The Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ) has invited applications from mass communication or journalism students of Lagos-based tertiary institutions for training on local reporting.
This opportunity, which is part of the centre’s Collaborative Media Engagement for Development Inclusivity and Accountability (CMEDIA) project, according to a statement signed by the Executive Director, Moturayo Alaka, is open to second-year students (ND II or 200-Level) and higher classes of the institutions.
Application opens from Monday 16 to Friday 27 October 2023 and interested students may apply here.
At the training, the selected students will learn how to effectively report local development issues to demand accountability for government at state and local government levels.
“This activity is a direct response of WSCIJ to findings that many stories in the news media are focused on national issues, and the state and local governments are neglected. The students will be trained, mentored, and receive stipend support to pursue stories in their localities,” Mrs Alaka explained.
Pro-Engage is an initiative of WSCIJ supported by the MacArthur Foundation designed to engage students of journalism, to enhance their skills in investigative journalism and prepare them for their careers in journalism.
“We have used the initiative in the past to canvas for the investigative journalism desk and promote the reportage of basic education and electricity among students.
“This time, we have incorporated Pro-Engage into Collaborative Media Engagement for Development, Inclusivity and Accountability (CMEDIA) project, which works to improve public awareness and the ecosystem for transparency, accountability and good governance in states and local government and amplify marginalised voices through 26 direct media partners and tens of other media organisations and reporters,” Alaka stated.
