In a significant step towards academic and professional skills development for Media Practitioners, the Center for Continuing Professional Education of the Philological Faculty RUDN University in partnership with Kwara State University (KWASU), Nigeria, has concluded a four-day professional training in Ilorin.The event 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.
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 practice were led by Dr. Muhammad Jamiu Mustapha, a distinguished academic from RUDN University, Russia, alongside a team of his colleagues and Nigerian scholars.
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 sessions 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.
Dr. Mustapha and his team explored the process of article publication, to further broaden the understanding of participants and they were given practical assignments with real-time feedback to enhance their understanding of key concepts.
Dr Mustapha
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 latter half, with Wednesday and Thursday dedicated to entrepreneurial journalism for a different set of participants who are journalism inclined. Recognizing 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.
They 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.
Upcoming Online Diploma Programmes by RUDN University
In continuation of its commitment to professional development, the Center for Continuing Professional Education of the Faculty of Philology, RUDN University has announced the opening of registration for its online Diploma Programmes in Policy Communication and Law Enforcement Communication.
These programmes, offered in collaboration with CEREDEMS Africa and other partners, are set to commence in September 2024. The six-month virtual classes are tailored to meet the needs of working professionals, making them ideal for public relations professionals, political office holders, media aides, legal aides, and security advisers, among others.
This initiative underscores RUDN University’s dedication to fostering professional growth and equipping participants with the skills necessary to thrive in their respective fields.
Contact:
Dr. Muhammad Jamiu Mustapha,
For: RUDN
For more information on upcoming programmes and events, please visit RUDN University’s website https://pgdiploma-rudn.ru/
About The Center
The Center for Continuing Professional Education of the Philological Faculty RUDN University, under the directorship of Kristina Abdus, is a division of the Faculty of Philology of RUDN. The center deals with all kinds of additional education: from pre-university training to advanced training courses, professional courses, and upskilling of specialists.
