Until 2020, the Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS) did not have a department of Mass communication or offer any media-related course.
Notwithstanding, many students of the institution have developed an interest in journalism and excelled in writing for local, national and international media outlets. Through the student-run journalism platform, National Association of Campus Journalists (NACJ) chapter and various press organisations on the campus, some students have many reports to their credit and have won some awards.
According to the current president of the association, Abiodun Jamiu, a final-year political student, it has not been easy mastering journalism practice without classroom training, but the thirst for top-notch journalism practices and passion of the interested students have ensured their outstanding performance.
He attributed their feats to the mentorship and support from the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) formerly Premium Times Centre for Investigative Journalism (PTCIJ), The International Centre for Investigative Reporting (ICIR), Media Career Development Network, HumAngle and others.
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“The awards and recognitions we get outside the Northwest are not just validation of the impressive work our people are doing. It is simply them telling us to do more and better. And that’s what we’re focusing on, right now,” Jamiu said.
Nurudeen Akewushola, a graduate of Mathematics and former member now practising journalism, added that UDUS journalism feats are due to consistent onboard publications, annual magazines, programmes and events.
While noting that storytelling is a very lucrative skill, he encouraged every undergraduate to learn it, reiterating that it is the best way is to participate in press clubs and other literary societies regardless of their course of study.
Akewushola believes UDUS’ campus journalists are a force to reckon with in campus journalism in Nigeria, stating that it is unarguable looking at great accomplishments both alumni and current campus journalists of the school have made and are still making in the media landscape.
Jamiu said that capacity building for members, especially female journalists, is a priority for the NACJ. Highlighting a few projects by the association and how they accomplished them, he said they usually visit media houses to seek internship opportunities for members and usually organise webinars on various aspects of journalism.
In 2021, NACJ UDUS organised a symposium on the raging insecurity in the Northwest and the role of journalists with the support of some media platforms and media professionals.
“We want to do more for our fellow student-journalists. We want to sustain the kind of journalism Danfodiyo school of journalism is known for.”
From Campus to National Coverage
Participating actively in campus journalism has helped a lot of members of NACJ UDUS, especially after graduation. UDUS students have worked for and are finding their feet in Daily Trust, Business Day, Premium Times, HumAngle, Media Career Development, The ICIR, FIJ, The Cable and a host of others.
According to Abdulwaheed Sofihullahi, a member and a final year student of Education in English, what made UDUS journalism stand out among other institutions is the way the students practice it and the mindset of members of the association.
“Definitely, I can say coming to UDUS is a kind of blessing… The platform they gave us, the people we met, and how they were practising campus journalism when I came into this institution. It gave me the opportunity to showcase my talent and having bylines in national outlets.”
Sofihullahi attributed the personal and professional growth of their members to a series of training and lauded the union’s efforts due to different projects that develop members’ passion and ambition.
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Apart from campus and national awards bagged, UDUS students are fond of fellowships, internships, freelancing for national and international media outlets. Even before the emergence of mass communication in the school, UDUS campus journalists have been making waves in the media while most are still in school.
Akewushola said, “NACJ UDUS and press boards under it have been commended several times for their good works. With all these, there’s no gainsaying the fact that UDUS’ campus journalism is one of the best brands of campus journalism in Nigeria.”
UDUS Journalism was a fantastic starting point for me.
One of the ex-members of the association who is currently in The Cable revealed that practising journalism as an undergraduate Maryam Abdullahi was a good starting point for her.
Abdullahi didn’t stay at home after school as UDUS showed her that journalism could be extended, not just within the campus premises, but beyond campus. She is one of UDUS graduates who fell in love with journalism despite studying outside the scope.
“I have been super proud. They have been making me proud every year, every year. There is no year they are not nominated for one award or the other, and there are always stories. They are always trying to strengthen their journalism to the mainstream. It is amazing, and I’m super proud of us,” said Abdullahi.
She advised campus journalists in UDUS and across the country to keep it up and not rest on their oars.
“I also want to say that they should focus more on engaging with mainstream journalism platforms. It is really going to help them. They shouldn’t just limit themselves reporting, telling stories just to the confinement of their campuses. They should try as much as possible to extend it to the mainstream,” she said.
Abdullahi emphasized the engagement of more ladies in the profession, stating that many female journalists are needed out there in different dialects.
To ensure professional standards, the association’s current president said he usually advises his members to trust the process and be consistent. They are also urged to uphold “the basic stone of journalism – truth and nothing but the truth.”
“I draw inspiration from stories of those before me and how they’re able to weather the storm and shuttle between academics and journalism. And that singular tale has helped to shape and prepare most of us, including me, for roles greater than us – holding authorities accountable and speaking truth to power. It is this that inspired us to develop ourselves, maintain the steam, if not to do better than those before us,” Jamiu said.
