GIJ to Change Brand Name

Accra, Feb. 08, GNA - The Ghana Institute of Journalism (GIJ) is to be turned into a University College of Communication Studies an official said on Thursday.

Mr Kweku Rockson, Acting Director of the Institute, announced this to his student when he presented the Five-Year Corporate Plan (2005-2010) of the Institute in Accra.

Mr Rockson explained that, the plan would be feasible when certain structures such as an excellent teaching and learning environment, new academic programmes and more infrastructural facilities were put in place upon the passage of the enabling Legislative Instrument (LI) which had already been approved by the Cabinet.

He indicated that, the Institute must move to its new site at Okponglo near Legon, in alignment with the strategic objectives of the Five-Year Corporate Plan, adding, that, the objective would thrive on a fast-track lane, only if, GIJ was perceived as a full tertiary institution.

Mr Rockson said with the successful passage of the LI (which seeks to shift GIJ from the Ministry of Information to the Ministry Education and Sports), the Institute would not only enjoy maximum recognition, but would as well have the opportunity to access other benefits like the Ghana Education Trust Fund, which could supply enough fund to erect sufficient lecture halls and hostel facilities among other things, within a short time.

The Five-year Corporate Plan, which was drafted by a five-man Committee, contains the directions, corporate vision, mission statement, core values, strategic objectives, strategic plan, work plan and cost. He said the vision of the new plan was for the Institute to become the preferred communication training institute in Africa, upholding high academic standards and producing world-class professionals for the transformation of society.

The mission of the Institute and for that matter all stakeholders described as three-dimensional and general identity was to remain a highly academic and professional communication institution serving the needs of students, industry and the society.

According to the plan, a research and publication unit would also be established to improve upon the research and solution finding base of both staff and students; a radio and television and modern press units to link theory and practice in addition to integrating Information and Communication Technology (ICT) into all activities to the demands of the global industry.

The Plan also entails ideas to improve on aspects of the administrative system such as discipline among students, teaching and non-teaching staff, transport and security.

Mr Rockson mentioned, the lack of permanent teaching staff as one major problem that hindered the growth of the Institute, as historical background studies of the planning committee revealed, saying, in view of that, his administration would put in place a workable staff development policy to address the situation.

He said there were plans also to formulate and implement gender sensitive policies and procedures to the same welcoming effects of teamwork.

A Lecturer of the Institute and lead facilitator of the Plan, Mr Frimpong Manso said, preparations towards a substantive plan had become imperative when the 1996-2000 Corporate Plan was found to be unworthy of current developmental trends at a Board meeting in May 2005.