FCE Eha-Amufu Provost Warns Journalists Against Fake, Damaging Reports
By Wilfred Chukwuma
The Provost of the Federal College of Education (FCE), Eha-Amufu, Enugu State, Prof. Pauline Ngozi Ikwuegbu, has urged journalists across the country to uphold the highest standards of professionalism by avoiding sensational, unverified and damaging reports capable of tarnishing the image of individuals and institutions.
Prof. Ikwuegbu made the call on Wednesday during a press briefing at the College in preparation for the institution’s 34th Combined Convocation and Endowment Ceremony scheduled to hold on Friday.
The Provost expressed concern over the growing trend of false and poorly verified reports in the media, warning that such practices not only damage the reputation of those affected but also erode public confidence in journalism as a profession.
According to her, journalists must remain committed to the core values of fairness, objectivity, balance and integrity in the discharge of their responsibilities.
“There have been cases of unfair and biased reports against some individuals and institutions that are merely fabricated and false. Such reports have damaging effects both on the institution being reported against and on the reporter, whose credibility would always be in doubt,” she stated.
Reflecting on her experience as the institution’s chief executive, Prof. Ikwuegbu disclosed that the College had, on several occasions, been subjected to negative media reports which, she said, were capable of creating wrong impressions about the institution.
“In the last days of my administration, my office suffered a lot of biased reporting in the hands of some journalists who became willing tools to bring the reputation of our College down,” she said.
She therefore urged media practitioners to adhere strictly to ethical standards, emphasizing that professionalism should remain the foundation of journalism practice.
“Professionalism should be the bedrock of any professional group. Media practitioners should live within their professional ethics and integrity. Journalists must eschew biased reporting and allow fairness, objectivity and balance to remain their watchwords in the discharge of their professional calling,” she added.
Speaking on preparations for the convocation ceremony, the Provost disclosed that a total of 1,569 students would be awarded Degrees and Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) certificates during the event.
She explained that the graduates, drawn from the 2019 to 2022 academic sessions, comprise 1,215 degree holders and 354 recipients of the Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE).
Prof. Ikwuegbu described the development as a reflection of the improved academic standards and institutional growth achieved during her tenure.
“As I stand before you today, I am reminded of the journey we began years ago, a journey defined by a vision to reposition FCE Eha-Amufu as a premier centre for teacher education in Nigeria.
“The 34th Combined Convocation is combined because it brings together several graduating sets from 2019 to 2022 who have successfully completed their requirements for the award of Degree certificates, Professional Diploma in Education (PDE) certificates and Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE),” she said.
The Provost noted that convocation ceremonies represent more than the presentation of certificates, describing them as opportunities for institutions to showcase the outcomes of years of academic training, research, innovation and character development.
She further observed that the forthcoming convocation would be particularly significant as it would be the last under her leadership before the expiration of her tenure as Provost.
Reviewing her years in office, Prof. Ikwuegbu said her administration remained focused on transforming the College despite numerous challenges.
“When I assumed office as Provost, I made a covenant with the College academic community that I was going to leave FCE Eha-Amufu better than I met it. Today, I am happy that in the coming month, I will bow out and do so with satisfaction that we have fought a good fight, finished this course of stewardship and kept faith with the academic integrity and well-being of the College,” she stated.
Highlighting key achievements recorded during her administration, the outgoing Provost cited the successful transformation of the College into a degree-awarding institution through its affiliation with the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, infrastructural expansion, and significant improvements in staff development, particularly in the attainment of doctoral qualifications.
She, however, identified insecurity and inadequate funding as major challenges faced by the institution during the period, noting that the College was able to maintain uninterrupted academic activities through effective collaboration with security agencies at both state and federal levels.
Prof. Ikwuegbu also expressed concern over the deplorable condition of the access road linking Ikem to the College and appealed to relevant authorities to urgently intervene through improved road infrastructure and enhanced security presence in the area.
She called on alumni, stakeholders and members of the public to participate in the convocation celebrations and thanked the College’s 7th Governing Council, led by Chairman Prince Melu-Bari Akekue, for its support and policy guidance throughout her administration.
The Provost equally expressed appreciation to members of the management team, academic and non-academic staff, as well as students of the institution for their cooperation and commitment to the growth of the College during her tenure.
EDITOR
Sam Udekwe is a journalist working in the News and Current Affairs department, Enugu State Broadcasting Service (ESBS) Enugu. He is well trained in all genres of journalistic venture.
Mr Sam read Mass Communication, graduating all with Distinction in National Diploma, Higher National Diploma and Postgraduate Diploma at IMT, Enugu and Madonna University, Okija, Anambra state, as well as M.Sc Mass Communication at National Open University of Nigeria.
He is the immediate past NUJ Chairman, Enugu state.
samowailo@gmail.com
