FAQ
Frequently asked Questions and Answers
What is Alphabet Media Academy?
It is a Post Graduate Media Advertising training institution aimed at training students to improve their skills in current employment in Media advertising and marketing Communication generally and new entrants who are approaching the profession as a career.
What led to the formation of the Academy?
AMA is a unique project borne out of the ingenuity of the promoters. A gap analysis initiated by them revealed the deficiencies in the skill set of current middle management staff of Media Independent agencies quite clearly. Instructively therefore, our young managers couldn’t be global players and would in a competitive situation, be dwarfed by their counterparts from other regions of the world.
Secondly, we want the new entrants to look at this industry more seriously and give them the confidence that with Alphabet Media Academy, they have the unique advantage to kick-start their career in Media Advertising with the support of senior professionals in the Media Advertising Industry.
What are the vision and mission of the Academy?
The vision of AMA is to be the most preferred Media Academy that creates a pool of well-trained talent that will shape the future of Media and Marketing Communications industry in Nigeria and Africa.
The Mission is to always be ‘By the Industry, For the Industry’, driven by Media experts in the industry, supported by active practitioners in the Media and marketing Communications ecosystem to establish and reinforce ‘Gold’ standard in the Media industry and contribute to the strong growth of the industry.
Who owns Alphabet Media Academy?
AMA is a registered company in Nigeria and it is owned ‘by the Industry, for the Industry’ as both the Board of Directors led by a veteran in the industry, Mr Vincent Oyo, and the faculty members are all industry and industry related practitioners. We also have partnership from MIPAN, MPS, ADVAN and supported by APCON the regulatory agency in-charge of advertising. Other shareholders are also industry practitioners.
Who owns Alphabet Media Academy?
AMA is a registered company in Nigeria and it is owned ‘by the Industry, for the Industry’ as both the Board of Directors led by a veteran in the industry, Mr Vincent Oyo, and the faculty members are all industry and industry related practitioners. We also have partnership from MIPAN, MPS, ADVAN and supported by APCON the regulatory agency in-charge of advertising. Other shareholders are also industry practitioners.
Where is the Academy located?
The Academy has its administrative/physical office and Computer Lab located at 22A Olatunbosun Street, Shonibare Estate, Maryland, Ikeja-Lagos. However, lectures will hold at Grange School, Harold Shodipo Crescent, GRA Ikeja
Is the Academy affiliated to other institutions?
Not yet but plans are on to strike a partnership relationship with similar institutions in places like South Africa, India, etc.to learn from them and to have study exchange programmes for our Diploma students who will be willing to take advantage of that arrangement.
Does the Academy have the support of industry stakeholders?
As stated earlier, we have the support of the entire industry represented by MIPAN, ADVAN, AAAN and of course, the chief industry regulator, APCON.
Have sectoral groups endorsed the Academy? Which ones in particular?
Yes, MIPAN, AAAN, ADVAN, MPS, OAAN, etc.
Does MIPAN have any role in the Academy?
MIPAN definitely has a huge role to play in the Academy. The member agencies are expected to provide the bulk of trainees for the Post Graduate Certificate in Media Management; also provide the platforms for internship for the Diploma Certificate programme students and eventually absorb the graduating students to beef up their work force, especially the best 10 graduating Diploma students at the end of the day.
Is the Academy recognized by APCON?
The Academy is endorsed by APCON. We are also planning with APCON to make the Academy a study center where graduates will be qualified to become registered practitioners with APCON as a necessity. This we believe will reduce quackery in our industry.
If yes, will graduates of the Academy get exemptions from APCON examinations?
Yes, this is our ultimate goal but it is still work in progress with APCON as they are the ones who have the final say in this regard. This we will know when they come for inspection and very soon.
Besides APCON and other industry endorsements, is the Academy recognized by institutions of higher learning in the country and can graduates of the Academy further their education in these Institutions?
We want to take this one step after the other. The desire is to introduce AMA to all relevant higher institutions of learning. However, that is the next step after take-off. We will take that up as we make progress.
What are the initial courses that the Academy is starting with?
AMA’s flagship Post Graduate Programme in Media Management offers two specialised courses:
- Post Graduate Certificate in Media Management (PGCMM) – 10 Weekends
- Post Graduate Diploma in Media Management (PGDMM) – 23 Weekends with 6 Months internship in MIPAN Agencies
When are lectures held and where?
Lectures are held both physically at 22A Olatunbosun Street, Shonibare Estate, Maryland, Lagos and virtually. On Saturdays – full day – 10am – 5pm with 1hr break in between while Sundays – 1pm – 5pm.
Who are the resource persons or faculty members?
Our resource people (Core Faculty) are drawn from the Marketing Communications industry – Media Advertising, Creative Advertising Agencies, and Marketing Department of some key ADVAN members, Digital Advertising agencies and even Finance experts. While the External Faculty members are drawn from both within and outside of Nigeria. People from International Research organisations like Nielsen and Media Planning software suppliers like infotools, etc
What are the entry requirements for courses?
All candidates are expected to have a minimum of Second class lower Division or Lower Credit of HND. However, if there is a candidate with lower than this but has some knowledge in the industry or a compelling reason, we can consider such for a Certificate Course on merit but not Diploma for any reason.
What about fees?:
The Fees for both stream are affordable and is comparable to and may be even better than any of such institutions around. However, emphasise should be on the quality and what a candidate stands to gain. Of course, education and sound education for that matter cannot be sacrificed at the altar of cost. Fees details can be found on our website www.mediacademy.ng.
Are there exemptions?
We gave an early bird discount of 10% for those who registered early. Also we have option of instalment payment of 40% down payment, and the 10% each month for the next three months but that will come with 15% surcharge.
Parting shot on the Academy.
AMA has cone to revolutionise the Media Advertising industry and we are calling on all lovers and practitioners in this industry to join hands with AMA to make this industry a pride of place in the midst of other reputable professions in Nigeria. The MIPAN members should champion the rebirth of this industry by sending their staff members at the Middle Management level for training. While young graduates from all disciplines should come and take Media Advertising as a career. In fact, we are promising that the first 10 Diploma graduates from AMA will have jobs waiting for them in MIPAN agencies.