Nigerian Students on educational tour to GNA

Category: Education Created on Thursday, 09 August 2012 12:49 Published Date Written by GNA Hits: 351

Accra, Aug. 8, GNA – About 35 mass communication students and a lecturer from the Kogi State University (KSU), Nigeria, on Wednesday paid a day’s educational study tour of Ghana News Agency (GNA), as part of an academic exercise.

     Ms Okpanachi Ruth, lecturer and leader of the group, said the visit to Ghana in general and GNA in particular formed part of a tour of some West African countries to learn more about their news reportage.

    She said Ghana was chosen due to its vibrant media as well as the friendly nature of the people.

     Ms Okpanachi said that though members of the group had visited some major media houses in Abuja, Port Harcourt and Lagos, in their country, it was necessary for them to compare notes and see the differences in media reportage in Ghana and Nigeria.

     Ghana was the first country the group had visited, and the students said they were excited about the warm reception they had received from GNA though their visit coincided with the funeral of President John Evan Atta Mills.

     Kogi State University, located at Anyigba, was established in 1999 by Prince Abubakar Audu, the former governor of the state.

     At the time of its establishment, it was known as Kogi State University, and it was named Prince Abubakar Audu University in 2002 and later re-named Kogi State University in 2003.

     The University commenced academic activities in April 2000 with six faculties namely; Faculties of Agriculture, Arts and Humanities, Law, Management Sciences, Natural Sciences and Social Sciences.

      Mr Onoja Leonard, President of KSU Mass Communication Students Association, said the academic exercise would afford members the opportunity to develop a cordial relationship with some media houses in Ghana, and also learn about best practices concerning news reportage.

     Mr Patrick Firempong, GNA Deputy News Editor, who took the students round the various sections of the Agency, said GNA strives to be the preferred source of news and information on Ghana and Africa and stressed on accuracy and fairness.