CJID Trains Ekiti Students on Accountability Journalism

The Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) has concluded its 48th Campus Reporter/Next Gen Campus Journalism Training Programme in Ekiti State, equipping over 40 student-journalists from Ekiti State University (EKSU) and Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) with practical skills in ethical reporting, investigative journalism, and data-driven storytelling.

The three day hybrid training, which combined virtual and physical sessions, was held at the Fasina Conference Centre, FUOYE. The programme forms part of CJID’s effort to strengthen evidence-based journalism and nurture a new generation of campus reporters committed to accountability and public interest reporting.

The training began with an onboarding session facilitated by Lois Ugbede, Assistant Editor at DUBAWA, who introduced participants to fact-checking and media information literacy. 

While Osaruonamen Ibizugbe, the Next Gen Project Officer at CJID, guided participants on collaborative digital tools used in modern newsrooms, Busola Ajibola, Deputy Director of Journalism Programmes at CJID, led a session on gender and disability-inclusive reporting, challenging participants to rethink stereotypes in media coverage.

“Journalists play a crucial role in shaping narratives,” Mrs Ajibola said, encouraging participants to adopt inclusive storytelling that reflects diverse perspectives.

Similarly, Idris Akinbajo, Managing Editor of Premium Times, facilitated sessions on journalism ethics and news writing, stressing the importance of integrity, accuracy, and impartiality in media practice. He warned against unethical practices such as plagiarism and “brown envelope journalism,” noting that credibility remains the most valuable asset of a journalist.

Mr Akinbajo also led discussions on investigative techniques and the role of journalism in promoting transparency and accountability.

Technical tools training 

During the training, participants were also trained in photojournalism and multimedia storytelling by Gbolahan Ogunsolu, Media Production Associate at CJID, who demonstrated how visual storytelling strengthens news reporting.

While Ms Ibizugbe introduced students to the Campus Reporter’s website, Victor Ejechi, a data journalist at TheCable, took the students on the use of Microsoft Excel and Google Workspace for data analysis and collaborative newsroom production.

The final day of the clinic focused on civic responsibility, governance, and journalists’ safety. Amina Miango, a legal practitioner, facilitated a session titled “Civics 101,” where she explained the rights and responsibilities of citizens and the role of journalists in democratic governance.

This was followed by Mboho Eno, Deputy Director of CJID’s Accountability Programme, who spoke on youth participation in governance and the importance of civic engagement in strengthening democratic institutions. The training concluded with sessions on hyperlocal journalism and journalists’ safety facilitated by Adejumo Kabir, a journalist and senior researcher with Good Governance Africa (GGA). He emphasised the importance of community-based reporting and safety practices for journalists covering sensitive issues.

Practical learning

As part of the training programme, participants were grouped into three newsroom teams where they pitched and wrote stories on issues affecting their institutions. Facilitators reviewed their reports and provided professional feedback. 

The students described the experience as transformative. One of them, Oricha Moses, a 200-level Mass Communication student, said the training expanded his understanding of journalism beyond classroom learning.

“It was wonderful. As a 200-level student, I’ve learned more here than what I have been taught so far in my Mass Communication programme,” he said.

Similarly, Erewunmi Peace, a FUOYE campus reporter, noted that the programme strengthened her journalism skills and encouraged the adoption of digital tools in reporting. “The programme covered key journalism areas and encouraged AI adoption. It was also a great networking opportunity with students from EKSU and FUOYE,” she said.

The programme ended with certificate presentations, formally inducting the participants into the CJID Campus Reporter network.

The Ekiti Campus Journalism Clinic reflects CJID’s continued commitment to capacity building, mentorship, and youth empowerment, while strengthening ethical and evidence-based journalism across Nigerian campuses.

This news report was jointly written by Kehinde Ayeni, Ayodele Ezekiel and Maryam Alli for the Next Gen Campus Reporter Clinic in Ekiti State.