The students of Moshood Abiola polytechnic have expressed their excitement about the transmission of the radio after several years of anticipation.
This came as a result of the approval of the National Broadcasting Commission, NBC, to begin test transmission on 99.7 FM.
Reacting to this development was Oladejo Stephen, an HND2 Accountancy student, who expressed his happiness towards the development, stating how it would enhance effective learning.
He said, "it is a nice one and I’m happy about it. The transmission will add to the achievement of the school and will as well join the team of campus radio institutions in Nigeria. This will allow Mass Communication students to hone their skills in the profession".
Sharing the same thought was Micheal Babatunde from HND2 Mass Communication, who stated that the radio is a dream come through after several years of anticipation.
In his words, "Although, It has been everyone’s dream to see the radio functioning. I believe the approval will surely allow the students to showcase their talents", he said
Hussein Abdulwahab, ND 2 Mass Communication said, "I am very happy it’s coming live. You know it shows the school is growing and I’m ready to play my part", he stated.
Speaking of the students’ expectations of the radio, quite a number of them have expressed their expectations.
Fakayode Taiwo, an ND 2 student of Mass Communication, has stated how the radio transmission will allow the ND1 students to undergo their SIWES training.
He said, "this will avail the ND 1 students studying Mass Communication the opportunity to have their SIWES Training", he disclosed.
Pitching the same tent was Abdulhameed Adebisi from HND2 Mass Communication, who explained that it is a welcome development, emphasizing how it will give the students an edge over others in terms of practical exposure.
He said," I’m looking forward to the many talents this move will birth if its strength is properly harnessed by those in charge", he said.
Kabiru Ibrahim Oyewale, HND 2 Business Administration student, on the other hand, advised the Management to put in their efforts to ensure the Radio is effectively managed.
Similarly, Oladejo urged the operators of the radio to be consistent in its operation and information dissemination.
He equally added how he aanticipatesvarieties of programs that will educate, entertain, inform and stimulate the interest of the students.
While some students have expressed their happiness towards it, others have tabled their skepticism towards the development.
Quadri Yahya from Mass Communication, ND2 has said," At first, I was skeptical because I knew well that it might not have been working as claimed. I’m that kind of critical person, you know.
But then, to quench my curiosity, I had to check right away if the radio would work as an FM or as online radio, but I found that it was not working.
"As I have written a report to that effect, I was glad that, at last, there would be a change.
"Whether the radio works or not, I am not as enthusiastic as I was about it before. But I pray it does, for progeny’s sake.
"I hope when the radio is finally active, it will serve as a training ground for students of Mass Communication and others and as a medium of information dissemination to all", he concluded.
On whether the students are still eager to see the transmission of the radio despite many years of anticipation or not,
Adebisi stated, "of course, many students are still eager to see it begin, irrespective of the many disappointments they have encountered in the past".
Hussein, drawing the same thought, said, "I feel the students on campus are still eager to see its birth, they haven’t lost hope as they are aware of the benefits it would accrue to them" he said.
Getting across to the custodian of the radio, Mr. Kunle Oluwusi revealed that the radio will first undergo test transmission for 4 weeks, after which proper transmission will start.
Moreover, he explained how the radio is set for operation after several years of waiting for approval, adding that the management has outlined plans to accommodate the students to showcase their talents.
He said, "that’s one of the major objectives, to train Mass Communication students. But I need to also let you know that we cannot afford to put rubbish on-air as the radio will be competing with the likes of Fresh FM, RockCity FM and many more.
When asked if students who have program ideas are welcome in the studio, Mr. Oluwusi responded that there are lecturers and particularly the head of the Broadcast unit, Dr. Sola Adeosun who is in charge of students supervision of program ideas.
He said, "if you package any program, I will listen to it and certify it as worthy of broadcasting before dissemination. The reason is not to ostracize anybody, but the best must be put on the air because it is a live radio and not a place for trial and error. On that note, the students must develop themselves so that whatever concept they are going to run, we are sure that it is broadcast worthy".
