A media expert and lecturer at the Department of Mass Communication, Federal Polytechnic Ado-Ekiti, Oyewale Oyetola has called for a review of the mass communication curriculum in line with emerging technologies.
Oyelola in a statement on Wednesday made this call while speaking as a participant during African Young Media Professionals Fellowship organized by the Center for Management Development (CMD).
He observed that the advancementsMass Communication curriculum for university and polytechnics 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 verificafact-checking universitiesuniversities mechanisms and modern content distribution strategies across platforms. “
Oyelola also implored media practitioners to upgrade their skills 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 models, 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.