The Ghana Institute of Journalism, GIJ, has held its 13th congregation as it marks it’s sixtieth anniversary (diamond jubilee) this year.
The graduation ceremony which took place at the Accra International Conference Centre, is also the 13th congregation of the institute after it became a university to offer the degree programme feom 2006.
A total number of one thousand, two hundred and 90 students graduated with 821 degree students and 469 diploma students.
The Rector of the University, Professor Kwamena Kwansah-Aidoo in his address, said the Institute will aside its major elective courses, Journalism and Public Relations introduce more major courses.
He mentioned investigative Journalism as part of the courses the institution will add to its areas of studies.
Prof. Kwansah-Aidoo also mentioned that this may be the last time a congregation will graduate in the name of GIJ, as an independent degree-awarding institute, as government is considering a merger between, GIJ, (Ghana Institute of Languages), GIL and (National Film and Television Institute), NAFTI.
He said it is the time to acknowledge the pioneers who have handled the institution with their excellent leadership skills till now.
Prof. Kwansah-Aidoo said that the school is steadily preparing to move to its new site which has been a white elephant over the years.
He said the school Council is setting aside a fund from next academic year to support brilliant but needy students who are not able to graduate each year due to financial challenges.
The Rector also used the occasion to condemn the actions of violence meted out against journalists in the country and also asked journalists to be circumspect in the practice of their profession.
The institute in its sixty years of existence, has trained many Communication experts and media professionals across the country. It rides on promoting communication excellence in Ghana and Africa as its vision.
The University now offers diploma, degree and masters programs in communication studies, including other certificate programs.
Students were awarded in various categories with items such as laptops, printers, recorders, LED TVs, books and branded certificates. The Overall best student of the degree level, as well as best student in Public Relations, Ruben Tetteh who was sponsored by the Stanbic Bank and PDS respectively, shared his words.
Story filed by Nhyira Kwabi