RUDN University Trains 2,000 Nigerian Specialists in Media, Research, Pedagogy

Funmi Ogundare

About 2,000 Nigerian media professionals, academics and young scholars have benefited from advanced training programmes organised in 2026 by the Centre for Continuing Professional Education at the Faculty of Philology, Patrice Lumumba Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University).

The short-course scholarship trainings, conducted across five states: Kwara, Nasarawa, the Federal Capital Territory (Abuja), Osun and Ekiti, were held in collaboration with 10 Nigerian higher institutions, including the University of Ilorin, Kaduna State University, Nasarawa State University, Kwara State Polytechnic and Afe Babalola University.

Programme Director, Dr Mustapha Muhammed Jamiu, who served as the lead facilitator, said that the initiative focused on equipping participants with practical skills relevant to modern media practice, research and teaching in an era shaped by digital transformation and emerging technologies.

The courses delivered in 2026 included Digital Pedagogy for Higher Education Teachers, Entrepreneurial Journalism in Algorithmic Systems, and Implementing Ethics of Academic Writing and Research in Emerging Technologies. Facilitators from partner institutions across Nigeria supported the training sessions.

Vice-Rector for Continuing Education, RUDN University, Elizaveta Telegina, described continuous learning as critical to professional growth amid changing workplace demands and technological advancements. She noted that the programmes help Nigerian specialists to strengthen practical competencies through real-world projects while promoting intercultural understanding and sustainable development through education.

“Our continuing education initiatives are designed to expand international scientific cooperation and improve the quality of professional training for young specialists across African countries,” she stated.

Since 2023, the centre has implemented four professional development programmes for Nigerian participants under the academic direction of Jamiu. These include Media and Intercultural Communication in the Digital Age, Community Journalism in the Digital Age, Academic Journalism for Young Scholars, and Entrepreneurial Journalism for Young Media Founders and Content Creators.

Director of the Centre for Continuing Professional Education, Kristina Abdus, said, “The project has also deepened institutional collaboration through cooperation agreements with Nigerian organisations such as the Centre for Research on the Development of Media Management and Society in Africa (CEREDEMS Africa), the African Centre for Media and Intercultural Dialogue, Customer Service Awards Limited, and the Wakanda Media Foundation.”

She explained that partnerships with African institutions help to adapt educational programmes to local labour market needs while strengthening long-term academic and professional ties between Russia and Africa.

Host institutions and participants commended RUDN University for the initiative, describing the training as impactful in improving professional capacity.

In recognition of his role in the project, Jamiu received awards from Kaduna State University and Thomas Adewunmi University, Oko-Irese.