The new era of Mass communication, Media studies and Journalism education and research which is hinged on the unbundling of the programme into eight different studies in Nigerian Universities and upgrade of the study into a faculty in Nigerian Universities cannot be successful if there is no convergence between the academia and practitioners.

The President, African Council For Communication Education, Professor Nnamdi Ekeanyanwu stated this  at Nnamdi Azikiwe University during the presentation of  a book, “Communication and Media Studies: Multiple Perspectives”, edited by the first female Professor of Mass communication in the Sub-Saharan Africa and development communication expert, Mrs Chinyere Okunna.

The book “Communication and media studies: Multiple perspectives” is a collection of scholarly articles in modern ?issues and trends in communication and media studies authored by scholars and practitioners in media studies and industry.

The event was chaired by a Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology Joseph Ikechebelu.

Speaking during the book review, the African Council for Communication Education President, Professor Ekeanyanwu called for the maximization of the contributions of practitioners in building the knowledge base in communication as means of entrenching development.

A Former Governor of Anambra State, Mr Peter Obi commended Professor Okunna for inspiring and midwifing the book, and underscored the import for more investment in the education sector and giving a boost to the knowledge economy as priorities to reengineer a working country.

Declaring the event open, the Vice Chancellor, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Professor Charles Esimone commended the publication of the book which he explained goes in line with the Project 200 vision of the University which is to become one of the first two hundred universities in the world through research and publication of world renowned academic papers.

The editor of the book, Professor Okunna who is also the Director, Unizik FM highlighted that mentoring is very essential to the transfer of knowledge in every aspect of human endeavor if such sector will develop which is one thing that has inspired her engagements in ensuring that skills in extensive research and publication of trending issues in media are passed down to the next generation.

Some of the dignitaries at the event were Senator representing Anambra Central at the National Assembly, Mrs Uche Ekwunife, Prince Arthur Eze represented by Prince Okey Eze, the royal father of day and eminent professor of mass communication, Igwe Onuorah Nwuneli, the traditional ruler of Obosi, Igwe Chidubem Iweka, the traditional ruler of Ukpo, Igwe Robert Eze, the traditional ruler of Enugwu-Ukwu, Igwe Ralph Ekpe, former Secretary to Anambra State Government, Mr Oselloka Obaze, a former commissioner for Information in Anambra State, Chief Tony Onyima, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Anambra Broadcasting Service, Dr Uche Nworah among others.