When Usmanu Yakubu Usmanu, a recent graduate of Literature at Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS) began his career as a campus journalist, he was not sure how journalists pitch stories and how to craft similar ones that would impact society.
He had to search the internet where he got few ideas which was not sufficient until he reached out to a mentor to guide him.
It was a former Editor of Pen Press UDUS and former Vice President of the National Association of Campus Journalists NACJ-UDUS, Abdulrasheed Hammad, who explained to Usmanu what to do before giving him a sample which used as a template to draft his own.
With the mentoring by Abdulrasheed, a Law graduate in the 2022/2023 academic session and currently a freelancer journalist, Usmanu was able to master the necessary skills to write his first story selected for Campus Journalism 2024 Award.
“Fortunately the story I pitched for the first time was immediately accepted as it has to do with gross corruption and decay in the education system” he explained.
His passion For Investigative Writing
Initially, Usmanu preferred writing features believing that it would enhance his investigative writing reporting which he says exposes corruption and inhumane practices leading him to gain recognition through his story.
“I really like writing. Investigative Journalism interests me because it makes a quick impact and exposes societal ills. That’s why I practice writing feature stories from the beginning. With passion and purpose, this becomes the ideal reason that pushes me to do more which brings this recognition to me”
Notwithstanding, Usmanu was amazed when his story was shortlisted among the finalists for the Campus Journalism Awards 2024 among the 373 stories submitted.
“I really feel excited. It surprised me a lot because there are many great campus journalists now across Nigerian tertiary institutions,” he said.
About Campus Journalism Awards
The 6th Edition of Campus Journalism Awards with the theme: Thriving in the 21st Century Media Landscape is to motivate campus journalists across Africa on their commitment and perseverance in upholding justice for humanity with their pen in the promotion of a democratic state. The event was held at Cosmopolitan University, opposite National Hospital Abuja on Saturday, 7th December 2024.
During the ceremony, Usmanu, emerged as the first runner-up in the Investigative journalist’s category with the story titled “In Nasarawa, an Abandoned Public Healthcare Store is Becoming a Criminal Den”
“Seriously, I can’t believe it when I was called as the 1st runner up under Investigative report. It’s a great motivation for continuity but the journey is mainly to be dutiful to the society. I have no idea of winning anything until this moment,” Usmanu stated.
His Social media engagement
Before being named the first-runner up, Usmanu had on Facebook stated that being among the finalists was an achievement for him even if he did not win in the category. For him meeting the veteran journalists in Abuja was a dream come true.
“I already won at this stage for being among the finalists and I will be glad to meet my fellow campus journalists that will be celebrated for their practice and contribution to social justice,” he stated in the post.
His motivation for Campus Journalists
Usmanu encouraged campus journalists to always strive hard, be dedicated, network with the mainstream, engage in research and read newspapers to write impactful stories.
“There are many hard copies of newspapers in the serial sections of Abdullahi Fodio Library. They can read them during their leisure time. It helps a lot and writing impactful stories should be their priority,” he said.
