A total of 197 students from the School of Graduate Studies and Research on Friday, 7th May, 2021 graduated from the Ghana Institute of Journalism in the 4th Session of the 14th Congregation of the Institute. They consisted of seven Master of Arts Degree in Journalism and 86 Master of Arts in Public Relations students. Thirteen others graduated with Master of Arts Degree in Media Management and 91 in Master of Arts Degree in Development Communication.
Rector’s Message to graduands
The Rector, Prof. Kwamena Kwansah-Aidoo in his address mentioned to graduands that, Ghana requires new ideas and skill sets to power economic and societal recovery. He was hopeful that, the courses studied by graduands will provide them with most of what it takes to power the renewal Ghana seeks. “The world is your springboard to realize your dreams and the dreams of the nation. I mention dreams because dreams are important for progress. So, every one of you must have their individual dreams. Even so, remember that dreams without goals are worthless because they will ultimately only fuel disappointment. So, have dreams, but also set yourself goals the pursuit of and achievement of which will lead to the realisation of those dreams” the Rector stated.
Merger
Prof. Kwamena Kwansah-Aidoo in his report on the state of the Institute stated that the University of Media Arts and Communication Bill 2020 which seeks to merge the Ghana Institute of Journalism (GIJ), the Ghana Institute of Languages (GIL) and the National Film and Television Institute (NAFTI) into a single university has received Presidential Assent.
He explained that the move would help create synergies and improve communication studies in the country. Prof. Kwansah-Aidoo said the GIJ was excited about the development because it would provide opportunities to build on synergies and also safeguard the history and identity of each institution.
“As the firstborn of the institutions in this merger, and also the only institution in this triumvirate with a Presidential Charter to award degrees, we would like to assure the President that we are ready to provide the necessary leadership for the realisation of our objectives,” he added.
Guest Speaker
The Head of Marketing and Communications at Stanbic Bank, Mr Mawuko Afadzinu, who was the guest speaker, advised the graduands to continuously upgrade their skills to match up with the changing demands of the industry.
He also encouraged them to find creative solutions to everyday problems to give practical meaning to the training they had received for national development.
“The speed of change in the workplace over the past four years has been like none ever. Remind yourselves that the course of education never ends. Keep immersing yourselves in new knowledge and don’t be trapped in the orthodoxy of the past,” Mr Afadzinu added.
Award Winners
Mr. Seshie Edem was adjudged the overall Best Student across all disciplines as well as the Best Student in Development Communication. Mr. Osei Kwame Wise emerged the best student in Journalism whereas Ms. Ofori Atta Patricia Ama won the Best Student in Media Management award. Ms. Odoi Rhoda Naa Yemoley grabbed the Best Student in Public Relations award.