WARRI—STUDENTS of the Department of Mass Communication, Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka, Delta State, have asked the Vice Chancellor, Prof. John O. Enaohwo, to ensure that the university’s FM radio station was completed and commissioned before leaving office later this month.

The students, who stormed the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre in Warri weekend, praised the vice chancellor for the radio transmission project, saying, however, that there was need for him to closely monitor the contractors who have been adequately mobilized for the project not to have his efforts frustrated.

“We appreciatively place on record that aided by the immediate past Head of Department of Mass Communication, Mr. Elo Ekeli, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Enaohwo, secured within three years, the interim and final accreditation by the Nigerian Universities Commission (NUC) for a department that had existed for over 10 years before his tenure.

“While history will favourably mention him for pursuing high standards, Prof. Enaohwo should do better by prevailing on the adequately mobilized contractors handling the various parts of the project so he can commission same before his exit on November 29, 2009,” the students said.

It was gathered that the contractor was expected to procure a 20 kilowatts radio transmitter, console and other broadcast equipment for DELSU FM Radio Station, but at the moment, there are fears that the studio would be handed over with a leaking roof, without a fence for security, recording equipment and vehicles.

The students said an operational FM radio station in DELSU would enhance practical training for DELSU’s mass communication students, improve communication between the school authority and students as well as promote standards through competition among existing broadcast stations in Delta State.