Congratulations to all our colleagues and other journalists I have seen online celebrating their induction as members of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR)
Becoming a certified member of NIPR is a good way of having additional career opportunities along with being an experienced journalist.
Even without being a member of NIPR, many journalists have been practicing one form of Public Relations or the other.
However, the leadership of NIPR, especially the present national executive has been making it clear that it’s illegal to be engaged in PR without being a member of the Institute.
They are obviously succeeding which explains why many are signing up to be members and proudly announcing their induction.
The determined move by the NIPR has got me thinking about what we can learn to ensure some sanity in our profession.
What can we do to ensure that active membership of our own Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) is something we can all be proud of?
How long will it take us to agree on a form of self-regulation since we have good reasons to doubt the sincerity of government regulation?
How can we ensure that aspiring and practicing journalists appreciate the need to have the necessary minimal professional qualifications?
How can NUJ give new journalists a sense of belonging by working with media owners to induct them into the profession and provide necessary orientation and continuous learning opportunities as NIPR does?
How can the Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ) enhance its capacity to offer certification for non-graduates of journalism?
There are several media groups in the country showcasing best practices in promoting professionalism in media practice, but we need to work together to enhance the status of NUJ.
If people get a sense that we are all committed to ensuring standards in our profession, they will have no choice but to fall in line as some of us are doing regarding Public Relations.
If we are proud to be members of NIPR, why should we not be of the NUJ?
Need For Quality Leadership in NUJ.
Dear Colleagues. Lekan Otufodunrin write on NIPR Membership Induction is a wake up call on NUJ.
The Nigeria Union of Journalists,NUJ has over the years refused to regulate its Membership through certification and induction ceremonies. In essence, Membership of NUJ has become an all commer affairs.
The main reasons has been lack of quality leadership and discipline.
In order to enthrone quality leadership and discipline in the NUJ, we must be interested in leadership recruitment into the fold.
Once we have a cerebral and visionary person as the president of NUJ, he or she will pursue an issue of certification of members through the Nigerian Institute of Journalism,NIJ, or International Institute of Journalism,IIJ. Then, mandatory regular training will also be encouraged. Induction of members, too, will be done as the NGE does.
Former leaders of NUJ are in the NGE. We need to interrogate those aspiring to lead NUJ. The next NUJ election is coming up soon. Who are the candidates? What are their pedigree?
But once we are not bothered about the activities of NUJ, we will all suffer collateral damage.
During my tenure as NUJ Chairman Lagos State Council, I pushed for certification and discipline of members to the extent of encouraging induction for students of NIJ , where I was a part-time lecturer, my efforts were not appreciated. For me , I have played my part, struggling within for 18 years until 2017. Apology to Yusuf Olaniyonu- “Like a snail, you have continually climbed the three until you get to the end.” That was his comment when I was voted in as Chairman,NUJ Lagos State Council. I wish the current leadership of NUJ well.
If NIPR maintains discipline and sticks to the certification and induction of members, those who appreciate these rules of the engagement will continue to be members.
It is never too late for NUJ to assert its authority and influence.
Former PRESIDENTS of NUJ now in the NGE and other elders, this is a wake-up call.
Qasim Akinreti,Ph.D
Deputy Director Digital Media Voice of Nigeria
Former Chairman NUJ Lagos State Council, 2017-2020 .