Ouagadougou: The 37th class of the Institute of Information and Communication Sciences and Techniques (ISTIC), named the "Yacouba Traore" class, has pledged to follow in the footsteps of the famous journalist, writer, and teacher, who died on August 17, 2025. In total, 92 trainees have completed their professional training, 21 months for cycle B and 24 months for cycle A, in the fields of journalism, communication, media techniques, and technologies.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the Minister of Communication, Culture, Arts and Tourism, Pingdwende Gilbert Ouedraogo, emphasized the crucial role the now journalists, technicians, and communicators have to play in the national context marked by the quest for true sovereignty. He urged them to be guardians of the truth, protectors of ethics, and promoters of the vision of the State as well as the aspirations of the Burkinabe people.
"You will need to demonstrate rigor, independence, and integrity in the performance of your duties. That is the price you will pay to make a place for yourself in the information and communication field," he argued. The minister reminded the trainees that the country expects responsible information and communication from them, especially in a security context marked by terrorist attacks.
"Your commitment will be crucial in building a better informed and fairer Burkina Faso. Your voice must be one of social cohesion, peace, and progress," he insisted. The minister added, addressing the journalists, technicians, and communicators of the 37th class, "You have a duty to contribute to building a more resilient Burkina Faso, never losing sight of the importance of patriotism, courage, and solidarity."
The Director General of ISTIC, Dr. Alizeta Ouoba/Compaore, assured that the new graduates are ready to serve the nation. She emphasized that during their training, the students demonstrated discipline, dedication, diligence, and a results-oriented approach, which enabled them to complete their studies with strong performance. Dr. Ouoba reiterated his thanks to the teaching staff and administrative personnel for their dedication, which allows ISTIC to always achieve its objectives and remain a center of excellence where professionalism and rigor are the compass.
The general delegate of the 37th class, Konwoman Rufin Pare, indicated that the baptismal name "Yacouba Traore" will remain a model for their cohort. "In our daily actions, we will try to do everything to be what he was, to be the model for him. He is like the mold from which we came," he said. According to him, the late Yacouba Traore always told them: "You must have the integrity and rigor that should guide you in the handling of information and communication, in order to be at the service of your fellow human beings and to serve the general interest."