By Anthony Adgidzi Akwanga

Federal Government has been advised to establish the National Institute of Mass Communication in order to curb cases of quacks in the journalism profession.

The Head of Department of Mass Communication with the Nasarawa State Polytechnic, Mr. Jacob Chiakaa gave the advise in an interview with Nigerian Newsday recently.

Mr. Chiakaa said establishing the national institute would help to check cases of quackery in the journalism profession, adding that anybody practising the profession who does not have the journalistic background should be flushed out or should go back to school and obtain or acquire the professional training.

The HOD called for collaborative efforts between the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) and the Federal Government to establish the institution that would produce professionals.

He citied example of the medical and law professions whose graduates usually go for one year internship before license are given to them to practise. He said this should be adopted by the journalism profession.

Mr. Chiakaa however appreciated efforts by the government of Nasarawa State to build a befitting studio complex for mass communication department of the institution which he said would go along way to groom students.

The HOD who declined to give estimate of how much the project would cost, said a lot of money would be involved and if completed would be installed with the necessary equipment.

While advising the students of the institution to be disciplined and determined in their professional career he said on their part as lecturers they would not relent to ensure the institution graduate were morally sound.