the projected cost of about N10 million was meagre and that the varsity could afford it. There is also the perception that their years in school would be rendered invalid if the Department was not duly accredited.

“The truth is that we are expecting NUC re-accreditation. What that means is that we have been previously given full accreditation to run the programme. That is why we currently run a postgraduate programme leading to the award of PGD, M.Sc, and PhD in Mass Communication.

“Every five years, NUC visits for purposes of re-accreditation or full accreditation, as the case may be. In the case of the UNICROSS Mass Communication Department, we are expecting a re-accreditation visit. And, hopefully, we should get it.

“However, there are a few challenges with the state of our studios. The studio equipment, especially radio and TV hold huge marks for our re-accreditation. The school management has not done what is required for these studios. I think that explains why the students are planning what they are currently planning for.”

Meanwhile, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Augustine Angba is said to have summoned some students to his office on Thursday at about 4:30 pm for a meeting to avert a protest.

As of press time, the outcome of the meeting remained unclear.

YOU SHOULD NOT MISS THESE HEADLINES FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE

FALSE! Yoruba Not An Official Language In Brazil

Claim: A national newspaper and multiple online platforms claim Brazil has adopted Yoruba as its official language and that the language would be included in primary and secondary schools curriculum.

Verdict: The claim is false. The content of the article published by these online platforms is not new; it has been recirculated several times and has been debunked.

Viral Voice Note On WhatsApp Billing False

Claim: A viral WhatsApp voice note, purportedly made by the director and CEO of WhatsApp, claims users will have to start paying for WhatsApp services.

Verdict: The viral WhatsApp voice note claim is a hoax. The content is not new and has been circulated as a broadcast message several times in the past.

Marburg Virus: What You Need To Know About Disease Recently Detected In West Africa

On Monday, August 9, 2021, the World Health Organisation (WHO) confirmed the first case of Marburg virus in West Africa in Guinea. This development has sent shivers down the spines of West Africans who are still grappling with the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. But before this dreaded disease is greeted by rumours and misinformation, here is what you have to know about the virus.APC states to establish Health Emergency Trust Fund…

FACT CHECK: US Did Not Give Nigeria 48 Hours Ultimatum To Detain Abba Kyari

CLAIM: Several social media posts claim the United States of America (USA) gave Nigeria’s Federal Government 48 hours to detain suspended Deputy Police Commissioner, Abba Kyari, or face severe sanctions.

VERDICT: The claim is false and misleading. The US did not give Nigerian Federal Government 48 hours ultimatum to detain Abba Kyari.