Lecturer I or Senior Lecturer (Mass Communication) at Miva Open University - 2 Openings

Miva Open University is an education company building a new kind of university targeted at the African region. Miva is a Pan- African Distance e-Learning University that is built on a couple of beliefs: Firstly, we believe that the traditional brick and mortar approach to tertiary education is no longer a viable option in serving learners on the African continent. This approach will not provide the capacity and efficacy for the people of the region.

We are building a university experience that can leverage excellent academic talent (wherever it is to be found) and digital technologies to create a new, fresh, more efficacious and more accessible tertiary experience. Our second belief is that this new tertiary experience must not only meet but exceed the existing way of doing things in terms of quality, efficacy and preparing learners for the future. We are uncompromising in these beliefs and this is why we are excited to speak to you.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Lecturer I or Senior Lecturer (Mass Communication)

Location: Abuja (FCT) and Lagos
Employment Type: Full Time

Overall Function

• The Department of Mass Communication at Miva Open University is seeking a highly motivated and qualified individual for the position of Lecturer I or Senior Lecturer (Mass Communication). The Lecturer I/Senior Lecturer (Mass Communication) role focuses on advancing academic excellence through teaching, research, and community service within the field of Mass Communication.
• The incumbent is expected to utilize their expertise in areas such as journalism, digital media, public relations, and broadcasting to deliver quality education in an open, distance, and digital learning (ODDL) environment. This includes fostering innovation, developing industry-relevant curricula, and leveraging digital tools to enhance student engagement, storytelling skills, and communication expertise.

Key Responsibilities
Teaching and Learning:

• Deliver high-quality teaching at undergraduate and postgraduate levels in Mass Communication and its specializations, such as journalism, media studies, public relations, and broadcasting.
• Design, develop, and implement curricula that align with current industry trends, including digital media, content creation, and multimedia communication.
• Employ learning management systems (e.g., Canvas, Moodle, or Blackboard) and digital tools to facilitate effective delivery in online and blended learning environments.
• Develop engaging and innovative online course materials, including video lectures, case studies, podcasts, and interactive digital content.

Research and Academic Contributions:

• Conduct high-impact research in areas like digital communication, media ethics, public relations, and emerging trends in global media.
• Publish scholarly articles in recognized national and international peer-reviewed journals.
• Actively participate in academic conferences, workshops, and seminars to share research findings and foster collaborations.

Student Mentorship and Support:

• Provide academic advising, mentorship, and career guidance to students, fostering their academic and professional growth.
• Develop strategies to engage students effectively in virtual, blended, and traditional classroom settings.

Community Engagement:

• Engage in community outreach programs that promote the application of mass communication knowledge for societal benefit, such as media literacy campaigns or public relations initiatives.
• Represent the university in professional, media, and public forums.

Leadership and Institutional Contributions:

• Contribute to academic planning, quality assurance, and the development of institutional policies, especially in Mass Communication.
• Participate in committees and initiatives that support the institution’s strategic objectives.
• Mentor junior faculty and contribute to their professional development.

Professional and Technical Expertise:

• Maintain professional memberships and certifications to stay updated with advancements in the field of Mass Communication.
• Demonstrate proficiency in using LMS platforms and integrating digital tools, such as video editing, podcasting, and social media management, into teaching and research.
• Lead the development of digital storytelling, virtual newsroom simulations, and other digital resources to enhance students' learning outcomes.

Qualifications and Skills

• Applicants must possess a Doctorate Degree (PhD) in Mass Communication with a relevant area of specialty; MA/MSc/MPhil in Mass Communication with a relevant area of specialty; and Bachelor’s degree (BA/B.Sc) in Mass Communication. Full membership of a relevant professional body will be an added advantage.
• At least three to five years of university teaching experience in a blended or online learning environment, highlighting familiarity with digital and remote teaching tools.
• A strong publication record in peer-reviewed academic journals is often required. At least 5-10 published articles in recognized international or national journals.
• Evidence of participation in conferences, seminars, or workshops related to the candidate's field of study.
• Strong evidence of engagement in impactful community service/development.
• Strong understanding of, and commitment to, student-centered learning in an Open, distance, and digital learning context is necessary.
• Strong oral and written communication skills, particularly the ability to communicate effectively in a virtual learning environment.
• Proficiency in the use of learning management systems (LMS) such as Canvas, Moodle, or Blackboard is essential.
• Experience in developing online course content, video lectures, and interactive digital resources (such as podcasts, discussion forums, and virtual labs) is an advantage.

Application Closing Date
28th February, 2025.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online