RUDN trains over 1,500 African professionals in advanced skills

The Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN), through its Centre for Continuing Professional Education, Faculty of Philology, has successfully completed a transformative six-month professional training programme across Nigeria and Ghana.

The programme, which impacted over 1,500 participants, was conducted in two phases from January to March 2024 and focused on key areas such as academic writing, research publication, and entrepreneurial journalism.

This was revealed in a statement made available to PUNCH Online on September, 8, 2024.

Led by the project leader, Dr. Muhammad Mustapha, along with esteemed scholars from RUDN University and partner institutions, the training took place in cities such as Kaduna, Kwara, Abuja, Rivers, Osun, Lagos, Port Harcourt, and Accra.

In his remarks, Mustapha emphasized the programme’s significance, saying:

“RUDN University remains deeply committed to empowering professionals in Africa with the knowledge and tools needed to thrive in an evolving global landscape.

These training sessions not only built individual capacities but contributed significantly to the development of both the media and academic sectors.”

The statement also highlighted various aspects of the programme:

“The training kicked off in Ilorin, Kwara State, where participants were immersed in intensive sessions on academic writing and research publishing.

“Dr. Sauda Salah Abdul Baaqi from the University of Ilorin led workshops focused on writing for journals, while Dr. Rasaq Adisa provided in-depth instruction on data analysis and maintaining academic integrity.

“In Lagos, entrepreneurial journalism took centre stage at the University of Lagos.

Dr. Natalia Ivanova of RUDN University guided participants through the intersection of journalism and business, highlighting the importance of branding in today’s media landscape.”

Expansion plans and future initiatives

The first phase, held from January to March 2024, reached over 880 participants across Africa.

The second phase saw significant participation, with 120 attendees in Lagos, 110 in Kaduna, 100 in Zaria, 80 in Abuja, and 210 in Kwara.

“This overwhelming response demonstrates the strong demand for professional development in these critical fields,” the statement noted.

Looking ahead, RUDN University announced that it would launch a six-month online Diploma programme in September 2024.

The courses, focused on Policy Communication and Law Enforcement Communication, will cover topics such as public relations and media.

Additionally, the university will train 50 local representatives in Community Reporting for Development in collaboration with the Kwara State Government.

This initiative enables community members to report directly to the government and stakeholders, enhancing engagement and development.

Structure and content of the training programme

The training programme by RUDN University across Nigeria and Ghana was structured in two distinct phases.

It targeted key professional skills, including academic writing, research publication, and entrepreneurial journalism.

Each of these focus areas had detailed curricula and training methods tailored to participants’ needs.

The academic writing and research publication sessions were comprehensive.

They covered constructing well-structured research papers, using open-source platforms, and adhering to international publication standards.

Practical assignments, including article writing exercises, allowed participants to receive real-time feedback from facilitators.

This feedback improved their grasp of research methodologies and academic integrity.

Ethical concerns, such as avoiding plagiarism, were also central to the training.

In the entrepreneurial journalism module, participants were taught how to merge traditional journalism skills with business acumen.

Branding was a crucial part of the curriculum, emphasizing its role in a journalist’s personal and professional identity.

Facilitators used case studies and exercises to help participants develop brand voices and effectively use digital platforms.

They delivered these sessions through workshops, interactive seminars, and practical exercises, offering hands-on experience to the attendees.

The programme’s success in Nigeria and Ghana demonstrates RUDN University’s commitment to professional development across Africa.

Background on RUDN

Founded in 1960, RUDN has long served as a hub for educating international students, particularly from developing nations.

Originally named for Patrice Lumumba, the university was a Soviet effort to ally with newly independent nations during the Cold War.

RUDN’s mission has always been to foster cooperation and understanding among different nationalities, reflected in its motto, “Let knowledge unite us.”

Over the decades, the institution has trained over 150,000 professionals from more than 180 countries.

RUDN hosts students from Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East, earning a reputation for its multicultural environment.

Its academic staff of over 2,800 includes both Russian and foreign experts, with more than 600 doctors of science.

RUDN graduates make significant impacts in medicine, law, and engineering, shaping their home countries’ futures.

Notable alumni include Mahmoud Abbas, President of the Palestinian National Authority, and Michel Djotodia, former President of the Central African Republic.

The university symbolizes Russia’s soft power, offering scholarships and advanced degrees to professionals from developing countries.

RUDN’s engagement in Africa

RUDN University has long maintained a special relationship with African countries, especially Nigeria and Ghana.

Its outreach to the continent began during the Cold War era, when many African nations were gaining independence.

Russia saw education as a tool for fostering strong ties with these countries.

Over the years, RUDN’s professional training programs have played a crucial role in capacity building, helping professionals in various sectors.

The six-month training in Nigeria and Ghana focused on academic writing, entrepreneurial journalism, and research, extending ongoing efforts.

These engagements reflect RUDN’s mission to equip African professionals with the tools needed to navigate global challenges.

By focusing on professional development, the university contributes to the growth of essential sectors in these countries, such as media and academia.

RUDN’s programs build individual capacity and strengthen Russia-Africa ties, highlighting its commitment to international collaboration and development.

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