GIJ outlines plans to make university centre of excellence in Africa
The Ghana Institute of Journalism (GIJ) has drawn up a five-year strategic plan to upgrade the quality of human resource of its faculties and administrative staff to consolidate the university’s status as a model media training entity in Africa.
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The initiative, which will span the period 2016 to 2020, hinges on three thematic areas: academic empowerment and human capital development, financial administration and infrastructural development.
The Rector of the institute, Dr Wilberforce Dzisah, made this known at the 10th congregation of the institute in Accra last Saturday.
Six hundred and ninety students were awarded degrees and diplomas after successfully completing their prescribed courses of study.
Out of the number, 230 obtained diplomas, while 460 received bachelor’s degrees in Communication Studies, with options in Journalism and Public Relations.
Twenty graduates obtained First Class honours, while 241 received Second Class honours.
The congregation was on the theme: “Media responsibility and democratic elections” .
Strategy
Dr Dzisah explained that as part of the strategic plan, the management of the institute had rolled out a programme to ensure that 90 per cent of lecturers in the various faculties upgraded their knowledge to the doctorate degree level.
“The plan also makes provision for 80 per cent of our senior administrative staff to be holders of master’s degrees. In the sphere of student enrolment and curriculum development, we are confident of growing the student population from a modest 4,000 to 10,000 by 2020,” he added.
Infrastructure
On infrastructure, the rector said work on lecture halls and offices at the institute’s new site at North Dzorwulu was near completion, adding that the GIJ Council and management had also stepped up efforts to construct hostels for students.
Five companies have been shortlisted to submit proposals on public/private partnership (PPP) basis to construct an accommodation facility with a bed capacity ranging from 1,500 to 2,000, he explained.
He said the institute had further adopted innovative strategies fueled by the use of Information and Communications Technology (ICT), such as online application and registration, online journalism and practical sessions for students, to improve on service delivery and the quality of its products.
Ms Rosemary Ardayfio, Sub Editor, GCGL, presenting the overall best student award in Communication Studies (Diploma) to Asare Boateng Louis.
Pictures: MAXWELL OCLOO & JULIET AKUSHIKA NORNOO
Collaboration
A member of the Governing Council of the GIJ and Editor of the Daily Graphic, Mr Ransford Tetteh, said effective collaboration between the council and the management of the institute had led to the implementation of good policies that could help place the institute in a strategic position.
According to him, the council had given approval to the management to introduce new courses that would reflect the needs of society and provide students with options.
Mr Tetteh lauded the pioneering role played by the GIJ in producing top-notch human resource for the country’s development.
Awards
A 23-year-old Journalism student, Ms Eugenia Kumi Akorfa, emerged the overall best student for picking two separate awards for being the best student in both Print and Broadcast Journalism.
She took home a 32-inch LED television and two laptops and she will have a year’s internship at Citi FM.
Special package
The Graphic Communications Group Limited (GCGL) represented by Ms Rosemary Ardayfio, presented a laptop, assorted books and a certificate to Mr Louis Asare Boateng for being the best graduate in the diploma category.
Mr Asare will also benefit from a year-long internship at the GCGL.
Other awardees also received laptops, assorted books and certificates.