University of Media, Arts and Communication

The University of Media, Arts and Communication (UniMAC-GIJ), formerly the Ghana Institute of Journalism (GIJ), is a public university in Ghana.[1] The institute is accredited by the National Accreditation Board.[2][3]

Participants of a Wikipedia presentation at GIJ in 2017

UniMAC-GIJ has campuses in Accra at Ringway, Osu, and at North Dzorwulu.[1]

History

The Ghana Institute of Journalism was established on 16 October 1959 by Kwame Nkrumah, the first president of Ghana. The school was formally called the School of Journalism, and was a department at the Accra Technical Institute (now Accra Technical University). The first principal and journalism tutor was Richard McMillan.[1] The university's library is named in his honor.[4]

The school became the Ghana Institute of Journalism in 1974.[1][5] The school received its presidential charter establishing it as a university in 2009.[6]

Directors/rectors
Name Duration
Kwamena Kwansah-Aidoo 2018–
Modestus Fosu 2018
W.S.K Dzisah 2014–2018
David Newton 2009–2014
Kweku Rockson 2006–2009
David Newton 1993–2006
Kojo Yankah 1984–1993
Kwame Duffour 1983–1984
Kabral Blay Amihere 1982–1983
R. Quartey 1979–1982
G. F. Dove 1973–1978
Fred Agyeman 1969–1973
Martin Tay 1968–1969
W.G. Smith 1965–1966
Cecil Forde 1963–1965
Sam Arthur 1962–1963

Programs

The school runs Diploma, Bachelor of Arts and Masters programs.[7]

  • The Diploma Program is a 2-year program consists of communication, social sciences and arts subjects.
  • The Bachelor of Arts program is a 4-year program with options of specializing in either Journalism or Public Relations.
  • The Masters Programs is a 1-year program with options to specialize in Public Relations, Journalism, Media Management and Development Communication.
  • A two-year B.A. in Communication Studies Top-Up Programme for Diploma graduates.[8]

Faculties/Departments

Controversies

The management of the university was labeled as 'insensitive' to the hardship caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, after the school increased its facility user fees for 2020/21 academic year. It led to a protest on social media and the decision was later reversed.[14]

The management of the institution asked students who paid their fees late to defer their courses for the academic year. The students protested and accused the management as 'unfair' and 'insensitive' as they were not aware of the consequences.[15] Some students were denied access to the two campuses of the institution.[16] The management later allowed the students to register for their end-of-semester exams.[17]

Amnesty for non graduating students

In November 2020, students who had not been able to graduate since 2013, were given the opportunity by the academic board to register and complete their programs. This was to be done within three years.[18]

References
  1. "Overview". Retrieved July 29, 2023.
  2. "Ghana Institute of Journalism". www.nab.gov.gh. Retrieved June 21, 2012.
  3. "Ghana Institute of Journalism:History". www.gij.edu.gh. Archived from the original on 2016-03-03. Retrieved 2016-02-21.
  4. "History of the Office". Ghana Institute of Journalism. Retrieved 29 July 2023.
  5. "Ghana Institute of Journalism at 60 with no accommodation?". GhanaWeb. 2019-05-02. Retrieved 2023-08-02.
  6. "Ghana Institute of Journalism now a University". www.modernghana.com. Retrieved June 21, 2012.
  7. "Academic Courses – Ghana Institute of Journalism". gij.edu.gh. Retrieved 2018-09-17.
  8. "Home". Ghana Institute of Journalism. 2023-05-18. Retrieved 2023-07-28.
  9. "Faculty of Integrated Communication Sciences". Ghana Institute of Journalism. Retrieved 2023-07-12.
  10. "Faculty of Journalism & Media Studies". Ghana Institute of Journalism. Retrieved 2023-07-12.
  11. "Faculty of Public Relations, Advertising & Integrated Marketing". Ghana Institute of Journalism. Retrieved 2023-07-12.
  12. "School of Graduate Studies and Research (SoGSaR)". Ghana Institute of Journalism. Retrieved 2023-07-12.
  13. "School of Alternative Learning". Ghana Institute of Journalism. Retrieved 2023-07-12.
  14. "UG reduces fees for 2020/21 academic year". www.ghanaweb.com. 2020-11-19. Retrieved 2020-11-20.
  15. "GIJ students protest over new directive to defer course for late payment of fees - MyJoyOnline.com". www.myjoyonline.com. Retrieved 2021-03-24.
  16. "GIJ locks out students". Graphic Online. Retrieved 2021-03-24.
  17. "GIJ pardons students directed to defer academic year over late payment of fees". Citinewsroom – Comprehensive News in Ghana. 2021-03-25. Retrieved 2021-03-26.
  18. "GIJ grants amnesty to students yet to graduate since 2013". Graphic Online. Retrieved 2020-11-27.

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