The Higher Institute for Journalism and Communication in Chad (ISJCT) was inaugurated on October 3, 2026, in the capital city of N'Djamena. The institute was established by the organization "Media for Development" (MEDEV) with the support of its technical and financial partners. The goal is to provide specialized training and qualify competencies in journalism and communication. The inauguration ceremony was attended by several high-ranking officials, including the Minister of Higher Education, Scientific Research, and Professional Training, Dr. Sitack Yombatina.
The Mayor of N'Djamena, Senoussi Hassana Abdallah, emphasized that the establishment of the institute is a significant step in the field of youth training. He noted that the opening of a specialized institution in journalism not only creates a higher education institution but also opens up new horizons for young people in knowledge, training, and professionalism. The institute will enable Chadian youth to receive specialized training within the country while maintaining a connection to the local reality they will cover in their future careers.
The coordinator of MEDEV, Mohamed Mohammedou Jimtebaye, explained that the first batch of the institute will consist of 40 students, evenly distributed between two training paths: journalism and photo coverage, and institutional communication and public relations. He stated that the organization has chosen to gradually develop the institute, focusing on the quality of education and establishing solid foundations to ensure the institution's sustainability. The institute plans to launch professional certifications for working journalists and media professionals in the sector.
MEDEV aims to make the institute a regional hub of excellence in journalism and communication, attracting students from Sahel countries and the Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa (CEMAC). The vision includes building a university campus specific to the institute, gradually increasing the number of students, and developing new professional specialties, as well as opening master's programs and expanding to higher educational levels.
The Swiss Ambassador to Chad, Dr. Peter Beller, emphasized that Switzerland's support for the initiative is part of its efforts to build a space for excellence and innovation in the media sector. He stressed the importance of equipping future journalists with the necessary knowledge, tools, and values to practice their profession efficiently and responsibly. The German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) in Chad, Martin Kraft, also expressed support for the institute, stating that it is part of an initiative to enhance the credibility of information in Africa.
The Minister of Information, Government Spokesperson, Kassim Sharif Mohammed, highlighted the importance of linking journalist training to professional ethics and regulating the media sector. He emphasized the need to improve journalist training and enable them to perform their tasks in better conditions while respecting professional and ethical rules. The Minister of Higher Education, Scientific Research, and Professional Training, Dr. Sitack Yombatina, noted that opportunities for communication training have been limited in Chad, and some available programs have a theoretical nature and lack necessary equipment.
The stakeholders believe that the opening of the Higher Institute for Journalism and Communication is a step towards expanding national training offers in this field and enhancing the capacities of new generations of journalists and communication professionals. The institute's training is designed to respond to the requirements of the profession and the transformations of the media landscape.
Key points
- The Higher Institute for Journalism and Communication in Chad (ISJCT) was established to provide specialized training in journalism and communication.
- The institute aims to become a regional hub of excellence in journalism and communication, attracting students from Sahel countries and CEMAC.
- The institute's launch is a significant step towards enhancing the capacities of Chadian journalists and communication professionals.
