The Acting Vice Chancellor of UNICROSS, Prof. Francisca Bassey, has commended the Department of Mass Communication for hosting the ongoing international conference on “Science of Communication and the Communication of Science.”
She commended the Department yesterday in her welcome address at the opening ceremony of the conference.
The Acting Vice Chancellor stated that the conference demonstrates the Department of Mass Communication’s commitment to academic excellence, research innovations, and a global engagement of ideas.
She added that “this conference is not just an academic gathering. It is a strategic intervention in strengthening the role of communication in knowledge development, public enlightenment, and national progress. For the Mass Communication profession, this gathering provides a platform to interrogate theories, refine practices, and engage emerging trends that are shaping the global communication landscape. For the University, it reaffirms our commitment to scholarship, research, and institutional relevance in National and international discourse. For the larger society, the outcome of this conference promises to influence policy and foster a more responsive citizenry.”
The Acting Vice Chancellor further explained that the Department of Mass Communication’s initiative exemplifies how academics can contribute to making UNICROSS a citadel of excellence and innovation in the best interest of society.
She encouraged other departments across UNICROSS to take a cue from the Department of Mass Communication and host similar conferences.
The Director of Administration, Prof. Thomas Ojikpong, represented the Vice Chancellor at the conference.
He was accompanied by the Director of Academic Planning, Prof. Hannah Etta; the Director of Exams and Results, Dr. Anderson Etika; and the Public Relations Officer, Mr. Onen Ebri Onen.
The opening ceremony of the conference attracted a rich array of participants from UNICROSS, other Universities in Nigeria, and Universities across the globe.
It also witnessed a strong presence of the Cross River State Government.
The Commissioner of Education, Senator Stephen Odey, represented the Governor of Cross River State, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, at the conference.
He commended UNICROSS and the Department of Mass Communication for organizing the conference and taking the lead in digital communication in Nigeria.
The Commissioner stated that the Ministry of Education will always work in partnership with the Department of Mass Communication to inform the public about educational policies and reforms.
Similarly, the Commissioner of Information, Mr. Erasmus Ekpang, attended the conference and commended the Department of Mass Communication for organizing it.
He urged those in the business of communication to always adhere to ethics and avoid misinformation.
The Commissioner praised the State Governor, Senator Prince Edet Bassey Otu, for reawakening what he described as sleeping giants in Cross River State.
He cited Cross River Broadcasting Corporation (CRBC), Cross River State Newspaper Corporation, and the Government Printing Press as some of those “sleeping giants” that have been reactivated by the Governor.
The International Conference continues today, 15th May, 2025, and it will end tomorrow, 16th May, 2025.
UNICROSS Management Media Team and the entire staff and students of UNICROSS join other well-wishers in commending Dr. John Inah Ukam, Acting Head of the Department of Mass Communication, and members of the organizing committee of the international conference for their efforts in organizing this maiden conference.
We wish participants at the conference successful presentations and deliberations.
