The School of Media and Communication (SMC) of the Pan Atlantic University (PAU), Lagos, has announced a 29% increase in enrolment for graduate programmes as it commences the 2015/2016 session.

A hundred and twenty nine students registered for its Masters and Post Graduate Diploma programmes as against the 96 of the 2014/2015 session.

Of the number, 83 would pursue the Master of Science in Media and Communication while 46 would study for post graduate diplomas. Sixty-one students enrolled for the M.Sc. would study on a full-time basis while 22 are part time.

SMC began as a graduate school at PAU. It offers programmes at Post Graduate Diploma, Master’s and Doctorate levels. It also in 2014/2015 session began offering an undergraduate programme in Mass Communication.

Part-time M.Sc. students attend weekend classes and spend 24 months or four semesters while the full-time programme lasts two semesters. The Post Graduate Diploma is a blended programme of intensive contact sessions supplemented with distance learning that enables working class students fit it into their schedules.

For the Master of Science programme, students pursue tracks in any of three streams of Writing for the Media, Media Enterprise or Marketing Communication. Post Graduate Diploma students take courses in any of Multimedia Journalism, Community Relations and Digital Media (Design, Production and Management).

The Council of Pan Atlantic University approved the School of Media and Communication in 2006. SMC moved in 2014 to the Ibeju-Lekki permanent site of PAU as one of the anchor schools along with the School of Business Administration.

The School of Media and Communication trains professionals in Media and Communication in recognition of the role of the sector in shaping societal values, cultural life and its contributions to economic growth.

Dr. Ikechukwu Obiaya, the dean, led welcoming sessions for part time M.Sc. students on August 1 while other sessions held August 3 for full-time M.Sc. and August 10 for the PGD students.

Dr. Obiaya spoke of the excitement of the SMC at the increased enrolment. He said it underlined growing recognition of the importance and contributions of the media and communications sector and the need for professional training.

Obiaya stated: “We are committed to moulding persons who combine theoretical training with a keen appreciation of practical challenges and, in particular, of the ethical imperatives of practising in this new information age. There is a higher call to duty for professionals in the media industries to assist citizens navigate the many voices and channels posing as communication out there. Sound training is critical for this role.”

•Photo shows Dr. Ikechukwu Obiaya.

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