…As RSU Mass Comm Students Showcase Talents
Knowledge is shown by action and the best way to prove that what has been taught has been learnt is by practical presentation of same. It was against this backdrop that the Department of Mass Communication in Rivers State University (RSU) organized a Feature Writing Exhibition for her 200 level students.
Declaring the exhibition open on Friday, the Head of Department (HOD), Dr. Barigbon G. Nsereka enjoined the students to be well disciplined and determined to succeed, adding that the exhibition is for practical presentation of Feature Writing.
He said Feature Writing is one of the courses in the curriculum which the department has decided to take its practical component seriously, adding that the presentation makes it more concrete and substantial than when it is written in print.
Dr Nsereka, who said the exhibition was basically on giving practical orientation to the curriculum, disclosed that the annual Feature Writing Exhibition was intended to expose the students to the world and at the same time showcase their potentials so that the society will know that Mass Communication students of Rivers State University are in school for serious business.
The Department’s Feature Writing lecturer, Dr Ebenezer Francis Umor in his speech, said the event is the gathering of Mass Communication students to exhibit what they have been taught in Feature Writing.
He maintained that the study of Mass Communication has gone beyond classroom activities and the era of pen and paper, adding that the central theme of the exhibition is “Preparing For The Labour Market”
He also stressed the need for students to practicalise what has been theorized and make people believe they are ready for the labour market and described the exhibition which commenced five years ago, as rewarding.
The Feature writing lecturer further explained that the exhibition was a lofty development that has attracted students in other institutions calling on them to come and replicate same in their various institutions.
On his part, the Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, Prof. Godwin B. Okon stated that Mass Communication is a department that is demonstrative in nature.
“One way to actually demonstrate proficiency and creativity is to go along the line of exhibition. We have exhibited our talents today and it is a clarion call to the world that we have talents in Rivers State University”, he submitted.
Commending the visionary leadership style of the Head of Department, Dr. Nsereka, Prof. Okon described the Department as a gold mine and called for partnership from individuals and organizations.
On the unbundling of Mass Communication, he said it is the best thing ever because it will create room for specialization and professionalism adding that it is in line with international best practices.
The exhibition consisted of six features which include News feature, Profile Writing, Review of Artistic Work, Expose, Travelogue and How to do it.
Some of the students who participated in the exhibition attested that the event which is more of a talent hunt has given them the opportunity to achieve excellence in feature writing and expressed hope for countdown interface by relevant authorities.
