By; Adebayo Usman
In a significant step towards academic and professional skills development for media practitioners, RUDN University, Russia, in partnership with Kwara State University (KWASU), Nigeria, has concluded a four-day professional training in Ilorin.
The workshop, which held from Monday, August 12th to Thursday, August 15th, was designed to enhance the competencies of participants in academic writing, article publication, and entrepreneurial journalism at no cost to participants.
According to the convener, Dr. Muhammad Jamiu Mustapha, a distinguished academic from RUDN University, Russia, the initiative underscores RUDN University’s commitment to fostering excellence and innovation in the fields media scholarship and practice.
Dr. Mustapha noted that the ability to produce rigorous academic content and to adapt journalistic practices to entrepreneurial models is more essential than ever in today’s fast-evolving landscape.
Dr Mustapha
He added that the programme seeks to enhance the professional capabilities of participants, enabling them to navigate and influence their industries effectively.
The training which was replicated in Kaduna, Rivers, Osun and Lagos State attracted diverse participants including scholars, researchers, students, and professionals eager to sharpen their academic writing skills and gain a deeper understanding of entrepreneurial journalism.
The sessions, designed to address critical gaps in academic and professional practices, were led by Dr. Mustapha alongside a team of media scholars and experts from Nigeria and beyond.
The first phase of the training, held on Monday and Tuesday, focused on academic writing and the intricacies of publishing research articles in reputable journals. Participants were introduced to a wide array of open-source platforms and databases essential for academic research.
The session provided a comprehensive guide on navigating resources, crafting well-structured academic papers, adhering to publishing standards in reputable journals, and anticipatory challenges in academic publishing.
In addition to the technical aspects of writing, the facilitators emphasised the importance of ethical considerations in research and the need to maintain academic integrity. They shared strategies for avoiding plagiarism, and self- plagiarism which is also an academic offense, and highlighted tools that can help scholars improve the quality and originality of their work.
The focus of the training shifted during the later half, with Wednesday and Thursday dedicated to entrepreneurial journalism for a different set of participants who are journalism inclined.
Recognising the evolving nature of the media industry, the sessions were designed to provide participants with a forward-thinking approach to journalism. Attendees were introduced to the concept of entrepreneurial journalism, which combines traditional reporting skills with business acumen to create sustainable and innovative media ventures.
Branding was identified as a key component of successful entrepreneurship in the digital age. The facilitators explored the role of branding in building a journalist’s personal and professional identity, emphasizing its significance in audience engagement and market positioning. Through case studies and practical exercises, participants learned how to develop a unique brand voice and effectively promote their work across various and most relevant platforms.
The media professionals were encouraged to think critically about the intersection of journalism and entrepreneurship, equipping them with the skills to identify and seize opportunities in the rapidly changing media landscape.
The programme also featured announcement of the opening of registration for RUDN online Diploma Programmes in Policy Communication and Law Enforcement Communication, which would be handled in collaboration with CEREDEMS Africa and other partners.
The classes commence in September 2024, and are ideal for Public Relations professionals,political office holders, media aides, legal aides and security advisers, among others. The six-month virtual classes are designed to suit the needs of the working class.
