Uncertainty of Nomenclature and Relative Problems in Media, Journalism and Communications Education in Nigeria

Abstract

This paper provide a basic statistical picture of tertiary institutions that offer media, journalism and communications education courses in Nigeria; particularly in terms of uncertainty of nomenclature and problems associated with it. The Descriptive Name Theory provides the theoretical perspective for this paper. The paper concludes there is clearly an uncertainty of nomenclature in media, journalism/ communications education in Nigeria and beyond. This situation considered completely unacceptable. The unbundling of mass communication into various sub-disciplines that are now approved by Nigeria’s National Universities Commission [NUC] is considerably in the right direction –though with attendant emerging concerns such staffing as well as serious tendencies of course description and learning experience duplications. However, if tailored properly, the unbundling f mass communication [from the hitherto amorphous One Course, Many Professions quagmire] is expected to be far more enriching-academically, professionally, and practically. Given the broader and more rewarding but complex contemporary media and communication realities, the specialisation of courses from the hitherto broader nature of Mass Communication should be then become more rewarding. Relative and concerned stakeholders, media educators, government, media experts, media and education researchers; both national and international should be purposefully involved and enriched.