NIJ student speak on Journalism Palava
Journalism is the activity of gathering, assessing, creating, presenting news and information to the public for consumption. It can be distinguished from other activities and products by certain identifiable characteristics and practices. These elements not only separate journalism from other forms of communication, but they are also what make it indispensable to democratic societies.
This profession is one of the strongest courses in the world just as many other courses that have their personal colleges focusing on just the course such as the Institute of Agriculture Research and Technology (IAR&T). This is why history reveals that the more democratic a society, the more freedom of speech; press freedom; news, and information it tends to have.
Also, Journalism is one of many courses studied in different higher education institutions around the world, with special institutes dedicated to it. Here in Nigeria our prestigious Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ) is situated in Ogba, Lagos, haven graduated notable alumni in the likes of John Momoh, Yeni Kuti, Korede Bello and still standing strong for over six decades.
To understand to leaps the Institute had made in recent times one of our journalists interviewed a PG student in a chit-chat at the Nigerian Institute of Journalism in Lagos to elicit questions about students' relationships and strong ties with the schools' management.
WHAT DID YOU STUDY IN YOUR FIRST DEGREE?
I had my first degree at the University of Ilorin and I studied English Language.
WHY THE SWITCH FROM STUDYING ENGLISH DURING YOUR FIRST DEGREE TO STUDYING JOURNALISM AT THE POST-GRADUATE LEVEL?
Because I would love to be a good communicator and you know we have people who are not certified Journalists, so this is me passing through a structured system known to be reputable to equip me with the know-how to build my communication skills.
WHAT ARE THE ACTIVITIES LIKE HERE AT THE NIGERIAN INSTITUTE OF JOURNALISM, LAGOS?
Nigerian Institute of Journalism has fully equipped its students and we have been given even beyond our expectations in terms of educational standards. The lecturers and programme are not far-fetched from what I envisioned.
I HEARD YOUR EXAMS COMMENCE SOON AND ALSO STUDENTS' WEEK IS AROUND THE CORNER. HOW DO YOU INTEND TO COPE WITH SOCIAL EVENTS AWAY FROM ACADEMICS KNOWING FULLY WELL THAT EXAMINATION IS JUST BY THE CORNER?
There is an interplay of two different things here. In every academic environment, there is a need for social gatherings like this Students’ Social Week. But the week is not in any way encroaching on academic activities. The SSW starts on the 20th, while exams commence next month. There is still ample time to study for exams.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR JOURNEY SO FAR?
Nothing good comes easy. I already had it in mind to sacrifice and brace up for something worthwhile. So for me, it’s a phase and process to the desired end of being a world-class Journalist.