By Israel Mbam
To further advance communication education, scholarship, and professional development in Nigeria, the African Council for Communication Education (ACCE) has inaugurated the Ebonyi State Chapter of the Council, with a call for stronger collaboration among stakeholders in the communication and media sector in Nigeria.
Inaugurating the State Chapter at Ebonyi State University Abakaliki on Friday 13th March 2026, the National President of ACCE, Prof. Abdullahi Bashir charged the new State Coordinator, Dr. Chioma Chime-Nganya to work assiduously with other members to ensure proper and well coordinated Council that will enhance collaboration and professional networking in communication education in the State and beyond.
Represented by Prof. Ifeyinwa Nsude, the ACCE national President pledged the council’s readiness to promote quality communication education and to support emerging scholars, while contributing to the development of ethical and responsive communication practice in Nigeria and beyond.
In her address, the newly Inaugurated Coordinator of ACCE Ebonyi State Chapter, Dr. Chioma Chime-Nganya thanked the Council for giving her the opportunity to serve. She assured that the Inauguration was a significant milestone in the body’s collective commitment to advancing communication education, scholarship and professional development within Ebonyi State.
Dr. Chime-Nganya explained that the significant role of ACCE in the media and communication sector cannot be overemphasized
“The African Council for Communication Education has since its formation in 1971, remained a vital platform for scholars and Practitioners across the continent to exchange ideas, promote excellence in communication training, and contribute meaningfully to national and continental development.
“The Inauguration of Ebonyi State Chapter therefore provides a strategic opportunity for academics, professionals, and students within the State to actively participate in shaping the future of communication education in Africa.
As we Inaugurate this chapter today, it is our expectation that it will serve as a hub for scholarly collaboration, mentorship, research advancement, and professional networking. Together, we will work to promote quality communication education, support emerging scholars, and contribute to the development of ethical and responsible communication practice in our society” she assured.
In a paper presentation on the topic “from Classroom to Newsroom – ACCE leading the way,” Prof. Kenneth Adibe of the Department of Mass Communication, Ebonyi State University Abakaliki, maintained that the African Council for Communication Education remains a professional Pan-African non governmental organisation that is commited to promoting journalism and communication education, developing communication resources across Africa and creating awareness among policy makers and development planners about the critical role of communication in national development.
He emphasised the need to bridge the gap between communication theory and practice, adding that communication education must extend beyond lecture halls to equipping students with the practical skills required to function effectively in real-world media environment, and that ACCE should continue to play a leading role in bridging the gap.
In their remarks and good will messages, the Head of Department, Ebonyi State University Abakaliki, Dr. Simon Nwankwo and his Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu Alike counterpart, Dr. Joseph Chukwu congratulated the new coordinator of ACCE in the State and assured her of their readiness to work with her to achieve results. Others called for restoration of the ethical values and improved welfare for media Practitioners to enhance professionalism.
The Inauguration ceremony was attended by HoDs of Mass Communication Departments in EBSU, AE FUNAI, Other Mass Communication Lecturers, media Practitioners, students of mass communication among others.
