Ascom Press
Executives of the Association of Mass Communication Students (ASCOM) recently granted an interview to ASCOM Press to discuss their activities, achievements, and challenges in the ongoing 2025/2026 academic session.
The interview session was organized to give students insight into the performance of the current administration and its plans for the department. Students across different levels of the Mass Communication Department were invited to submit questions which were addressed during the session.
Those present at the interview included the ASCOM President, General Secretary, Public Relations Officer (PRO), and Chief Librarian I and II.
Outlining his achievements since assumption of office for the 2025/2026 session. The Ascom President Ohamuo Frank Uchenna stated that his administration had made significant progress in addressing the needs of students across all levels of the department.
According to him, one of his priorities has been ensuring that the executive body operates at full capacity to cater to students’ welfare and academic concerns.
He highlighted the provision of public address systems for some classes as one of the initiatives implemented to help students listen more attentively during lectures.
The President also revealed plans to provide additional chairs for the department to address the shortage of seating whenever students visit the departmental office.
In addition, he disclosed plans to beautify the department in order to create a more conducive environment for students.
Responding to a question about partnerships with media organizations, the president explained that efforts were being made to establish collaborations with media houses.
According to him, this initiative would expose students to real industry experience and possibly attract scholarships and internship opportunities, especially for those preparing for their Student Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES).
Addressing a rumour regarding his campaign promise to provide WiFi access in the department, Uchenna confirmed that the promise was indeed made. However, he explained that although a WiFi facility already exists in the department, it is currently not accessible to students.
He assured students that functional WiFi access could be expected before the middle of the next semester.
The president also spoke about activities being planned for the second semester. He revealed that several offices were awaiting approval from his office to organize programmes such as social and cultural events, the ASCOM Departmental Week, creative competitions, sports activities from the Sports Director’s office, welfare programmes including free healthcare services for about 100 students and lecturers, online reading platforms, and a student excursion.
On the issue of accountability for missed classes, Frank stated that the ASCOM administration cannot be held responsible if students miss lectures.
He encouraged students to attend their classes regularly and remain committed to their academic responsibilities.
Speaking on challenges faced so far, the president admitted that the busy schedules of executives in their respective offices sometimes lead to reduced participation in other departmental activities.
Nevertheless, he commended the efforts of executives and appointees for their contributions to recently organized programmes such as the departmental orientation, social events, and the visit to the Cheshire Home for persons with disabilities. He also highlighted the welfare initiative in which Ramadan palliatives were distributed to about 200 students.
The ASCOM General Secretary, Adewale Aminat Olamide, described the administration’s performance over the last semester as highly successful. According to her, the administration has recorded numerous achievements since assuming office.
She listed several activities carried out during the semester, including the departmental orientation programme, tutorial sessions for students, the visit to the Cheshire Home for persons with disabilities and the recent Ramadan and Lent to Students.
In addition, she highlighted opportunities for practical learning available to students within the department. She mentioned that students are exposed to hands-on experiences through training at the Vocational Skill Experience Centres (VSESC), which helps prepare them for real-life professional challenges after graduation.
Chief Librarian I, Amusan Abraham Oluwole, discussed the challenges encountered during the last semester, particularly the low turnout recorded during physical tutorial sessions organized for students.
According to him, the low participation was discouraging despite efforts made by the organizers to encourage attendance. He explained that students were repeatedly informed about the tutorials both in class and online.
He also noted that incentives and gifts were attached to the tutorials in order to motivate participation, but turnout still remained low.
When asked whether physical tutorials would resume in the coming semester, he stated that the decision would depend largely on the level of interest shown by students.
Chief Librarian II, Dagunduro Anuoluwapo Ajoke, revealed that plans were underway to introduce digital library services aimed at improving the department’s library system.
She explained that the proposed project involves creating an online library that would provide access to books written by different authors across various fields of Mass Communication, including public relations, advertising, print journalism, and broadcast media.
However, she noted that the project is still in the planning stage. The ASCOM president confirmed awareness of the proposal but stated that it has not yet been formally presented to his office for approval.
Inclusion the President further praised ASCOM Press for consistently covering departmental events and keeping students informed
The interview ended on a hopeful note, with ASCOM executives expressing their commitment to improving their performance and ensuring that the administration remains productive and beneficial to students in the Mass Communication Department.