The Managing Editor, FactualTimes Online and Lecturer at the Department of Mass Communication, Federal Polytechnic Ado-Ekiti, Oyewale Oyelola, has called for review of the Mass Communication curriculum in line with emerging technologies.
Oyelola made this call during Media Entrepreneurship training organized by African Young Media Professionals held at the Center for Management Development (CMD), Lagos.
He observed that Mass Communication curriculum for University and Polytechnic does not reflect changes in the profession birthed by technological advancement across the globe.
According to him, Nigeria needs to brace up with advanced countries in terms of media practice by reviewing the curriculum in line with technological advancement such as artificial intelligence, computer based news verification tools, fact checking mechanisms and modern content distribution strategies across platforms.
Oyelola also implored media practitioners to upgrade their skills in order to harness ICT tools for news gathering, processing and distribution.
Facilitators at the two-day capacity building include Prof. Yunus Olunifesi of Lagos State University, BBC Editor and producer of GistNaija, Omotola Adebanjo, Executive Director of Media Career Development Network, Lekan Otufodunrin and Founder of Technext, David Afolayan.
Speaking during the two-day workshop, on business model, the Executive Director of Africa Foundation for Young Media Professionals, Yinka Olaito, said the viability and sustainability of media platforms are crucial aspects for the success and impact of any media organization.
“In today’s rapidly changing media landscape, media platforms need to adapt and evolve to remain relevant and competitive, ” he said.
The 2023 Media Entrepreneurship Fellowship is a programme designed to address the emerging challenges in the media industry in Nigeria.