… Advocates Participatory Media
By Amos Odhe, Yenagoa
Vice Chancellor, Academic, of the University of Africa (UAT), Prof. Barclays Ayakoroma, says the media is crucial to credible the November 11 guber election in Bayelsa State, adding that the university will continue to expand and explore windows, especially from its digitization, to further enhance research and academic excellence.
He said the utilisation of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) tools has been key in the preference of the University of Africa Toru-Orua, UAT, by training institutions and partners within and outside Bayelsa State.
Professor Ayakoroma stated this as a keynote speaker at the 2023 Press Week organized by the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Bayelsa State Council, in Yenagoa.
He said parents and guardians of students at UAT can access and monitor the academic progress of their wards online following the digitisation of its systems, just as e-learning is being programmed for the flood season.
Speaking on the theme, ‘Expanding Media Knowledge for A Better Information Management in the Niger Delta Region,’ Prof. Ayakoroma advocated participatory media action that would enable citizens to access, critically analyze and interpret media contents, adding that this will help to build confidence and guard against fake news.
The university don noted that the role of the media remains crucial to a credible and successful governorship election in Bayelsa State and tasked members of the pen profession to raise the bar on political sensitization as Bayelsans prepare for the November 11 polls.
The University of Africa Toru-Orua, UAT, deputy vice chancellor applauded journalists for their services and contributions to national development and congratulated the NUJ Bayelsa State Council for the press week.