African Journalists will get a boost in digital rights reporting thanks to a partnership between Paradigm Initiative (PIN) and the School of Media and Communication (SMC) at Pan-Atlantic University (PAU) in Lagos, Nigeria.
In a statement made available to Technology Times on Friday, the two organisations said that this collaboration will provide students with technical training on critical topics like surveillance, data privacy, and digital legislation in Nigeria and Africa.
PIN, a leading digital rights organisation, will offer internship opportunities to outstanding students. These internships will allow them to gain real-world experience by working alongside PIN or its partners. Additionally, “media students at Pan-Atlantic University will publish research papers on digital rights and inclusion.”
“Through this partnership with the School of Media and Communication, Pan-Atlantic University,” Ndlovu said, “we will empower media students to hold governments and the private sector accountable for upholding digital rights standards.”
PIN-PAU alliance to expand scope of digital rights coverage
According to PIN, this partnership is designed to equip journalists with the skills needed to effectively document and report on digital rights violations and advocate for inclusive digital spaces across Africa. It is part of PIN’s Digital Rights and Inclusion Media Programme (DRIMP), which collaborates with academic institutions and media experts to provide training to early-career journalists and media students.
“Building a strong network of informed advocates and reporters is crucial for promoting and protecting digital rights in Africa and this collaboration marks a defining moment for the documentation of digital rights developments within Africa,” Bridgette Ndlovu, Partnerships and Engagements Officer at PIN said.
“Through this partnership with the School of Media and Communication, Pan-Atlantic University,” Ndlovu said, “we will empower media students to hold governments and the private sector accountable for upholding digital rights standards.”
Dr. Nwachukwu Egbunike, a Senior Lecturer at SMC, PAU, revealed PAU’s excitement stating that “we are excited to partner with Paradigm Initiative. Equipping media students with the knowledge and skills to report on digital rights issues is essential for building a more just and equitable digital space in Africa.”
