Enugu, Nigeria – Dr. Uchenna Ekwo, a US-based Nigerian media expert and alumnus of the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT), Enugu, has established a Media and Digital Centre at the Mass Communication Department of the institute.
The initiative was aimed at equipping staff and students with essential digital and media literacy skills.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Ekwo, who is also the President of the Consortium for International Education and Development (CIED), New York, presented certificates to staff members who completed a training on media and literacy.
He urged participants to embrace digital skills to adapt to the rapidly changing global landscape and to combat misinformation.
“As an alumnus, I felt compelled to give back to my alma mater by establishing this centre. Digital and media literacy is no longer optional; it is a civic skill, a professional competency, and increasingly, a survival skill,” Ekwo said.
He emphasized that citizens must learn to critically evaluate information, question content, and use media responsibly for empowerment rather than manipulation.
Ekwo explained that the certificates awarded represented commitment, responsibility, and relevance in a digital era. Of the 13 staff enrolled, five successfully completed the rigorous training, marking the first cohort of graduates.
Prof. Gozie Ogbodo, Rector of IMT, lauded the initiative as aligning with the institution’s goal of ensuring students acquire practical skills alongside academic qualifications. “We expect our students to take advantage of these opportunities to graduate not only with a diploma but also with life-sustaining skills,” he stated.
A beneficiary of the programme, Mr. Jonah Mamah, described the training as “life-changing” and noted that the digital skills gained would be valuable in their professional and personal lives.
Ekwo commended CIED for its vision in bridging education, local realities, and global opportunities, and thanked IMT for its intellectual partnership and support in nurturing digitally empowered citizens.
