Mass Communications Department of RUDN University

Mustapha Muhammed Jamiu Explores Education Abroad and Patriotism on AM Drive

In the continuation of promoting Russia’s higher educational products and services at the RUDN University, Dr. Mustapha Muhammed Jamiu of the Department of Mass Communication had the opportunity to shed more light on the significance of advancing higher education abroad and the need to continue improving the quality of it in Nigeria. Dr. Mustapha Muhammed Jamiu, who is currently on a team of faculty members for a week-long intensive professional course ex*****on for professionals in Nigeria and Ghana, was invited by the Kwara State Broadcasting Corporation, which featured him on its AM Drive daily programme.

Speaking on the platform, Dr Mustapha emphasized that studying abroad is a transformative experience, stating, "More than 50-70% of our educational process occurs outside the classroom or the specific location you travel to—it's about the people you meet." He discussed the phenomenon of "Japa," linking forceful migration to socioeconomic challenges and the pursuit of "Greener Pastures."

Drawing from his personal experience of earning all his higher education degrees abroad, Mustapha highlighted the need for extraordinary efforts to thrive in a foreign environment. Regardless of the destination, he encouraged Nigerian students to be prepared to fight for their goals and urged them to maintain patriotism and remember their roots.

Mustapha pointed out key factors contributing to the success of foreign universities, emphasizing the importance of a conducive environment and the practical implementation of knowledge. Using examples like RUDN and technological universities, he showcased institutions actively involved in city improvement, forums, and real-world applications of student projects, leading to job opportunities post-graduation.

While acknowledging the efforts of Kwara State, Mustapha likened the situation to watching a football game from the stadium—it's easier than being on the field. He urged civil servants to address malfunctions and enhance existing systems to further improve the quality of higher education in the state.

Heran on the Russian Language and Adjusting his Intentions for the Future

Heran Reheti, a Kazakh student at RUDN, came to Russia to expand his knowledge and skills in the areas of media, journalism, and communications. Heran is the student of the week who speaks with us on various personal matters on the RUDN campus and in Russia in general. Like other students who spoke with us, Heran also believes that his expectations regarding quality and industry-focused higher education are being realised gradually.


Heran Reheti, a student of the Global and Digital Media programme, arrived at RUDN from China. Like many, he completed his bachelor's degree in China and came here to improve his knowledge and skills. Heran and his family are ethnic Kazakhs by origin. This means that several centuries ago, his ancestors moved to China and assimilated, but not completely. The family retained knowledge of the oral Kazakh language. Heran cannot write or read Kazakh but speaks both Kazakh and Chinese perfectly. Heran studied Chinese language and literature in his country but chose a related specialty for his master's degree.


Previously, Heran had little interest in the news sphere. He admits that he chose the training program with the hope that he would get involved in the process. However, even before the start of the main course, he became interested in the Russian language at the preparatory faculty. Learning one of the most difficult languages in the world began to bring him pleasure, which in the future helped him master the language at a fairly good level. Despite the fact that Henan's main programme is in English, Russian was very useful to him in everyday life. Going to the store, government agencies are not a problem for him. This is a good level of cultural and social adaptation.

Heran notes that he remembers most of all the two courses taught by associate professor of the Department of Mass Communication, Mustapha Muhammed Jamiu. This course is about journalism as a socio-cultural phenomenon and modern media systems. “The diversity of opinions and information is so great that the organization of the information space is inevitable and necessary.”


Currently, Heran does not have a job in Russia. The academic year is coming to an end soon, and only the diploma defense remains. Heran tries to concentrate on successfully writing and passing his diploma with excellent marks, so that after he goes home to China and finds a job in his specialty, However, Heran admits that his plan may still change because he also tends to study economics and would like to try himself in this field.

Ravi on the Essence of Co-Learning Approach in Computer Science, Photojournalism.

Nirdoshi Ravi Rayender is a computer science and photography instructor at RUDN University's Department of Mass Communication. At the Department, he earned his Bachelor's and Master's degrees in journalism. Ravi has been teaching at the Department of Mass Communication for the past five years. Rayender talks about the significance of co-learning in computer science and photojournalism courses at the Department.

for being a university teacher:
He acknowledges that he never saw himself as a teacher one day. He happened to have a few of classes a week and became involved. Ravi goes on to say: "And I realized that I like to share my experience with other people."

personality and teaching approaches:
His fundamental teaching principle is to engage each individual learner. He believes that this is the most crucial factor, because if the student is involved, he will be motivated to attend courses rather than skip them. Despite the fact that Ravi was a student not long ago, he still has a deep mental connection with youth.
Ravi likes to pose a lot of questions to his students and point them in the direction of the right response. He thinks that if a student responds to the question on his own, there's a good chance he (student) will remember it because he provided the response.
Setting the tone and tempo for the semester begins with the first meeting. In order to prevent his lectures from being monologues, Ravi always aims to be at the same level as his students. "Everyone is interested because we are all involved," Ravi, jokes, and most importantly, no one falls asleep in the class."
For Ravi, there are no distinctions between international and Russian pupils. He gives each student the same attention. He makes a constant effort to avoid using technical language. Though Ravi claims that practice is all that is necessary for computer science and photojournalism, he feels that technical terms impede understanding. Ravi is more receptive to explanations if there is any uncertainty.

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Ravi is not working on any research projects. Currently, he is more interested in hands-on experience with professional filming and photo/video editing. Gaining practical expertise in photography and video, along with their processing, is another goal of Ravi's classes.

department's English language programme:
As Ravi says, “Learning is difficult when you think that way or try to memorize something without trying to delve into it. Learning will become much easier when you begin to understand the very essence; then you will not have to memorize.”

RUDN Mass Communication Experts to Conduct One-Week Professional Intensive Course in Africa.

Leading experts from the Centre for Continuing Professional Education of the Philological Faculty, RUDN University - Associate Professor Natalia Poplavskaya, Dr. Natalia Ivanova, and Dr. Mustapha Muhammad Jamiu - are set to embark on a transformative journey through six cities in Nigeria and Ghana, making a significant contribution to the advancement of intercultural communication. The upcoming one-week professional intensive course program promises to delve into the nuances of contemporary ideas, methodologies, and procedures critical for communicators, managers, and professionals navigating the digital age's complexities.

The course, which has been rigorously crafted to address the ever-changing landscape of intercultural communication, serves as a beacon for communicators, managers, and professionals attempting to traverse the complexity of the modern world. The modules reveal a curriculum rich in relevance, with topics such as "Communication, Culture, and Technology" and "Understanding Intercultural Communication from Different Perspectives."

Participants will be subjected to a thorough examination of local news media as they move into the core of the course. The program seeks to be a catalyst for the growth of community journalism as a burgeoning field of study in the digital age by delving into the complexities of newspaper management technology and community relations, as well as by dissecting business-related operations, such as editorial advertising and circulation.

This ambitious project not only demonstrates the Centre for Continuing Professional Education of the Philological Faculty at RUDN's dedication to knowledge-fostering, but it also establishes the course as a crucial platform for professionals who want to stay up to date with the always shifting dynamics in the field of intercultural communication. As the expedition progresses across Ghanaian and Nigerian cities in partnership with leading universities such as Kwara State University(Nigeria), University of Lagos(Nigeria), Regent University(Ghana), and Wakanda Media(Nigeria). The center is set to permanently alter the professional education scene and mold the future generation of leaders and communicators.

Young African Media Practitioners Unite to Enhance Reporting on Sustainable Development Goals - Tekedia The event underscored the importance of media practitioners in driving positive change and fostering sustainable development in the region. With concerted efforts and collaboration, young African media professionals are set to transform the narrative and play a pivotal role in shaping a brighter and...

This week’s digest featured the RUDN SDGS conference report and students' talk.

We covered a report from the RUDN II International Scientific Conference of Students and Young Scientists, themed "For Sustainable Development of Civilization: Cooperation, Science, Education, Technology (Africa's Path to 17 SDGs: Integrated Approach)" and a presentation of our faculty member, Dr Mustapha Muhammed Jamiu on how to combat misinformation through higher institutions at the conference.

Also, in this week’s digest, one of the students of the Global and Digital Media Master English program, Kayan Jomaa from Syria shared his experiences so far after joining the program.

Read more on the stories on our page.

Kayan Jomaa on Resilience and Commitment to Acquiring Academic, Professional Skills at RUDN University

One of the hardest things in life is learning skills and information in a place that is different from one's own in terms of culture, customs, and beliefs. This is because the world is always changing as a result of people's shifting wants and political maneuvers. But in this talk series, Syrian Kayan Jomaa—who left his home country to pursue academic and professional skills at RUDN University—says that, with a strong sense of purpose and dedication to strategic objectives, one can accomplish nearly anything, thanks to the university's top-notch resources and its community of supportive faculty and staff.

Past experience and professional competence before coming to Russia: Kayan Jomaa came from Syria two years ago and has 15 years of experience in the field of media. He started working as a journalist in the daily newspaper "Baladna" in Damascus in 2007 and was then assigned to Syrian and Arab media as an editor and field reporter. Kayan has started his career as a journalist at the Syrian Arab News Agency, "SANA." At the same time, he was in charge as the managing editor of the "hashtag website and editorial supervisor at Al-Khabar TV.

Today, Kayan has dozens of investigations, published articles, satirical and critical works, video reports, and audio commentary on YouTube, but the one closest to his heart is research dedicated to social and revealing issues that affect life and people’s well-being.

Since early childhood, Kayan has discovered a writing talent inside him. Kayan was impressed by television correspondents from the channels and the openness of the new era of media in the twenty-first century. The voice of the SANA correspondent reporting from Moscow still lives in Kayan’s memory until this moment. “Then I became attached to the profession after I worked in it on the ground, and when I entered the field of work, I searched for facts, investigated sources, and pursued corruption networks and cases of fraud and forgery, so the profession became part of my being and a work related to my personality, so I cannot isolate myself from being a journalist or see myself in another profession," Kayan says.

However, Kayan cannot say that he will not try another profession one day. 21st century reality throws us into challenges and pushes us to step on another path sometimes.

For his master's degree, Kayan had chosen RUDN due to its prestigious position among the universities in Russia. Moreover, Kayan knows personally many RUDN alumni, such as his famous cousin, journalist Abbas Jomaa, and there are those who are still students, such as his sister Basmah. Kayan loved the intercultural environment and embrace of a diverse community in RUDN.

Experience of studying at the Faculty of Philology: In Kayan’s opinion, the Faculty of Philology has a high-level teaching staff and professors qualified to lead the academic path and help their students achieve progress and success. He believes that the faculty’s staff has a high sense of responsibility, patience, and cooperation, and that everything in the college is easy to access, understand, and deal with.

During his master's degree, Kayan mastered such skills as writing scientific research. By writing dozens of academic articles under the guidance of faculty professors, he possessed the key knowledge of academic writing. Now he has experience in publishing research papers and participating in scientific conferences.

Kayan’s research interests are focused on the areas of protecting journalists and understanding the working conditions, requirements, obstacles, risks, and prospects, as he tries to devote his practical experience to scientific research and combine fieldwork with academic work. That is actually the main goal that he has been working toward since he decided to complete his studies in Russia.

He decided to choose Professor Bella Bulgarova as his supervisor. He is convinced that their academic interests match. It is important to mention that Kayan was able to find more than one job in Russia while studying. One of them is a reporter for the Syrian satellite channel "Sama,” and the other job is voiceover. He is able to manage between work and study because it is a freelance job.

Professional plans: Kayan is planning to finish his Master’s degree and apply for a PhD. He believes that job opportunities in the Russian media field are wide and available. By the time he finishes his PhD, the number of skills will have doubled, making him a sought-after specialist.

From Science to Action: RUDN's Conference Spurs Collaboration for Africa's Sustainable Future

Through the scientific endeavours of African and Russian scientists, the People's Friendship University has again demonstrated its ability to further meaningful intellectual discourse on global challenges, particularly those affecting Africa, by continuing to enhance public discourse. The university is fulfilling its promise to advance Africa and Africans via innovative educational offerings, thus our writer observes that this is not a major surprise.

The institution hosted the II International Scientific Conference of Students and Young Scientists, focusing on "For Sustainable Development of Civilization: Cooperation, Science, Education, Technology (Africa's Path to 17 SDGs: Integrated Approach)" from November 21–24, 2023. With the central theme being "17 Sustainable Development Goals for the African Region 2030," the event convened 1500 experts from 70 countries, including representation from Algeria, Namibia, Sierra Leone, Ethiopia, and prominent scientists worldwide.

The conference, comprising 13 sections covering all 17 Sustainable Development Goals, aimed to address crucial issues, challenges, and potential directions for Africa's development. Scientists and students shared research findings and best practices across various disciplines, such as ecology, agriculture, urban planning, and health.

In the health sector, Jana Kassem, a general medicine student at RUDN University, highlighted the significance of the conference, especially the participation of accomplished doctors from Africa. She emphasized the value of diverse presentations touching on various medical themes, including her focus on kidney transplants and maternal deaths. Jana's team secured second place in a competition among 16 student groups, providing her with valuable networking opportunities and a platform to present her research.

Dr. Muhammad Jamiu Mustapha, representing the Faculty of Philology, presented insights on "Continuing and Accessible Education: Strategies for the Future." He discussed ongoing projects in Anglophone West African countries, emphasizing the importance of integrating critical thinking and media literacy into higher education curricula across disciplines.

Dr. Mustapha underscored the conference's significance in strengthening Russia's ties with Africa, signaling a commitment to understanding the continent from diverse perspectives. The outcomes included a resolution adopted by participants, summarizing key discussions on all 17 SDGs, and providing recommendations for immediate action and implementation by stakeholders. The conference showcased a collaborative effort to address global challenges and foster sustainable development.

Our writer further notes given that many Russian students conducted their own independent research and presented their findings on various African developments, the theme selection is a clear indication of Russia's readiness to deepen its relationship with Africa, demonstrate respect, and encourage the next generation to view the continent from a variety of perspectives. Such conferences, which aim to collaboratively devise strategies for achieving the Sustainable

Development Goals (SDGs) while prioritizing Africans' timely implementation, hold immense importance for cross-cultural communication and development.

Prepared by: Roula Elias

Weekly Digest
November 13-18, 2023.
You can read more here https://phil.rudn.ru/Russia%27s_educational_system and https://www.facebook.com/share/H3Uz8biRdkgJ9HZV/?mibextid=I6gGtw

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Natalia Ivanova on Inclusivity in Teaching, Persistence in Learning

Some countries' learning environments have become increasingly exclusive and unsustainable over the years. This is due in great part to the nature of the teacher-student interaction. It's also been related to a lack of suitable infrastructure for successful teaching and learning. Beyond these challenges, Natalia A. Ivanova, a lecturer and strategic media communications specialist, believes that the learning environment will be more beneficial to all stakeholders if lecturers are willing to allow inclusive teaching and students are persistent in acquiring skills and knowledge.

Motivations for being a university teacher~
Natalia knew that after gaining a lot of practical experience, she would want to become a teacher closer to the age of 40 in order to share this experience. The second reason is to avoid gaps in understanding the value of the world and the goals of life. Natalia believes that the younger generation has their own vision of priorities and approaches in response. This is very important in order to be relevant in your profession.

Academic personality and teaching approaches~
The main principle is equality with students. Natalia notes: "We are all colleagues. We are not teachers and students; we are colleagues. And today I am teaching them, and tomorrow, perhaps, one of them will teach me. Perhaps one of them will be a performer for me, or I can be a performer for them. In the role of an expert, because all today's students are future professionals and cool professionals in the industry."
Natalia has her own special approach to the first classes. At the first meeting, regardless of the number of students, she tries to get acquainted. If this is a small group, then the acquaintance takes place individually. It is important to ask everyone why he chose this profession, what his goals are, how he sees his future in the profession, and what he wants to associate with it. If the class is large, then the first lecture is arranged in the format of a dialogue. Natalia asks questions to the audience.
When working with international students, it is important for Natalia to take into account objective language difficulties. When there are foreign students, classes are arranged so that Russian-speaking students can learn more about professional nuances—it is the professional part of the country where the student came from. Thus, students receive not only knowledge on the subject but also learn the specifics of the practical part of the experience and mutually enrich themselves with knowledge.

Academic collaboration~
Natalia is sure that teachers should involve students in scientific work. Thus, in practice and in a real situation, it becomes possible to pass on your experience to them. The sphere that is close to Natalia is a multipolar world, soft power, analysis of the political agenda of the media of different countries, and Russia's foreign policy in the CIS countries.

Enhancing department's English language programme~
Natalia advises applicants: "Enroll in the English-language programmes of the Faculty of Philology of the RUDN, because it is more likely that students will study and live for some time with guys from different countries. In addition to professional knowledge, they will also gain real experience of international communication and learn to interact in English, taking into account different accents and pronunciations of not only native speakers but also representatives of other countries."
Natalia also advises applicants and current students to decide on the topic of their scientific and professional interests. Natalia is convinced that this way, the time at the university will be spent to the maximum benefit. The student will not just receive general knowledge but also use all the opportunities that exist. It is necessary to clearly understand what he wants from the university, and then he will be able to get this knowledge and skills. It is very important to take part in various additional formats that exist at the People's Friendship University of Russia.

By Yekaterina Rybinok

Young Russian Communication Scientists and Dissection of Multipolar World

On November 16, 2023, RUDN University's Department of Mass Communication hosted an international student scientific and practical conference as a prelude to its goals of showing Russia's educational system on a global scale. Young media communications scholars and practitioners from our English programs and partners had the chance to voice their views on the current geopolitical discussion regarding multipolarity from the media and communications perspectives at the event. "The Multipolar World in the Mirror of Contemporary Young Media Communicators" was the theme of the II All-Russian Student Scientific and Practical Conference.

Read more here https://phil.rudn.ru/Russia%27s_educational_system