The RUDN University, Russia, in collaboration with Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin, Department of Mass Communication, organized the RUDN 2026 Short Course Scholarship in Africa, focusing on Entrepreneurial Journalism in Algorithmic System.
The two-day training programme held on Monday, January 12 to Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at the Odfel Resource Center, Kwara State Polytechnic.
The declaration of the training by the Rector of the Polytechnic Engr. Dr. Abdul Jimoh Muhammad ably represented by the deputy rector (Admin). Dr. Felicia Awolola and the Director of IICT Dr. Agboola. She acknowledged the presence of journalists, academic staff, and participants, and delivered the Rector’s message. In her speech, she encouraged participants to take the workshop seriously, describing it as an innovative and timely programme. She added that Nigeria has no limitation to growth, as God Almighty has blessed the nation with abundant capital and economic resources.
The training was anchored by Mr. Olufadi Ayuba, he formally recognized and introduced the lecturers and dignities at the training. The lead facilitator and Convener of the training, Prof. Mustapha Muhammed Jamiu, a lecturer from RUDN University, Russia, explained that entrepreneurship is not only about making money but about creating positive change. He described entrepreneurial journalism as a process where an individual becomes both a product and a service provider.
According to him, journalistic commodities include services such as writing, proofreading, and editing, among others. He emphasized that experimentation is key to entrepreneurship, stating that anyone who cannot experiment cannot succeed as an entrepreneur.
While stressing the importance of independence and sustainability in journalism. He added that “survival is success,” and encouraged students of Kwara State Polytechnic to develop startups or innovation hubs. He also highlighted the importance of teamwork, noting that “If you want to walk fast, work alone; if you want to walk far, work with people.”
Furthermore, Prof. Mustapha, cautioned against excessive exposure of children to technology before the age of 13 and recommended participants watch the documentary “The Social Dilemma” and read the book “The Anxious Generation” and works by Adam Grant.
On artificial intelligence, he explained that AI exists in two major forms: machinery and deep learning, stressing that without human input, AI has no value. He also advised participants against multitasking, describing it as ineffective, and emphasized the importance of fact-checking and attention to detail in journalism. He concluded that tenacity is a major requirement for entrepreneurial success.
Practical sessions were also conducted, where lecturers, students, and guests worked together in teams on presentations and projects, achieving shared objectives.
At the closing session, Mr. Olufadi appreciated the polytechnic management, Convener. lecturers, students, and guests for their active participation, noting that Kwara State Polytechnic is the first Polytechnic in history to host such a programme in Nigeria.
The Head of Department, Mr. Fatiu Oluhungbebe, also expressed gratitude to all participants and appreciated Professor Mustapha for providing the opportunity for the programme. He stated that both staff and students of the department are major beneficiaries and described the participants as fortunate to receive certificates recognized in Russia. He advised students to always read instructions carefully and pay attention to details.
He further appreciated the Rector, management, staff, and students of Kwara State Polytechnic for their support, as the programme ended with successful presentations and collaborative project work.
In his remarks, IICT Chief examinations officer, Mr. Ibraheem A.F also acknowledged the management support and the convener for their timely opportunity in bringing international training to the Polytechnic.
The program is really interesting and thanks so much prof.mustapha for giving this privilege and i learn alot he make me understand better on don’t do what others are doing Do your own different and if you want to walk fast work alone and if you want to walk far work with people and prof.mustapha also said stop wasting your time on tiktok, face book, use your time to be more creative, reading,and money tiktok are using you to make money and you gain nothing your time is money for tiktok and this app is destroy you mentally because open tiktok in the morning and saw your friend posting in one house in lekk you now carry that one in your mind you don’t know what he or she do to get there you are now think emotional breakdown you too want to post same thing as your friend so it affect you mentally