A three day conference organized by the School of Media and Communication of the Pan-African University took place between the 24th and 26th of August 2009. The conference which took place at the Ajah campus of the University was focused on Journalism and New Media.

The Vice  Chancellor of the Pan-African University, Prof. Albert Alos who declared the conference open noted that traditional media is being transformed by technologies. He emphasized the need to use the media responsibly especially in the provision of content for the wider public.

In his welcome address, the Dean of the School of Media and Communication, Prof. Emevwo Biakolo gave a brief history of the school. He noted that the School is a response to the needs of the media industry.

The keynote speaker , Engr. Ernest Ndukwe, the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission(NCC) spoke extensively on Communication, Policy and Journalism Practice. He explained how digital revolution has progressed to usher in an advanced information age with computer networking solutions. Engr. Ndukwe stated that digital participation is the key to building a 21st century economy and without ICT a nation or person cannot reach her full potential in today’s world. He also said that the new media will define the concept of journalism and media practice and redefine media power ownership in the continent.

In addition to the various discussion panels, there were seven plenary sessions during the conference. The sessions were led by both academics and persons from the industry. Prof. David Kerr from the University of Botswana delivered a paper titled New Media in Africa: Global stimulus, media imperialism or global opportunity, while Dr. Jeremy Weate, the Vice-President of Timbuktu Media spoke on Networked Journalism. Mr. Ben Egbuna, a former Director General of Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria spoke about ICT & Broadcast Journalism and Dr. Jenks Okwori, a lecturer from the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria delivered a paper titled From Instantaneous GSM Camera Images to Holograms: The Expanses of New Media.

The other plenary sessions were led by Prof. Des Wilson, Dr. Tunde Adegbola and Mr. Joseph Hundah respectively. Prof Des Wilson the Dean of the Faculty of Arts, University of Uyo made a tentative proposal on restructuring media training in Nigerian universities while Dr. Tunde Adegbola , Executive Director African Languages Technology Initiative, talked about the effects of the new media on the theatre and film. The Managing Director of Multichoice, Mr. Joseph Hundah discussed extensively about the impact of the Development of Technology on the Pay TV Industry.

Highlights of the three day conference included a screening of Tunde Kelani’s film, The Narrow Path, a welcome cocktail for the participants at the School of Media and Communication which is located in the Victoria Island campus of the university, and a dance drama by a theatre group titled Monkeypost.

Read the conference communique here .