The Executive Director of Media Career Development Network (MCDN), Mr. Lekan Otufodunrin, has commended campus journalists of the Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago Iwoye, Ogun State, for their interest in enhancing their journalism skills.
Speaking through MCDN Programme Manager, Dayo Emmanuel, who represented him at the seventh-anniversary event of the Campus Mirror publication, Otufodunrin praised the students’ commitment to the profession.
Emmanuel expressed gratitude on behalf of Otufodunrin, thanking Campus Mirror for the opportunity to address them on the theme, “Navigating the Media Landscape: Career Paths for Journalists.”
Emmanuel highlighted MCDN’s mission as a resource for young journalists, providing mentorship, guidance, and networking opportunities.
“At Media Career Development Network, we support journalists with resources to help them succeed,” he explained and encouraged students to visit MCDN’s website (mediacareerng.org) for resources and career opportunities.
Emphasising the hands-on nature of journalism, Emmanuel urged students to actively engage in campus journalism to develop their skills. “Your campus journalism is a space to apply classroom knowledge, which is vital in a field that relies on practical experience,” he said.
Reflecting on the contributions of journalists like Herbert Macaulay, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Alhaji Lateef Jakande, Chief Anthony Enahoro, and Chief Olabisi Onabanjo in nation building, Emmanuel illustrated journalism’s impact on Nigerian history.
He also shared the story of Lady Flora Shaw, wife of the then colonial administrator, and Governor General Lord Lugard, who coined the name “Nigeria,” emphasising the role of journalists in shaping national identity.
Noting the participation of science students in OOU campus journalism, Emmanuel encouraged them, noting that science skills like critical thinking, research and attention to detail are also beneficial in journalism.
He said they are on the right path as many award-winning journalists have emerged from science background.
He praised the students’ initiative and creativity, citing event organisation and decorations as examples of valuable skills that could lead to profitable career paths, especially as traditional opportunities shrink.
“I saw some of you decorating the stands and advertising your brands on the anniversary banner.
“This is commendable. Young people are making fortunes in hall decoration, photography, MC roles and event management which you have done perfectly well in this anniversary,” he noted.
Emmanuel urged the students to stay focused amid distractions and emphasised the importance of internships for practical experience.
“Internships expose you to real-world journalism. Those who have completed internships understand their value, while others should look forward to this chance to learn,” he advised.
Another speaker, Caleb Ijioma, founder of the fact-checking platform Round Check, encouraged students to develop critical skills and embrace campus journalism’s unique challenges.
Outlining five essential skills—data analysis, fact-checking, in-depth research, social media proficiency, and critical insight—he emphasised the importance of presenting data accurately.
“Data skills and fact-checking are foundational for credible reporting,” he said.
Ijioma also advised students to specialise, explaining that a niche could help them stand out.
While urging the students to be resilent in their practice of campus journalism, he shared his personal experiences, including how reporting on campus issues led to his academic results being for a year.
“If you’re facing no resistance, you might not be pushing hard enough,” he noted,
He encouraged students to focus on impactful stories that challenge the status quo and drive positive change, stating that “Campus journalism is more than press releases. Focus on impactful stories that encourage positive change.”
Tarre Elizabeth Tosanwunmi, President of the Association of Campus Journalists at the University of Ibadan, advised her OOU colleagues to remain committed to campus journalism.
She acknowledged the diverse motivations that drive students into the field—from effecting societal change to fulfilling association tasks.
Emphasising that campus journalists are “watchdogs of society,” she reminded them to “be bold enough to stand by your words,” despite potential backlash.
She also stressed the importance of editorial and administrative roles, urging editorial members to hone their craft, and administrative members to recognise their contributions behind the scenes.
“Even if you’re not as visible as the editorial team, your efforts are crucial to our success,” she said.
She encouraged campus journalists to embrace the journey, regardless of whatever future outcome of career plans in journalism or not.
Looking into the near future , she assured them, “Years from now, you’ll look back at your work with pride,” and congratulated OOU’s campus journalism group on its anniversary.
Earlier, Campus Mirror President Olamide Lasisi recounted the publication’s history, founded by a student who had earlier studied at the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, Lagos who on getting to OOU initially faced restrictions at the existing Press Club before mobilising to establish Campus Mirror.
Lasisi highlighted how the publication has created opportunities for students over the past seven years to develop campus journalism.
Vice President Olamide Ayoade closed the event, presenting certificates to students who have worked to build the publication over the past year.
