By Kemiso Wessie
Dr Theodora Dame Adjin-Tettey, a senior lecturer at Durban University of Technology’s Department of Media, Language and Communication has dedicated nearly 13 years to shaping minds and fostering critical thought in her field. “Thoughtful, motherly, and a good citizen” are the three words Dr Adjin-Tettey uses to describe herself, shining through as she reflects on what she loves most about her work.
“Just the idea of sharing the knowledge that you’ve obtained, even beyond the academic knowledge. Having been in this space for a while now where some of my students have even grown to become friends, and some consider me a mentor and it shows that beyond the teaching, there is something that you are imparting in their lives. That is something I cherish.”
Born in Bolgatanga in the upper east region of Ghana and raised in the historic southern city of Cape Coast, Adjin-Tettey completed her secondary education in the western region of Ghana before earning her bachelor’s degree in linguistics and information studies at the University of Ghana. Her early involvement with the campus radio station sparked her interest in media and communication. This led to a brief career in radio and television production, and a stint at the Ministry of Health as part of her year-long national service, before fully committing to academia.
Adjin-Tettey’s path to academia was not a straight line but rather a series of explorations that ultimately led her to a true calling. “I think originally I went to the University of Ghana to do a master’s degree in communication studies, hoping to probably find myself in one big corporate organisation as the public relations officer or the communications officer for that institution,” she reflects.
After completing her MA, she was among a select group invited to join the MPhil programme, where her passion for research and academia blossomed. She researches media and information literacy, science communication, media audiences and systems. She is driven by a passion for contemporary relevance in these fields.
“My MA research topic was on the consumption of weather forecast information and I was particularly interested in how people consume information about the environment during news bulletins,” Theodora explains. Driven by her experiences as a mother, she also explored technology use among young people
The COVID-19 pandemic heightened her focus on misinformation, prompting her to study fact-checking practices “If they know how to fact check, they are likely not going to just believe anything and then just share that information,” she explains. Advising people to be conscious and cautious about the information they consume and share, Adjin-Tettey adds that “Media information literacy becomes important in the context we find ourselves in.”
Her current work includes multiple research projects focusing on trauma-informed education and community media’s role in combating health misinformation in Ghana, in addition to editing a book on “Communication and Social Change in Africa: Selected Case Studies”, to be published early next year.
In the evolving realm of journalism education in Africa, Dr. Adjin-Tettey identifies several pressing challenges that educators and students must navigate. “Currently, we know that the business of journalism itself is in crisis,” she observes, pointing to broader societal issues such as climate change and economic instability. “We are not in the same space we used to find ourselves many years ago.”
These challenges impact students directly, who are acutely aware of the limited job opportunities awaiting them. “I have to train them in a way that they themselves can be entrepreneurial in the things they do,” Dr. Adjin-Tettey explains. She further emphasises the need for a curriculum that not only prepares students for the realities of the job market but also equips them to respond to societal challenges.
To address these issues, she employs various strategies to keep the curriculum relevant. “My key strategy is research,” she states, noting that her work allows her to engage with industry professionals to understand current needs. Dr. Adjin-Tettey also values student input in shaping the curriculum. By integrating their feedback, she ensures that the curriculum reflects the students’ needs and interests while meeting industry trends and demands.
Thinking about what defines a good journalist, Adjin-Tettey reflects on the recently concluded 2024 Ajen roundtable meeting hosted by Aga Khan University in Nairobi. “Professor Franz Kruger proposed the idea of journalism as a thoughtful craft,” she recalls. “I think if a journalist is thoughtful, it reflects in how they do their fact-checking, how they research to get the context properly set out before they begin writing a story.” This thoughtfulness extends to the choice of sources as well, seeking out the right voices to address the issues at hand.
Outside her academic pursuits, Dr. Adjin-Tettey finds joy in travelling, especially when it allows her to explore new destinations with her family. Family time is a top priority for her, and she cherishes moments spent dancing and listening to music together. “I’m the family type of person,” she shares, her smile radiating warmth and deep affection for her loved ones. If she could choose anyone to share a dinner with, it is Adjin-Tettey’s family, consisting of her husband, mother and her five children, who would be gathered around the table.
“A guest told my husband and I, ‘Life is easy; it is we who complicate it.’ That has never left me,” she says, recalling her wedding day where she received her most memorable advice. “We often make things difficult and face the consequences. If we focus on doing what’s right, life can be simple.”
When asked about her dream superpower, she reflects, “Perhaps the ability to help people, no matter their circumstances. Imagine being able to say, ‘Can I help you?’ and just getting it done.” Through her work as a seasoned media researcher and educator, Dr Theodora Dame Adjin-Tettey’s empathetic approach and commitment to helping others reinforce her belief in the importance of simplicity and support in both personal and professional contexts.