As part of efforts to boost university-community relations through effective deployment of relevant mass media channels, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Governing Council of the Federal University of Technology, Minna, Prof. ‘Femi Odekunle has unveiled the newly equipped Search FM 92.3 live broadcast studio.
Equally important, the state-of-the-art studio is worth over N6m.
The event took place today, Thursday, August 13 at the station’s Conference Room, Muhammad Badamasi Babangida (MBB) House, Main Campus.
Speaking at the event, Prof. Odekunle commended the station for the perseverance, resilience and determination shown in remaining relevant in the broadcast industry in the state, despite the vicissitudes suffered in the past, both natural or man-made.
The Pro-Chancellor disclosed that the commitment shown by the station’s management necessitated the move by Council to approve funds to improve infrastructure for enhanced performance.
“Part of the quality of the Federal University of Technology, Minna is that when you give money for a project, you get the value for the money. Just six month after approval was given for this project; we are here to inaugurate the project. It is my pleasure to be part of this ceremony,” the doyen of Criminology in Nigeria disclosed.
Earlier in his address at the event, the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Abdullahi Bala, fsssn, commended the station for changing the narrative of community radio broadcasting in Nigeria within the 10 years of its existence, adding that the station has surmounted several challenges in the past to remain afloat in the broadcast industry, including the unfortunate fire incident that affected the station’s equipment in 2014.
Prof. Bala expressed delight to the Chairman of the Governing Council and other members for giving approval for the release of funds which necessitated the relocation of the station to its permanent live studio.
“Today, we are here to officially commission the highly improved Live Studio of the permanent building of the University’s Campus Radio here at the MBB House which comprises the following unique features; fire retardant studio acoustics, transmitter room equipped with online streaming facility for both live audio and real-time video, good space to accommodate live audience participation from the student population or the university host community, live broadcast gadgets and an observation compartment for guests, pupils/students and interns on excursion or training activities.
“Others include live reporting gadgets, disc jockey stand, live phone call gadgets as well as recording phone call gadgets, Internet facility, an intercom facility, low powered air conditioning systems, increased lighting system and ambience to suit programming on radio” the Vice-Chancellor revealed.
“The live studio is also linked to the recording studio for live performances and auditions, conference room to relay live events like this commissioning ceremony, Students’ Union Government (SUG) manifesto as well as live debates for Students’ Union Presidential candidates with a live audience,” Prof. Bala stated.
The University helmsman disclosed that the University Management approved the relocation of the live studio to the MBB House in May 2020. Furthermore, he said that the station has attracted numerous encomiums and admiration from both campuses and private radio stations nationwide.
“It is also important to note that the University radio station marked 10 years of full fledged broadcasting on the 2nd of August, 2020 and activities to mark the 10th Anniversary will be rolled out after the resumption of academic activities,” the don stated.
Delivering the vote of thanks, Azeeza Muhammad Lawal, who is a volunteer staff of the station, thanked the University Council, Management and other generous-spirited individuals for supporting the station while stating that the station would continue to be at the forefront of people oriented based station and balanced reportage of national issues.
Highlight of the event was the commissioning of the studio and the tour of the studio facilities by dignitaries present at the event.
Other guests at the event include members of the University Governing Council, Principal Officers, staff and volunteer members of the station.
follow us on twitter @futminnainfounit
@bigflostanley