The Director of the Directorate of Research, Innovation and Development (DRID) at the University of Media, Arts and Communication (UniMAC) in Ghana, Associate Professor Etse Sikanku, has paid a working visit to the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of Nairobi in Kenya. This visit was aimed at establishing strong relationship with the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of Nairobi, so that both parties could work together to develop professionals in the media and communication space for Mother Africa.
Prof. Sikanku was warmly welcomed by Prof. Silas Oriaso, the Head of Department and other faculty members. Together with the other faculty members, productive discussions were made on the emerging trends in media and communication research, as well as potential collaborations between their respective institutions. They shared perspectives on the current state of journalism and public relations globally, examining ways to elevate academic standards and enhance teaching and learning experiences at both universities.
Prof. Sikanku was also given a tour of the campus, its media facility, which includes a student-run radio and television station, that promotes practical skills for learning.
Prof. Sikanku was in Nairobi to present research results and contribute to comparative studies on the nature of fake news, misinformation and disinformation spread during national elections in Ghana and Africa. This was at the invitation of the Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana) and the Mapping Electoral Disinformation in Africa Project.
Collaborative research forms a major strategic focus for UniMAC and this visit sets the tone for further discussions on how UniMAC and the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of Nairobi, Kenya’s faculty members can work to interrogate emerging trends to shape the future of journalism and communication on the African continent.