A former Inspector-General of Police, Alhaji Suleiman Abba, has advocated the establishment of a Media Training Institute at Radio Kano to build the capacity of media practitioners and sustain the station’s contribution to broadcasting and journalism.
Speaking to newsmen at the 80th anniversary of Radio Kano, Saturday,Alhaji Abba, who once served as a part-time staff of the station before joining the Nigeria Police Force, said the proposed institute could become a national centre for training journalists, producers, presenters, commercial specialists and other media professionals.
He said Radio Kano’s eight decades of experience and its record of producing generations of media practitioners placed the station in a strong position to host such an institution.
According to him, experienced professionals who have served the station over the years could contribute their knowledge and expertise as trainers.
The former IGP said, “Radio Kano is more than a broadcast station, due to its ability to produce journalists, producers, presenters, commercial specialists among others.”
Alhaji Abba also called for the effective utilisation of the vast land available at the station, saying it could provide space for the proposed institute and other facilities that would strengthen Radio Kano’s future role.
He stressed the need for a deliberate mechanism to ensure that Radio Kano continues to serve as a training ground for present and future generations of media practitioners.
Recalling his personal experience at the station, the former IGP said his time as a part-time staff member contributed to his professional development.
He said he would always identify with Radio Kano because of the opportunity it gave him at the beginning of his career.
“I will proudly associate with Radio Kano because when I came job seeking, no one introduced me,” he recalled.
Alhaji Abba’s proposal adds a new dimension to calls for Radio Kano to move beyond commemorating its 80-year legacy and develop sustainable institutions that can preserve its knowledge, strengthen professional training and prepare the next generation of broadcasters.