The Vice-Chancellor of University of Ilorin, Prof. Sulyman Age Abdulkareem, has said the institution would soon start television broadcasting that would be unprecedented in the history of community broadcasting in Nigeria.
The Vice Chancellor made this known on Tuesday at the 10th anniversary of Unilorin 89.3 FM held at the main auditorium of the institution.
According to him, the move to commence television broadcasting would be possible because of the success of the university’s radio station.
“We can again be another trailblazer in campus television broadcasting, thereby adding extra value to the social, cultural and educational experiences of our students and that of the people in communities around us,” he said.
He noted that the university was already on the verge of getting support for the initiative.
According to him, the university radio station has ethically and tenaciously promoted excellence in the institution and the community.
“Today’s occasion is also a celebration of those who brewed the idea, planted the seed of the idea and nourished the idea to blossom to the glowing, flamboyant and fruitful stage we are celebrating today.
“I must say proudly that the steadfastness, purposefulness and professionalism with which our campus radio set pace in campus radio broadcasting is worthy of celebration today,” Abdulkareem said.
He observed that the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) had challenged many campus radios for not fulfilling the objectives for which they were established.
Abdulkareem, however, said that the university’s radio station had adequately fulfilled the objectives for which it was established and had also abided by the terms of licence given for its operation.
He also said it had immensely helped in the training of students across various departments in the university.
“It has produced new talents through the opportunities it has been consistently providing for students to learn in practical terms radio broadcasting.
“It has been an exemplary pacesetter through its pioneering 24/7 community broadcasting which had impacted positively on the social, cultural and economic affairs of its immediate environs,” he said.
In his remarks, the Director-General of NBC, Mallam Ishaq Modibo Kawu, said that there were understandable apprehensions about what use or misuse campus broadcasting could be put to.
He recalled that when the Western Regional Government established the first television service in Africa in 1959, the vision that Chief Obafemi Awolowo and his colleagues had was to use it as an avenue for assisting the Free Education programme of the region.
Modibo added that broadcasting has vital roles to play in assisting in the achievement of sustainable development programmes.
Earlier in his opening remarks, Director Corporate Affairs of the university, Mr Kunle Akogun, said the radio station was established to provide a window to the larger community about what the university is doing as well as set standard for socially responsible entertainment.
He noted that it serves as a laboratory for training and simulation of activities, prepares students for careers in the media industry, educates, informs and entertain, as well as for community development purposes.
Akogun said that the radio had also significantly contributed to the reduction of tension on the university campus, adding that it was also the first to operate for 24 hours.
