The School of Journalism and Media Studies (SOJAMS) at the University of Media, Arts and Communication (UniMAC) has launched a series of practical training sessions designed to equip students with real-world skills for the evolving media industry.
The initiative will feature seasoned journalists and broadcasters as facilitators, bringing students face-to-face with some of the most respected voices in the profession.
The maiden session, held on Friday, March 27, 2026, was led by renowned broadcaster and TV3 New Day co-host, Beatrice Adu.
During her presentation, Ms Adu highlighted the growing influence of social media, describing it as a form of “currency” in today’s media landscape, where visibility and engagement can shape both careers and public discourse..
She noted that while many people are turning to social media platforms to create content and earn income, maintaining credibility must remain a top priority.
“Build your social presence—and you’ll thank me later—but do it with credibility,” she advised.
In her nearly hour-long presentation, she urged students to take advantage of digital tools to verify information before publishing. Accuracy, she stressed, remains at the heart of responsible journalism.
“We should be able to identify the problem and verify it,” she said, underscoring the importance of fact-checking in an era of fast-paced information sharing.
She also warned that journalists will inevitably face challenging situations that test their ethics and professionalism, encouraging students to stay grounded and not allow such pressures to compromise their work.
The Friday afternoon session was part of ongoing efforts by the School of Journalism and Media Studies (SOJAMS) to equip students with practical skills for an evolving media landscape.
Dean of SOJAMS, Etse Sikanku, who attended the event, described the workshop as a valuable complement to classroom learning, helping students bridge the gap between theory and real-world practice.
He emphasised the importance of practical training in shaping effective media professionals, noting that academic excellence alone is not enough.
“It’s not just about earning a first-class degree,” he said. “That may show you can analyse issues and think critically, but the real question is—can you apply that knowledge in the real world?”
He urged students to take advantage of such engagements, reminding them that hands-on learning is a key part of their journey into journalism.
The seminar room was filled to capacity, with first-year students forming the majority of the audience and following the session with keen interest.
After the presentation, participants had the chance to engage directly with Ms. Adu, asking questions and taking photographs.
Award-winning journalist Portia Gabor is expected to headline the next session in the SOJAMS training series, as the school intensifies efforts to bridge the gap between theory and practice.
The School of Journalism and Media Studies says the initiative is designed to give students real-world insights that go beyond what is typically covered in textbooks, helping them better prepare for the demands of the profession.