AKCILS Acting Provost Assures Mass Communication Students Of Continued Support
By Abdullahi Yusuf
The Acting Provost of Aminu Kano College of Islamic and Legal Studies (AKCILS), Dr. Ali Tamasi Mu’az, has assured students of Professional Diploma in Mass Communication, Advanced Professional Diploma in Mass Communication and that of Computer and Photojournalism Studies of sustained institutional support to enhance their training and prepare them for professional careers in the media industry.
A statement by the institution’s Protocol and Public Relations Directorate, said
Dr.Tamasi gave the assurance at the graduation ceremony of students of the Professional Diploma and Advanced Professional Diploma in Mass Communication held at the College.
He said the Mass Communication programme, established about 16 years ago, was introduced in response to the growing demand for professionally trained manpower by media organisations in Kano State and beyond.
According to him, the programme has made significant contributions to the media industry by producing a large number of trained journalists currently working in virtually every media organisation in the state, particularly radio stations.
The Acting Provost said the College would continue to support the programme and its students, noting that professional training remained essential to producing competent,reasonable and responsible media practitioners.
In a paper presented at the ceremony, veteran journalist Malam Bashir Muhammad Bashir a.k.a(Bash M.Bash)examined “The Role of Journalists in Curtailing the Menace of Drug Addiction and Thuggery,” stressing the responsibility of journalists to use their platforms to address social problems and promote positive change.
The National Secretary of the National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Dr. Wasila Ladan, while delivering a goodwill message at the event, urged the female graduands in particular to remain committed to the profession and make meaningful contributions to journalism and society.
Also speaking, university don and seasoned journalist, Dr. Bala Muhammad, advised the graduands to pursue further education, stressing the need for continuous learning and professional development in the rapidly changing media industry.
The Chairman of the occasion and Chairman/Managing Director of the Kano State Transport Authority, Alhaji Sa’idu Abdullahi Shu’aibu, charged the graduands to uphold honesty, credibility and trust in their journalistic practice.
Shu’aibu also cautioned them against fake news and propaganda, urging them to verify information before publication and always place professional ethics above personal or sectional sentiments.
Alhaji Shu’aibu also pledged to provide transportation support to the College whenever the need arises.
A major highlight of the ceremony was the launch of The AKCILS Pen, a magazine produced by the graduating students as part of their practical training.
Guests and other members of the public purchased copies of the magazine in support of the students’ efforts.
The occasion also featured the presentation of awards to distinguished individuals, including the Chairman/Managing Director of the Kano State Transport Authority, Alhaji Sa’idu Abdullahi Shu’aibu, a veteran journalist, Malam Muhammad Musa Muhammad Inya, Malam Aminu Muhammad Kabara, and the Director-General of the Kano State Debt Management Office, Dr. Hamisu Sadi Ali, among others.
Letters of appreciation were equally presented to various media organisations in Kano State in recognition of their contributions to the training of AKCILS’ Professional Diploma in Mass Communication students, particularly through their participation in the Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES).
In her vote of thanks, the College Registrar, Hajiya Raliya Aliyu Abubakar, commended the graduands for their achievements and expressed appreciation to the guests and other stakeholders for attending and supporting the ceremony.