RUDN University Facilitates Professional Training in Nigeria

In a landmark initiative aimed at enhancing academic and professional skills among media practitioners, RUDN University, Russia, in collaboration with Kwara State University (KWASU), Nigeria, successfully concluded a four-day professional training programme in Ilorin.

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.

The event, which ran from Monday, August 12th to Thursday, August 15th, was offered at no cost to participants and focused on boosting competencies in academic writing, article publication, and entrepreneurial journalism.

The training, which was simultaneously replicated in Kaduna, Rivers, Osun, and Lagos States, attracted a diverse group of participants, including scholars, researchers, students, and professionals.

These individuals were eager to refine their academic writing skills and deepen their understanding of entrepreneurial journalism.

The sessions, crafted to address critical gaps in both academic and professional practice, were led by Dr. Muhammad Jamiu Mustapha, a distinguished academic from RUDN University, alongside a team of his esteemed colleagues and Nigerian scholars.

Comprehensive Academic Writing and Research Publication Training
The first phase of the training, held on Monday and Tuesday, centered on academic writing and the nuances of publishing research articles in reputable journals. Participants were guided through a broad spectrum of open-source platforms and databases crucial for academic research.

The sessions provided an in-depth roadmap for navigating these resources, constructing well-structured academic papers, and adhering to publishing standards in respected journals. Additionally, participants were made aware of the common challenges associated with academic publishing and were equipped with strategies to overcome them.

Dr. Mustapha and his team delved into the publication process, offering participants practical assignments accompanied by real-time feedback to enhance their grasp of the concepts discussed.

The facilitators also stressed the importance of ethical considerations in research, underscoring the need to uphold academic integrity. Strategies for avoiding plagiarism, including self-plagiarism, were shared, alongside tools designed to help scholars improve the quality and originality of their work.

Exploration of Entrepreneurial Journalism
The focus of the training shifted during the latter half of the week, with Wednesday and Thursday dedicated to entrepreneurial journalism for a different set of journalism-inclined participants. In recognition of the evolving media landscape, these sessions were designed to equip participants with a forward-thinking approach to journalism. Attendees were introduced to the concept of entrepreneurial journalism, which merges traditional reporting skills with business acumen to create sustainable and innovative media ventures.

Branding emerged as a critical element of successful entrepreneurship in the digital age. Facilitators explored the role of branding in building a journalist’s personal and professional identity, highlighting its importance in audience engagement and market positioning. Through case studies and practical exercises, participants were taught how to develop a unique brand voice and effectively promote their work across relevant platforms.

Participants were encouraged to critically analyze the intersection of journalism and entrepreneurship, empowering them with the skills necessary to identify and capitalize on opportunities in the rapidly changing media landscape.

Upcoming Online Diploma Programmes by RUDN University
In continuation of its commitment to professional development, 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.