By Our Reporter
The International Centre for Investigative Reporting (The ICIR) will commence two days of training for twenty-five [25] selected campus journalists at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, AAUA, Ondo State for its Countering Misinformation and Promoting Media Literacy in Nigeria Project.
The two-day training, which is sponsored by the German Embassy in Nigeria, will holds at the institution's Nelson Mandela hall from 25th to 26th October 2023.
In a statement signed by The ICIR Programs Officer, Alfred Akerele "The Countering Misinformation and Promoting Media Literacy in Nigeria Project" aims to reduce the dissemination and impact of misinformation in Nigeria by promoting media literacy and encouraging responsible information sharing among citizens.
The two-day capacity-building programme will enhance campus journalists; mass communication students' skills and empower them to create fact-checking content, contributing to responsible journalism and improving the quality of information available in Nigeria.
After the training, The ICIR will establish a Fact-check Club within the university to ensure long-term ‘sustainability that will empower student journalists to train their peers, organize workshops and meetings, and subsequently produce fact-check content.
The ICIR will provide comprehensive support to help trained campus journalists maximize the effectiveness of the club.
The ICIR is an independent, non-profit media organization that aims to promote good governance in Nigeria through robust investigative and data-driven reporting to build a culture of watchdog reporting for the media in Nigeria.
The ICIR in the last five years has worked to build the capacity for journalists to undertake investigative, data-driven reporting, thus strengthening accountability and engendering effective service delivery for the welfare of the citizens, particularly at the sub-regional level.
Speaking ahead of the programme, the Head of the Mass Communication Department, Dr Raphael Abimbola expressed that the programme is a positive step forward, highlighting the value of the training as well as emphasizing how it will provide campus journalists, particularly Mass Communication students, with direct insights from seasoned journalists actively engaged in the field round the clock.
Dr Abimbola maintained that the training will enable participants to gain a comprehensive understanding of investigative reporting, as well as the issues of misinformation, disinformation, and spreading rumors, which have become a significant concern in Nigeria.
"They will understand the concept of investigative reporting, a subject we introduced to them in their 200-level courses and are currently instructing those in the 400-level specialized reporting classes. Our teaching encompasses the methods and techniques of investigative journalism."
"The recognition from The ICIR as one of the 12 chosen universities in Nigeria for training campus journalists will provide students with direct exposure to information verification and fact-checking. This opportunity will significantly benefit both our institution and our students, equipping them with the necessary skills for the media industry upon graduation," Dr Abimbola added.
He mentioned that the department will persist in collaborating with media institutions to extend the department's influence.
"I want you to note that in some of these institutes, our alumni have won awards from them, even from the umbrella body of the media award committee in Nigeria, our students have. The awards have taken some of them both locally and internationally. After this training, we will continue discussions with our partners for more partnership and training.
"I used to report all these good developments at the senate and that is why the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Olugbenga Ige did not hesitate in approving this training and asking them to come and train the students as requested, so we will continue to partner and we also continue to go through our alumni who are on the field to also attract more training opportunities to us because they are the ones on the field, they are the ones that can network for us, so we'll continue to do that."
In his admonition guidance to the chosen campus journalists, he emphasized that they should view it as a valuable chance for self-improvement and remain fully dedicated, attending all sessions, actively engaging, and fulfilling their responsibilities.
He encouraged individuals who didn't make the list to remain hopeful, emphasizing that there are still opportunities ahead for them.
"Particularly individuals in the lower tiers, and even those not selected, will take part in both the opening and closing ceremonies, witnessing and observing the events. Not everyone can participate simultaneously, even those who are working in newspapers, radio, and television, when training comes, it is not all the staff, it is batch by batch, so opportunities will still come the way of others.
"The Mass Communication department has come of age in this university—we have produced a lot and will continue to do so. We are glad that our products have always been making us proud, even on the sideways, before they even graduate.
"Even when they go for six months industrial training, industrial work experience scheme, they excel. We will continue to work harder to make sure that we don't produce people who are not employable or those who will not be able to defend the certificates we are awarding them, so I just want people and the whole world to know that our department is solid and we are training professionals, not just people with head knowledge alone."
In his words, the President of the AAUA chapter of the Nigeria Union of Campus Journalists (NUCJ), Friday Omosola, expressed gratitude to The ICIR for founding AAUA worthy.
Omosola further commended the Vice-Chancellor and Head of the Mass Communication Department for their nurturing efforts in ensuring the opportunity landed in AAUA.
He mentioned that when The ICIR Programs Officer contacted him for the training, he viewed it as an opportunity for campus journalists to learn, relearn, and unlearn, while also serving as a means to connect with experienced journalists.
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