Photography Should Be Included In Mass Communication Programmes – Group Tells NUC

MICHAEL AKINOLA

A group of practicing professional photographers, Creative Masterclass, has called on National Universities Commission, NUC, to add Photography as one of the courses to be studied under Mass Communication.

In statement obtained by P.M.EXPRESS and signed by Adolphus Opara, Godwin Nkemakonam Anaebonam, Tam Fiofori, Don Barber, Jide Adeniyi-Jones, Yemi Odebunmi, Lemmy Ijeoma, Pius Ekpei, Victor Agunbiade, Uchechukwu James Iroha, Kelechi Amadi-Obi, Amaize Ojeikere, Uche Okpa Iroha, George Esiri, Kunle Ogunfuyi, Armah Willis, Chriss Nwobu, the group said, “We the undersigned; Conveners of the annual Creative Photography Masterclass, its facilitators, Photographers’ Association of Nigeria-PAN, Depth of Field, Photo Garage, Nlele Institute, practicing professional photographers and on behalf of the profession of Photography in Nigeria, suggest to the NUC that it should include Photography as a discipline on its own in your laudable plans to upgrade Mass Communication programmes in Nigerian Universities to promote scholarship and specialisation”.

1. Photography is one of the oldest foreign professions in Nigeria and was practiced long before filmmaking.

2. Jonathan Adagogo Green Nigeria’s first recognised indigenous professional photographer practiced between the 1880s and 1905.He worked mostly in and around the Niger Delta and his exceptional photographs were published in prestigious newspapers and magazines in Britain and Europe.

3. Nigeria has since produced multi-thousands of professional photographers both male and female; many of them international award winners and highly acclaimed on the international creative art and culture scene.

4. Nigeria’s late great photographer, J. D. Okhai Ojeikere, is recognised as a World Master Photographer and is honoured as such in the Museum of Modern Art -MOMA in America.

5. Photography is now recognised as an independent discipline that can be studied up to doctorate (PhD) level in Universities and tertiary institutions in America, Europe and Asia. Thankfully Photography is being offered as an elective at SSS level in Nigeria.

“In the light of the relevant and academic observations above, we suggest that you revamp your proposed new mass communication programmes. Specifically we suggest you offer a Photography & Film Studies as per No. 5 of your proposed new programmes.”

“These disciplines are closely interrelated and interdependent and have enough knowledge to be on their own.

We willingly offer you our vast expertise to help you formulate a curriculum for Photography Studies at tertiary level” the statement concluded.