Women constitute 59 per cent of GIJ's population

Accra, Nov 29, GNA - Ghana Institute of Journalism (GIJ) has a student population of 3,232; out of which women constitute 59 per cent; compared to 41 per males.

Dr Wilberforce S. Dzisah, the Rector, GIJ made this known on Saturday in Accra in his report at the Institute's ninth congregation to award degrees and diplomas to students who have successfully completed their programmes of study in May.

This year's Congregation on the theme: 'Media and Communication: A tool for Promoting Unity and Stability,' graduated a total of 519 students; out of this number, 135 were from the diploma level comprising 46 (34 per cent) and 89 females (64 per cent).

In the degree category, there were 384 graduates with 133 males (34.7 per cent) and 251 (65.3 per cent).

Overall, five students obtained First Class Honours; 87 obtained Second Class Upper Division; 246 had Second Class Lower Division; and 47 students obtained Third Class.

The Rector announced that the Institute would be holding a special Congregation for the first batch of graduate students early next year.

He said the choice of the theme, was in response to the growing public outcry about the performance of the media as it relates to protecting and sustaining the unity and stability of our country.

'As a university which trains media professionals, we are concerned about standards and the quality of journalism in this country.

'After over two decades of multiparty democracy, our discourse especially in the media should therefore be devoid of hatred, personal attacks and acrimony,' he said.

He urged the media to contribute to the building of a new democratic culture based on tolerance, trust and respect for one another.

He said the media should encourage frank and open discussion of national issues devoid of partisan politics as a strategy for forging peace, unity and building national stability.

'Our task as media professionals and particularly as journalists is to let the combative spirit with which we come to our stories inform our ultimate desire to be part of the task for the construction of peace and the enhancement of the process of stability and development.

'It must be noted that journalism, which derives its inspiration from personal slight, sense of hurt or unsubstantiated self-importance cannot help those who indulge in it or the community we claim to serve,' Dr Dzisah said.

He said the journalist in the social context must also learn the virtue if humility, a virtue once learnt should not make the possessor so proud as to become a curse to society.

He observed that the arrogance that comes with the power of the pen could be more deadly than the one that accompanies the sword.

'As you venture into the world, you should see yourselves as the next generation of leaders, thinkers and innovators in Ghana.

'It is up to you to take advantage of what you have learnt and apply it in a productive way.

'Continue to challenge yourselves and never allow anything or anyone to deter you from achieving your highest ambition in life.'

'As a fledging Chartered University of Communication, we have embarked on a series of policy and programme reforms with the view to strengthen and develop our capacities in the areas of human resource development, expansion of infrastructure and facilities, improvement in ICT and the strengthening of our Research and Publications,' he said.

He said since the award of the Charter on June 1, 2009 to operate as an autonomous public university, the academic entity has taken measures to grow the faculties and to develop the required human resource capacity.

He observed that to this end, the Institute has through its scholarship and staff development committee provided sponsorships to at least 10 lectures to pursue doctorate programmes both in Ghana and outside the country.

He said work on their new site at North Dzorwulu is progressing steadily with the contractor now putting roof over the building and that it would be ready for use by next academic year.

He was full of commendation to the Lebanese Community in Ghana and particularly to Mr Ali Halabi, the Lebanese Ambassador, for offering scholarships to some of the brilliant but needy students.

He said so far a total of 16 students at various levels are benefiting from the financial support.

Mr Berifi Apenteng, the Chairman, GIJ Governing Council said approval had been given for the Institute to look for public- private -partnership to put up hostel facilities to help address the students' accommodation problems to ensure conducive learning climate.

The guest speaker, Mr Edward Effah, the Managing Director of Fidelity Bank, in a speech read on his behalf, said media and communication should be a tool for promoting national unity and stability by leading discourse that are relevant to national development and to avoid unnecessary controversies.

The guest of honour, Nii Lante Vanderpouye, the Deputy Minister of Local Government and Rural Development appealed to the media to pursue what would bring the nation together as a people.

On the sporting front, the Deputy Minister urged the media to promote the local league to ensure their continued existence and growth.

Ndanu Harriet Bless was adjudged the Best Overall Student (Degree).

GNA