Chiamaka Okafor writes on the launch of the latest chapter of the National Union of Campus Journalists (NUCJ) in the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, (UNIZIK), Akwa, Anambra State.
The Nnamdi Azikiwe University, (UNIZIK), Awka, Anambra State chapter of the National Union of Campus Journalists (NUCJ) was launched on Thursday, August 8, 2019.
The inauguration was part of the three-day programme which featured training sessions facilitated by media experts and academics with the theme “Campus Journalism in the Era of Fake News.”
Over 80 students from different departments were trained on various aspects of journalism during the event which lasted from August 8-10.
Topics covered include Introduction to Journalism, Introduction to Campus Journalism, Ethics of Journalism, What makes news? Fake news versus real news, Data journalism and practical class on “Show don’t tell”.
In his presentation, Uche Nworah, Managing Director of Anambra Broadcasting Services (ABS), spoke about the qualities of a good journalist and good journalism and the need for participants to be voracious readers. He extended internship opportunities to interested members of the union.
The Editor-in-Chief of UCJUNIZIK, Chiamaka Okafor, said the union decided on the theme because of the need to expose students to various aspects of the new phenomenon called fake news and its impact on society.
According to her, “In the times we find ourselves; times characterized by an overload of information and constant and deliberate propagation of misinformation and disinformation, there is no better time to build an army of young people who will help fight the growth and spread of fake news.”
Chido Onumah, Coordinator of African Centre for Media and Information Literacy (AFRICMIL) described the launch as “a groundbreaking event.”
He urged students in tertiary institutions, not just in Anambra State, but in the South-east zone of the country, to emulate what UCJ-UNIZIK has done, noting that the opportunities are immense and the benefits, priceless.
Other dignitaries at the launch included Professor Chinyere Stella Okunna and Dr. Chinwe Uzochukwu of the Department of Mass Communication, UNIZIK), Adedeji Adekunle of Premium Times Centre for Investigative Journalism (PTCIJ), Emmanuel Ifesinachi, Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists, Anambra State, the Commissioner for Information, Anambra State, C. Don Adinuba, who was represented by the Managing Director, National Light Newspaper, Mr. Chuka Nnabuife, and the National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) chairperson, Stella Igboka, who was represented by Monique Okechukwu.
Speaking on the impact of the programme, Chidera Christian Okafor, a 100 level student of Economics said it was “motivating, encouraging and educating, especially for those who are not students of mass communication.”
Adanna Nwana, a 400-level student of Mass Communication also said the programme achieved its purpose by exposing 100 and 200 level students to the experience and expertise of professional journalists and for the soon to graduate students an avenue to build contacts and explore employment opportunities.
The UNIZIK chapter of NUCJ is the latest campus journalism association to join the umbrella body of campus journalists in the country.
The NUCJ President, Ibrahim Olarotimi, was represented by Ajala Samuel Akindele, the Public Relations Officer who spoke on the benefits of campus journalism and what the current leadership is doing to reposition union
The launch of the chapter led by Dimson Emmanuel was supported by the African Centre for Media and Information Literacy (AFRICMIL), Premium Times Centre for Investigative Journalism (PTCIJ), Premium Times Nigeria, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Anambra State, and the Ministry of Information, Anambra State.
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