The Union of Campus Journalists of the University of Ibadan (UCJUI) has commenced a monthly journalism workshop for its members.
The workshop is part of ongoing efforts by the current executive council of the union to create an avenue for campus journalists and student editors to learn more about the profession.
The first edition of the workshop which held last Saturday was titled: An Editor: The Final Gatekeeper of the Gatekeeping Profession.
The workshop was facilitated by Yusuf Akinpelu , an alumnus of the union and a journalist with the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC).
Akinpelu, who expressed delight to be back home, presented strategies on how editors can make sound editorial judgments.
While speaking, he mentioned the importance of doing due diligence on any story as editors or reporters, further reiterating that dedication and discipline is irreplaceable in the field of journalism.
He also encouraged the members to stay up-to-date on events on campus and chase stories that are capable of driving change in their various halls of residence and faculties.
Speaking after the presentation, the Editor–In–Chief, Adebayo Abdulrahman also advised the attendees to inculcate the lessons learned during the workshop in their reportage going forward, emphasizing the important role that journalism plays in any society.
“We have designed a timeline that span across 12 months, featuring topical issues and sessions critical to being an outstanding journalist in the 21st century. At the end of the session, UCJ UI is confident that it would have trained campus journalists who can walk into any mainstream media organization in the country,” he added.
The President of the UCJ, UI, Oluwatobi Odeyinka, said he is committed to raising the standard of journalism in the University of Ibadan, and this workshop is one of many plans to achieve this goal.
“We are having a lot of online and physical training for our members; we are also partnering with reputable media organisations in order to equip our members with modern journalism skills. In fact we are having a media tour this weekend, for education and entertainment purposes.”
