VC thrilled by progress of pioneer journalism graduates of Department
Story: Hannah Addae
The vice Chancellor of KNUST, Prof. Rita Akosua Dickson was all joy when she met two pioneers of the Department’s journalism programme after an event on KNUST campus.
The two pioneers, Issah Zackariah and Doris Lonta, who graduated in 2023, were at the event as journalists representing two major media houses in the country. University Relations Officer of KNUST, Dr. Daniel Norris Bekoe, whose office coordinated the event, also noted that other journalists from other media houses who covered the event were all alumni of KNUST.
Issah Zackariah and Doris Lonta both obtained First Class Honours in Media and Communication Studies (Journalism) and coincidentally hail from the Bole district in the Savannah Region of Ghana. They enrolled into the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) to read BA Media and Communication Studies when the programme was introduced in 2019.
According to Dr. Bekoe, Doris and Zackariah were among the five pioneering students in the Journalism Class of the Media and Communication Studies Programme who graduated with First Class Honors demonstrating academic excellence.
Dr. Bekoe noted that their journey from being colleagues during undergraduate studies to representing major media houses in the country was a testament to their dedication and commitment to their studies and craft.
He added that the impressive strides being made by alumni of the Department such Doris Lonta and Issah Zackariah should serve as a source of inspiration to current and prospective students as it also highlighted the commitment of the University to produce high caliber media and communication professionals who will make significant contributions to the media landscape.
Notably, during their time at KNUST, Issah Zackariah served as the President of the Media and Communication Students Association while Doris Lonta held the position of General Secretary of the Association, demonstrating their leadership qualities and collaborative spirit.
Reflecting on their achievements, Issah Zackariah emphasized the importance of teamwork and mutual support in reaching professional milestones. Doris, described as a cook, sister, and teammate, played a significant role in challenging and nurturing his potentials, ultimately contributing to their success in the field.
Doris said, the journey had been challenging but exciting. “Being a pioneer meant shouldering significant responsibilities and working relentlessly. I remember fellow students offering other programmes approaching senior course mates for guidance while we had no such assistance. We had to navigate this journey independently and provide support to those who followed. The path was filled with remarkable experiences and cherished memories,” she noted.