A call has gone to the members of the Association of Campus, ACJ, to always strive to do their best whenever they are given tasks to do during or after industrial training so that they would always be treasured in all circumstances.
Making the call on Friday, July 26, 2024, was Dr Tunde Akanni of the Journalism Department of the Lagos State University at the 2024 edition of the Career Summit organised by the Association of Campus Journalists (ACJ), LASU Chapter.
The career summit, themed "Positioning Campus Journalists for 21st Century Media” commenced with a welcome address by the Deputy Editor-in-Chief and Chairman of the Planning Committee, Elsie Udoh.
Dr Akanni, who was also the Father of the Day, further emphasised the necessity for journalists to embrace digital skills, adding that "students should participate in events that would enable them to cultivate connections."
In his address, the keynote Speaker, Mr Lekan Otuofunrin, represented by Mr Adejumo Kabir, Editor of Southern Operations at HumAngle, spoke on the theme. He highlighted that the core of journalism is to hold people accountable and report events. He noted that the main difference between mainstream media and campus reporting is the environment. Mr Kabir stressed that campus journalists must serve as watchdogs, holding power to account.
“As a campus journalist, you have to hold your educational setting accountable for their actions and must do so with passion, not as a form of multitasking. This is the only profession that can give voice to the underrepresented,” he stated.
Mr Kabir also addressed the challenges student journalists face, such as lack of funding, and assured them that these challenges are similar in mainstream media. He advised students to be well-rounded before specialising in a specific beat and highlighted the importance of accuracy and truthfulness to gain public trust. He warned about potential threats and harassment, citing examples like prominent investigative journalist, Fisayo Soyombo.
He offered practical tips for campus journalists, such as ensuring to have recordings or evidence to back up their claims, vetting all evidence, examining if an issue is worth reporting, being firm with their facts, and adhering to professional ethics. He also reminded them, “No story is worth your studentship, as it is your primary assignment.”
In his final remarks, Mr Kabir encouraged students to identify their reasons for practising journalism. “Define why you chose journalism, and when you know that, the sky will be your starting point. There are challenges, yes, but a whole lot of opportunities,” he said.
The event continued with a panel session featuring Mr Bayo Wahab, a prominent news editor at Pulse, Nigeria, Mrs Abosede George-Ogan, represented by Mrs Itunuoluwa Hunga, Communications Officer at WILAN, Miss Abdul Semiu Monsuroh, a journalist with The Cable, and Mr Adejumo Kabir.
Moderated by Ayooluwa Oladiran, the panel discussed various topics, including the skills necessary for campus journalists, career paths in the digital world, freelancing in campus journalism, and overcoming challenges faced by women in the corporate world. The panel concluded that to thrive as a campus journalist in the 21st century, one must excel in their craft.
The programme concluded with the Editor-in-Chief, Daniel Nworie giving his closing remarks, expressing appreciation and support to everyone involved, including the sponsors.
