JKNewsMedia
A transformative four-day intensive training programme aimed at equipping Nigerian journalists with cutting-edge skills in the digital age had been held.
It was at the instance of the RUDN Professional Scholarship Course in Africa 2024 which held the four-day training from January 29th to February 1st, 2024.
Held at the Centre of Excellence, Biodun Sobanjo Building in the Mass Communications Department of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), the programme delved into new media, intercultural communication, community journalism and media literacy, among others.
Led by Nigeria-born Dr. Mustapha Muhammed Jamiu, Assistant Professor at the Department of Mass Communications and Leading Researcher at the Institute of Geopolitical Communication, Faculty of Philology, University of RUDN, Russia, the initiative aimed to empower journalists with insights into emerging trends, technological impacts and critical aspects of Media and Information Literacy (MIL).
Sessions on intercultural communication highlighted the importance of understanding culture and identity in journalism, while Drs. Natalia Ivanova and Natalia Poplavskaya delved into personal branding and global intercultural communication challenges, respectively.
Dr. Olunifesi Adekunle Suraj, Associate Professor at UNILAG, provided insights into the critical intersections between media, literacy and the digital realm. He concluded with a focus on community journalism and media literacy, emphasizing the need for journalists to address pressing issues in their communities and develop participatory communication skills.
Participants expressed deep appreciation for the training, acknowledging that they have gained fresh perspectives to redefine the global journalism landscape.
The immediate applicability of the required knowledge was evident in the study tasks assigned after each session, showcasing the participants’ readiness to navigate the intricacies of communication in the digital era.
This initiative was described as something that marked a significant step in preparing Nigerian journalists to meet the challenges of the evolving media landscape and contribute to impactful storytelling in today’s interconnected world.