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The University of Media, Arts and Communication was established by an act of parliament under the 2020 Act (Act 1059).

It is the first public university to merge, three specialized institutions.

Ghana Institute of Journalism (GIJ), Ghana Institute of Languages (GIL), and the National Film and Television Institute (NAFTI).

In the 2022 academic year, prior to the merger, NAFTI, now the Institute of Film and Television (UniMAC-IFT) enrolled 106 students.

Following the merger, this number surged to over 178 students in the 2023 academic year.

This has created a variety of issues for both students and faculty.

UniMAC-IFT Lecture: Overcrowded Classrooms Strain Faculty and Students Alike 

Tracking student progress has become challenging due to the difficulty in maintaining individual attention in overcrowded classrooms.

According to Mr. Mawuli Dagadu, a lecturer at UniMAC-IFT, "Even when we try to meet them in groups, one student will have an excuse, and it becomes a recurring issue... additionally, their attention span has decreased."

He highlighted that managing larger classes results in a situation where "you end up focusing on those in front, and by the time you realize, those at the back are sleeping or not participating in the class."

Overcrowded Classrooms at UniMAC-IFT Lead to Students Disengagement

Madam Sarah N. B. Kuntoh, a lecturer, pointed out the insufficient space available for teaching. 

"The space is so inadequate, and I think it's very important that students are comfortable when they are in classroom space." She noted.

The lack of infrastructure has led to students often resorting to bringing plastic chairs from the School's cafeteria into the classrooms, causing significant inconvenience and disruptions. 

Emmanuella Naa Kwarkor Quartey, a student, echoed this sentiment, saying, "It's very annoying; but how can students sit on plastic chairs and write?  I think something should be done about it."

The inadequate desks force students to stand during lectures which can last several hours.

Isaac Ayesu, a student, shared his discontent, "It's not fair to be standing three hours, four hours during lecture hours."

Eyram Yorgbe, a student also stated that, " The facilities are not enough for us. We don't have enough tables and chairs to sit. Some of us are forced to even go and ask our H.O.D to use her space. We are forced to sit at the cafeteria or find places on campus."

Limited Classroom Space Forces UniMAC-IFT Students to Seek Alternative Study Areas

Apart from inadequate infrastructure, continuing students at UniMAC-IFT are facing reduced funding for production activities which threatens their ability to complete projects without incurring additional personal expenses. 

Mr. Paa Louis Azumah-Nelson, Senior Administration Assistant and Public Relations Officer at UniMAC-IFT, acknowledged these issues and mentioned ongoing efforts to address them.

"As a matter of urgency, things are being looked at to make sure this, I wouldn't call it a problem, this miracle of a sought is well dealt with..." He stated. 

The complaints of UniMAC-IFT students and faculty have not yet produced results, but they remain hopeful in their call for improved infrastructure to sustain quality media training amid increasing student enrollment.