KNUST Lecturer Raises Alarm Over Media Students’ Industry Readiness.
A lecturer at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Dr. Daniel Nkrumah, has expressed concern about the preparedness of media students for the realities of the professional industry, warning that many graduates lack the practical skills required to succeed.
Theory vs Practice Gap
Speaking at the Media Convergence in Ghana event organised by the Africa Media Bureau on April 29, 2026, Dr. Nkrumah highlighted a persistent disconnect between academic training and industry expectations. He attributed this largely to the heavy emphasis on theory in media education, which limits students’ exposure to hands-on digital skills.
According to him, this imbalance is producing graduates who struggle to meet the demands of today’s fast-paced and technology-driven media landscape.
Early Educational Challenges
Dr. Nkrumah noted that the problem begins even before students reach the university level. He explained that many students are not introduced to media and digital competencies during their secondary education, putting them at a disadvantage from the outset.
He further pointed out that the limited duration of academic semesters makes it difficult for students to adequately develop essential practical skills.
Concerns Over Teaching Capacity
Beyond student readiness, the lecturer also raised questions about the capacity of some educators to effectively teach specialised courses, particularly in digital media. He challenged institutions to assess whether lecturers assigned to such courses possess the necessary practical expertise.
He also referenced standards set by the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission, suggesting that while certification requirements are important, they may not always align with the practical demands of modern media training.
Call for Reforms
Dr. Nkrumah called for a comprehensive review of media education in Ghana, including curriculum design, teaching approaches, and faculty development. He stressed that without deliberate reforms, the gap between academia and industry will continue to widen, ultimately affecting the quality of media professionals entering the workforce.
His remarks add to ongoing conversations about the need to modernise education systems to better reflect evolving industry trends, particularly in the digital era.