We’re Working Hard To Make NIJ Degree-Awarding, Governing Council

By Emmanuel Ashemiriogwa

Former president of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Mr Lanre Ogundipe, has reiterated the unrelenting efforts of the Governing Council of the Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ) to make the institution Degree-awarding one.

Mr. Ogundipe made the reassurance while speaking at the sod-turning ceremony of the construction of the Kessington Adebutu Resource Centre at the school’s premises in Ogba, Lagos, on Monday, April 29th.

According to the former NUJ boss, the journalism profession in Nigeria has come of age, but practitioner tools should imbibe the spirit that comes with such an edge.

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He said, “NUJ, as a member of the governing board, will be 60 very soon. Three years ago, we celebrated 160 years of journalism practice in Nigeria. What we see in other parts of West Africa in terms of the practice of the profession is far from what we do here. Nigeria ought to lead by example in the profession.

Mr Lanre Ogundipe, performing the foundation-laying. To his right is Mr Sam Amuka

“That is why the board, under Aremo Olusegun Osoba, is working tirelessly to ensure that NIJ grows from its present status to a degree-awarding institute.”

He assured that such development will come to fruition in the next couple of months.

Commenting on the construction of the Resource Center, Mr Lanre Ogundipe congratulated the Provost and lauded the philanthropic gesture of Chief (Sir) Kessington Adebukunola Adebutu CON, KJW, FISM, who donated the 350-seater facility to the Institution.

NIJ Provost, Mr Gbenga Adefaye, expressed gratitude towards the ongoing project, noting that the best such development in NIJ has last happened in over 35 years.

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He said, “This resource centre will positively impact our training and make better the best that we have already been producing. This is just the beginning, and we are coming out with a long list of people to say ‘come and do this’ because when you empower the press, you empower democracy.”

The building is expected to be completed in four months, according to the Provost.

Layout of the building

The turning of sod was performed by Aare Dr. Kola Oyefeso, who was representing Chief (Sir) Adebutu.

While performing the ceremonial foundation laying, Dr. Oyefeso said, “As the Provost has mentioned, this facility is going to impact positively in the training of journalists in Nigeria. It’s a resource centre, so we expect students to take advantage of access to research and other provisions that will come along with the building.’

The long-awaited Kessington Adebutu Media Resource Center is expected to provide journalism students with access to state-of-the-art equipment, resources, and technology, enhancing their learning

experience in NIJ.

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Also present at the event was the NIJ Council member representing the Alumni Association, Dr. Kuria Awosan; stakeholders and patrons of NIJ, the Deputy Provost of NIJ, Dr. Boye Ola; the Registrar, Mrs. Patricia Kalensanwo; Heads of Departments, Academic and non-academic staff members, students and pressmen.