Ouagadougou: The international and multidisciplinary symposium organized in homage to Professor Serge Th©ophile Balima concluded in Ouagadougou with presentations and a roundtable discussion. This event brought together students and professionals in information and communication to reflect on the evolution and future of media practices.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the symposium featured a presentation by Abdoulaye Dao from the High Council for Communication, focusing on the challenges faced by journalism graduates in integrating into Burkina Faso’s media industry. Dao highlighted the persistent issue of private media outlets struggling to incorporate qualified journalism graduates into their teams, despite the availability of trained professionals.

The symposium also included a virtual presentation from Togo by Napo Mouncala Gnan©, who emphasized the need for continuous education and skill enhancement in journalistic practice to adapt to the evolving media landscape. This highlighted the importance of ongoing training in maintaining relevance in a rapidly changing industry.

A roundtable discussion followed these presentations, bringing together leaders of journalism and communication training institutes. The dialogue centered on “Training in information and communication professions in the digital age,” offering a platform for sharing experiences and discussing the challenges and opportunities in media education today.

In honor of Professor Serge Th©ophile Balima, former students presented symbolic gifts, while officials from the Pan-African Institute for Media, Information and Communication Studies and Research and the Media and Organizational Communications Research Laboratory gifted an artwork to their esteemed mentor. Professor Balima is celebrated as a pioneer in journalism and communication training in Burkina Faso.