The Governor of Cross River State, Sen. (Apostle) Prince Bassey Edet Otu, has commended the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS) for organizing the maiden international conference of its Department of Mass Communication, describing the initiative as timely and visionary. The Governor was represented at the opening of the event in Calabar by the State Commissioner for Education, Senator (Associate Professor) Stephen Odey.
Speaking as Special Guest of Honour, Sen. Odey lauded the university for taking the lead in advancing the frontiers of digital communication in Nigeria. He described the conference, themed “Science Communication and the Communication of Science,” as a crucial platform for bridging the gap between academic research and public understanding, particularly in a digital age where information flow influences societal development.
“Governor Otu remains deeply committed to the growth and transformation of UNICROSS and other educational institutions in the state,” the Commissioner stated. “As the supervising ministry, we will continue to ensure that the university receives the support it needs to thrive, and I assure you that this administration will partner closely with the Mass Communication Department to communicate government reforms and educational policies effectively.”
He further urged the department to sustain its momentum and continue exploring innovative communication strategies that would shape public discourse and policy direction.
Also present at the event was Dr. Moses Agboreyo, Director of Higher Education in the Ministry of Education, who accompanied the Commissioner and reaffirmed the ministry’s readiness to back such scholarly engagements.
The international conference drew scholars, media professionals, and researchers from across and beyond Nigeria, reflecting UNICROSS’s growing academic relevance and its evolving role in shaping communication and media studies in the 21st century.
