The Society of Nigerian Broadcasters (SNB) has raised an alarm over what it describes as threatening moves by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) that could severely undermine broadcast education and professional training in Nigeria's tertiary institutions.
Warning Issued at National Conference
The strong caution was delivered during the SNB's second National Conference held on Sunday, 24 November 2025 at the Coronation Hall, Government House in Kano State. The event, themed "Broadcasting Ethics and Professionalism in the Age of Artificial Intelligence," gathered prominent figures from across Nigeria's broadcasting landscape.
SNB National President, Umar Pate, expressed deep concern about the NBC's attempts to restrict or potentially close campus radio stations. He emphasized that these stations serve as crucial practical training platforms for students pursuing Mass Communication and related disciplines.
Essential Training Laboratories at Risk
"We urge the NBC to recognise that universities should not be viewed as commercial entities; our facilities serve as essential training laboratories," Mr. Pate stated during his address to conference participants.
The broadcast education leader made a passionate appeal to the federal government to "rescue these institutions from the pressures of NBC." He further urged the commission to consider granting additional broadcast licences to universities and polytechnics, aligning with the accreditation requirements of both the National Universities Commission (NUC) and the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE).
Government Support and New Member Induction
The conference received significant governmental support, with Mr. Pate expressing appreciation to the Kano State Government for hosting the important gathering. Ahmed Muhammad, who chaired the occasion, commended the SNB leadership and described the conference as a meaningful opportunity to strengthen the competencies of younger broadcasters.
The event also featured the induction of new members into the Society, signaling growth in the professional organization. Representatives from multiple state governments reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the SNB's mission.
Sanusi Bature, Director General of Media representing the Kano State Governor, delivered the governor's message of continued media support and collaboration with the SNB, particularly in promoting quality news production and new media content.
The gathering attracted significant political and media representation, including the Borno State Commissioner for Information, Prof. Tar, the Bauchi State Commissioner for Information, and Kaduna State Commissioner for Information and Culture, Ahmed Maiyaki, all representing their respective governors.
