El-Donai Enema
For three days in September 2026, the Obio Akpa Campus of Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU) became more than a place for lectures. From September 8 to 10, the Department of Mass Communication, under the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, hosted ASMACS Week ’26, a student-led programme that moved from a career summit to a street carnival and finally to a night of awards. It was a week designed for students’ expression beyond the classroom.
On September 8,2026, students filled the TETFund Hall for a Media Summit, themed “Communication Beyond the Newsroom: Rethinking Our Role in a Changing World.” The message was blunt: the media is not only about reporting. It is a powerful, ever-changing force, and those who want a place in it must keep up.
Among the panellists were Mr. Aniekan Udonquak, the staff adviser; Faculty of Communication and Media Studies and Ms. Comfort Umanah, managing director of Redemption FM, alongside other industry professionals. They shared career experiences and practical advice, and their insights boiled down to five pillars: building a foundation of ethics and curiosity, sharpening practical skills, finding one’s voice, staying relevant in a fast-moving industry, and continually adding value to oneself.
The speakers insisted that preparation cannot wait until graduation. Start a blog, they advised. Manage social media pages for campus events. Find a mentor.
“Your degree is your ticket to the game,” Ms. Umanah told the room, “but your portfolio is what gets you on the field.”
The words resonated with the students. For Comr. Precious Bassey, a 100-level student, the summit changed how she viewed her first year.
“I came in thinking I just needed to pass my courses,” she said. “Now, I have a checklist. I know I need to start a YouTube channel and network with at least one professional this month.”
If Tuesday was about thinking, Wednesday was about letting go.
At noon, students gathered in front of the department in departmental shirts and polos for a Carnival Float. Afrobeats music blared from large speakers as the procession moved along the campus roads, turning them into a moving party. There was dancing, singing, and waving, and anyone watching from the roadside could feel the energy.
“The carnival float was the highlight of my week,” said John Jacob, a 100-level student.
The parade did more than entertain. It brought students from different levels together and demonstrated that mass communication is also about connecting with people and celebrating shared experiences.
By Thursday evening, the casual crowd of the previous day had given way to one dressed for the occasion. The Dinner and Award Night took place at the Multipurpose Hall on Oron Street, Obio Akpa. After the red-carpet session, the main programme began at 8:00 p.m. under the theme “Beyond the Spotlights,” with soft lighting and tasteful decorations transforming the hall.
The awards were the heart of the night, recognising students for their achievements. Mba Divine won the award for “Best Coordinated and Influential Student,” while Paul Antai was named “Most Dedicated and Enthusiastic Student.” Comr. Godwin’s Outstanding Service to the Department award capped the list. Each recipient received a plaque to applause.
Between the awards, the stage belonged to the students. Nduke Obong delivered a spoken-word performance. A pageantry segment crowned Mr. and Miss ASMACS. A high-energy hype session and a soulful musical interlude followed, showcasing talents that extended well beyond the classroom.
Dinner became an event of its own. Students with faculty members, alumni, and invited guests, and many of those conversations created opportunities for mentorship and future internships. When the official programme ended, the music and dancing continued, bringing three busy days to a relaxed close.
ASMACS Week ’26 bridged classroom theory, giving students the opportunity to express beyond the classroom. It gave students a summit to learn from, a carnival to celebrate at, and a stage to be recognised. It also set a high standard for future editions, demonstrating that professional growth and festivity can go hand in hand.
Somewhere during that week, a 100-level student wrote herself a checklist. If the week achieved its purpose, she will not be the only one.
