Internship Diary: An Account of My First Month at Tribune by Olanshile Ogunrinu

For every diligent campus journalist, transitioning into the mainstream media is always the ultimate goal after graduation, and for me, it is no different. After years of active involvement in campus journalism, which saw me holding several editorial positions in campus publications and eventually serving at the apex of the Union of Campus Journalists at Nigeria’s premier university, University of Ibadan, I became eager to transfer the knowledge and skills I had acquired on campus into professional journalism practice after my graduation in January 2026.

Fortunately, the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID), renowned for its commitment to strengthening journalism and empowering young media professionals through training and mentorship opportunities, announced the Next Gen Internship Programme under the Campus Reporter Initiative. 

The programme immediately stood out to me because it represented exactly the kind of bridge many campus journalists need between the classroom and the newsroom. Without hesitation, I applied and requested to be placed at nowhere else but the oldest privately-owned newspaper in Nigeria, Nigerian Tribune.

Out of over 200 applicants, I was fortunate to be among the 11 participants selected for the internship programme. The selection itself felt validating, considering the competitiveness of the process and the reputation of the programme among student journalists across Nigeria. On Thursday, May 14, I resumed at Tribune House located in Oke Ado, Ibadan, where I was posted to the Saturday Tribune Desk.

Being assigned to the Saturday Desk has been both exciting and enlightening. I have had the privilege of learning directly under veteran journalists whose works I have admired for years. One of them is Dr Lasisi Olagunju, the erudite columnist whose “Monday Lines” remains a rich source of insight on politics, history, arts, and grammatical finesse. 

Reading his columns over the years has always felt like attending a masterclass in writing and analysis, so meeting and learning under him in person has been a remarkable experience. I have also had the opportunity to work around Mr. Sam Nwaoko, whose weekend column, “SOS,” is one of the regular features I always looked forward to reading in Saturday Tribune.

What struck me immediately after resumption was the welcoming atmosphere within the newsroom. As a young intern stepping into a professional media environment, I expected a more intimidating experience, but the reception I got from members of the Saturday Tribune team was encouraging. I still remember Dr Olagunju saying, “We will help you get the most out of your time here.” Those words instantly reassured me that I was in the right environment to grow as a young reporter.

Another interesting aspect of the Tribune newsroom is its hybrid mode of operation. In response to the economic realities and the increasing transportation costs caused by fuel price hikes, the organisation adopted a flexible work structure. Members of the Saturday Desk work virtually from Monday to Wednesday and physically on Thursdays and Fridays. This arrangement reduces the burden of commuting for staff members and also demonstrates how media organisations are adapting to economic realities while sustaining productivity.

However, Thursdays at the newsroom are always particularly intense and energetic. Since reporters spend earlier days of the week gathering stories and conducting interviews, Thursday becomes the major production day when everyone converges physically to prepare the pages for publication. 

The atmosphere is usually busy but coordinated, with editors reviewing stories, reporters making corrections, and production staff ensuring that deadlines are met. Watching this process closely has given me practical exposure to how newspaper production truly works beyond what is taught in classrooms.

I patiently learned several technical and editorial processes involved in newspaper production. I became familiar with page planning, production schedules, page numbering, and the coordination required to prepare pages for print. One of the tasks I was introduced to was “serving” pages, a process that involves preparing completed pages for production and ensuring that all necessary corrections and approvals are made before publication. 

After being guided through the process, I have participated in serving pages for two consecutive weeks, an experience that has improved both my confidence and understanding of the newsroom workflow.

Aside from the production process, I have also started participating in reporting assignments. I am currently getting data for a story I am working on. While still at the early stage of these assignments, the process has already taught me the importance of patience, accuracy, and verification in journalism. 

Unlike campus reporting where stories are often handled within smaller communities, mainstream journalism requires a greater level of scrutiny, professionalism, and accountability because of the wider audience involved.

One important lesson I have learned so far is that journalism extends beyond writing alone. Teamwork, discipline, timing, editorial judgment, and adaptability are all equally important in a professional newsroom. Every member of the team contributes to ensuring that the newspaper is published successfully, and observing that level of collaboration has been inspiring.

My first month at Tribune has already proven to be a valuable learning experience. It has exposed me to the realities of newsroom practice, sharpened my understanding of professional journalism, and strengthened my desire to pursue impactful reporting. More importantly, the internship has shown me that the transition from campus journalism to mainstream journalism is achievable with the right opportunities, mentorship, and willingness to learn.

As I continue this internship journey, I look forward to improving my reporting skills, contributing meaningful stories, and gaining even deeper insight into the workings of the media industry. So far, the experience has been promising, and I am optimistic that the coming months will be even more impactful for my growth as a journalist.