The President of the Society of Nigerian Broadcasters (SNB), Professor Umar Pate, has issued a fresh and urgent appeal to the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), urging the regulatory body to exercise restraint in its actions towards campus radio stations. This call highlights a growing concern over the potential stifling of practical training grounds for Nigeria's next generation of media professionals.
A Direct Appeal for Caution and Intervention
In a recent discussion with The Guardian held in Lagos, Professor Pate confirmed that he has formally escalated the matter. He has made detailed presentations and officially notified the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris Malagi, about the critical issue. The professor's intervention stems from a firm belief that the frequent restriction or outright shutdown of university and polytechnic radio stations by the NBC poses a severe long-term risk.
Pate initially sounded this alarm during the SNB's second National Conference, a historic gathering hosted at the Government House in Kano. He argued that these campus stations are not merely broadcasting outlets but essential practical laboratories. They serve as the primary training ground for students studying mass communication, journalism, and related courses, providing them with hands-on experience before entering the professional field.
The Call for More Licenses and Government Rescue
The academic don made a direct appeal to the Federal Government to step in and "rescue these institutions from the pressures of NBC." Furthermore, he challenged the NBC to adopt a more supportive role. He urged the Commission to proactively review and approve a greater number of broadcast licences for universities and polytechnics. This approval, he stressed, should align with the accreditation standards set by the National Universities Commission (NUC) and the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE).
Professor Pate took a moment to acknowledge and thank the Kano State government for its pivotal role in supporting and hosting the successful national conference. The event's chairman, Malam Ahmed Muhammad, also commended both the SNB leadership and the state government. He described the conference as a vital platform for building the capacity of younger broadcasters across Nigeria.
Broad Support and New Members Inducted
The conference served multiple purposes beyond the urgent discussion on campus radio. A significant segment was dedicated to the induction of new members into the Society of Nigerian Broadcasters, expanding its professional network. The event also attracted high-level support from various state governments, indicating widespread concern for media standards.
Representatives of the Governors of Borno and Bauchi States were present and pledged their continued support to the SNB. Their commitment is aimed at strengthening journalism standards and ensuring improved reportage practices nationwide. Delivering a message on behalf of the Kano State Governor, the Director General of Media and Publicity for Government House Kano, Sanusi Bature, reinforced the state's media-friendly stance. He noted the governor's commitment to partnering with the SNB, particularly to enhance the quality of news production and the development of new media content.
The collective message from the conference is clear: there is a strong, unified call for regulatory bodies to nurture rather than hinder the training institutions that are crucial for the future of a robust and professional Nigerian media landscape.
