PTCIJ’s Campus Reporter Trains 55 Campus Journalists In Ekiti

Following a 4-day-long media training on basic news reporting, data journalism, fact-checking, investigative reporting, media ethics and gender-sensitive reporting, the Premium Times Center for Investigative Journalism has trained another set of 55 campus journalists ready for its NEXT-GEN Programme. 

The Programme Coordinator, Busola Ajibola, in her remark, described the training as part of the PTCIJ’s focus on building a generation of data and digital journalists across Nigerian tertiary institutions. 

The training, which was held in Ekiti State University campus, had the participation of 35 students from Ekiti State University, 15 students from the Federal University of Oye Ekiti, and 5 students from Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology. 

One of the facilitators, the Managing Editor of Premium Times, Idris Akinbajo, advised participants to explore opportunities that come with being part of the NEXTGEN Programme. 

Meanwhile, the Vice-Chancellor of Ekiti State University, Professor Edward Olanipekun during a visit to the training centre, commended the PTCIJ for its efforts in promoting journalism as a tool for good governance and accountability. 

The Vice, who was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Development, Professor Wale Olajide, however, described the training as a golden opportunity, thus, participants must ensure they are good ambassadors of the programme.

Speaking to one of the participants, Olanibukun Omolara, a 200 level Law student of Ekiti State University, described the training as totally exhilarating and insightful.

“So many things I didn’t know about Journalism was brought into the light. I learned that writing Journalism is not merely writing stories or painting situations you feel are worth writing about. I learned that there are various steps or procedures that should guide your story writing as well things to take caution of,” she said.

Another participant, Abdulganiyi Zainab, a 300 Level student of Ekiti State University, while describing her experience said: “I learned about the ethics in journalism, and realized I can follow my passion without a certificate. I can now write certain news reports on my own.”