‘Use advanced technology to achieve academic advancement’

The Rector of the Ghana Institute of Journalism (GIJ), Professor Kwamena Kwansah-Aidoo, has asked media practitioners and students, particularly those in higher institutions of learning, to take advantage of the new and advanced technologies to enhance their work and studies.

He said education at the higher institutions of learning “was becoming more challenging in our current dispensation due to the advancement of technology.

“New and expanded technologies offer you as students amazing possibilities both in your studies and what you can do with what you study,” he said.

Professor Kwansah-Aidoo was speaking at the 19th matriculation ceremony of the institute in Accra on Friday, September 20, 2019.

Technologies

He said technology “is constantly evolving and challenging well-established theories and calling for revisions, while at the same time challenging practice and practitioners on what they do.”

Prof. Kwansah-Aidoo said the GIJ had initiated plans to invest in modern technologies “to expand the institute’s capacity and enhance the quality of academic experience for our growing student population.”

He, however, urged the students to desist from practices that could affect their educational advancement and also implored them to be good ambassadors of the school by exhibiting good behaviours and professionalism in whatever they do.

"You are required and expected to be of good behaviour and also to project and protect the reputable image of the Ghana Institute of Journalism," he urged the students.

"I entreat you to study diligently and overcome any hurdle that might come your way throughout your stay here," he said, adding "we are committed to ensuring that you leave the GIJ as a well prepared graduate armed with useful communication skills and general capabilities."

Admissions

Touching on admissions, Prof. Kwansa-Aidoo said the school received a total of 3,407 applications, including 3,105 undergraduate applicants explaining that, the institute offered admission to 2,130 applicants but 1,558 students were registered for the matriculation.

Out of the 1,558 students registered for the matriculation, 1,398 were undergraduate students, while 116 were post-graduate students.

Prof. Kwansah-Aidoo said the institute could not admit equally qualified applicants due to lack of infrastructure and funds, adding that the school was making all efforts to complete work at its Okponglo Campus near the University of Ghana.

He gave an assurance that the school’s new campus would soon be operational and stressed that when the new campus was completed, some students would be moved from its old campus to the new campus in order to create space for the school to admit more students.

Academics

Prof. Kwansah-Aidoo pledged that lecturers in the school would strive to give the students the best of education by linking theory with practice, saying "It is my hope that you will achieve your dreams of becoming well trained communication professionals."