Since 2023, the Center for Continuing Professional Education at the Faculty of Philology of the Patrice Lumumba Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University) has been successfully implementing advanced training programs for Nigerian specialists in media communications, research, and pedagogy.

According to Elizaveta Telegina, Vice-Rector for Continuing Education at RUDN University, “The implementation of such projects confirms the importance of continuous learning as a key tool for professional development in the context of constantly evolving work processes and the introduction of new technologies. Continuing education programs in media communications primarily contribute to improving the practical skills of Nigerian specialists through work on real-world projects. Learning through these programs unites people of different cultures through knowledge and contributes to the sustainable development of countries via education, which reflects the core mission of the Patrice Lumumba Peoples’ Friendship University.”

In its first two years, the Center implemented four professional development programs under the academic direction of Dr. Mustapha Muhammed Jamiu, Lecturer in the Department of Mass Communications. The programs included:

Media and Intercultural Communication in the Digital Age
Community Journalism in the Digital Age
Academic Journalism for Young Scholars
Entrepreneurial Journalism for Young Media Founders and Media Content Creators

Participants gained relevant knowledge and practical skills from media communications professionals, including training in modern tools, critical thinking development, and understanding media functionality in the digital era. The project’s international focus facilitated cultural exchange and helped build a professional network among participants from different countries as assets that will benefit their future careers.

Kristina Abdus, Director of the Center for Continuing Professional Education, stated, “As part of the educational project, we signed four cooperation agreements with major Nigerian organizations: the Center for Research on the Development of Media Management and Society in Africa (CEREDEMS Africa); the African Center for Media and Intercultural Dialogue; Customer Service Awards Limited; and the Wakanda Media Foundation. RUDN’s collaboration with its African partners creates favorable conditions for adapting educational programs to local contexts, meeting labor market demands, and fostering sustainable ties between educational institutions and businesses in the region. This collaboration exemplifies the successful integration of academic potential and practical needs, contributing to Russia’s long-term strategic interests in Africa.”

2026, the Center continued its annual short-course scholarship program in Nigeria. According to Program Director Dr. Mustapha Muhammed Jamiu, “This year’s trainings were organized in collaboration with ten partner higher institutions, including the University of Ilorin, Kaduna State University, Nasarawa State University, Kwara State College of Arabic and Islamic Legal Studies, Fountain University, Kwara State University, Bingham University, Thomas Adewunmi University, Kwara State Polytechnic, and Afe Babalola University. The sessions took place across five states—Kwara, Nasarawa, Abuja, Osun, and Ekiti which attracted approximately 2,000 participants.”

The courses offered this year were:

Digital Pedagogy for Higher Education Teachers
Entrepreneurial Journalism in Algorithmic Systems
Implementing Ethics of Academic Writing and Research in Emerging Technologies