Review of Dele Omojuyigbe’s ‘NIJ’s Inside Story” by Khadijat Adedeji-Olona is of the Department of Broadcasting, Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, Lagos State University.
Firstly, I must express how excited and grateful I am to be here today for this assignment. I am happy to be doing this for my alma mater, 18 years after leaving the school with a National Diploma. Everyone who knows me very well knows how dear NIJ is to my heart. It is where it all started. It is the very foundation upon which whatever professional achievements I have made today are built. NIJ not only influenced me academically but also personally and character-wise.
Today, whenever I eat from a sachet or drink from a bottle, I instinctively look for the nearest bin to dispose of it or keep it until I get home before I discard it. This habit was instilled in me at the NIJ. I came into the NIJ as an extremely introverted individual, who would rather hide in a hole than speak in the midst of people. Today, even though I still very much enjoy the company of my thoughts, through the drills at the NIJ, I can muster the courage to speak to a large gathering when the situation calls for it. However, today is not about me. We are here to celebrate with one of our lecturers, Dr. Dele Omojuyigbe, who is adding yet another feather to his literary accomplishments.
When Dr. Omojuyigbe contacted me to review this book and mentioned something about the new NIJ turning 20, my reaction was, “20? Time does really fly.” I like to think and act young, but for the first time in a long while, I actually felt old, and it just goes to show how time passes by each and every one of us if we don’t make the best use of it.
The Author
Reviewing a work of this nature is a privilege not to be overlooked, as it springs from the pen of a passionate educator and seasoned wordsmith, whose expertise spans both newsroom and classroom. During my time as Dr. Omojuyigbe’s student, his often-repeated mantra, “I read a lot”, was what we used in describing him amongst ourselves. While I am not sure if he still says those words, reading this book reaffirms not only his appetite for reading but also his writing prowess. His painstaking recollection of events, penned with thorough attention to details, hints at a habit possibly nurtured through years of diligent journaling – a practice fading among my contemporaries and nearly extinct among subsequent generations.
The Book
My task as a reviewer began with choosing the appropriate title for the review. After some contemplation, I settled for the title: “Of Glory and of Grit: A Review of Dele Omojuyigbe’s ‘NIJ’s Inside Story,” as it effectively captures the twin themes of triumph and adversity woven throughout the narrative in the book.
NIJ’s Inside Story …from my lenses The beaut, the bend. presents a compelling account of Nigerian Institute of Journalism’s (NIJ) evolution over the years, and offers a pioneering lecturer’s perspectives of the events that have shaped its trajectory over the past two decades.
Structure of the Book
Besides the preliminary and addendum sections, the book is structured into nineteen chapters, each dealing with different aspects of the author’s encounter with the NIJ.
The introductory chapter takes readers on a journey through the author’s foray into the academia amidst a thriving entrepreneurial venture. Despite his initial disillusion with the meagre remuneration, which he describes as “an unthinkable package, apparently poorer than the poorest,” the author reflects on his determination to take up the appointment, moved by the persuasion and commitment of the then provost. He also elaborates on how he strategically manoeuvred his ways out of the impending economic quagmire.
The subsequent seven chapters, from Chapter 2 to Chapter 8, trace the trajectory of the NIJ, detailing its history, milestones, distinctive features, accomplishments, and hurdles it has had to endure both prior to and following the National Board for Technical Education’s (NBTE) accreditation. Each phase is illustrated by the factors that prompted the changes, alongside the contributions of prominent figures, notably Alhaji Lateef Jakande, and institutions engaged in the struggle. The author particularly acknowledges the zeal, diligence, and dedication exhibited by the school’s first provost post-NBTE accreditation, Dr Lizzy Ikem, amidst financial constraints and sundry challenges. The section also examines the unique challenges associated with operating the Institute on a non-residential basis with younger students, coupled with the constraints on social activities. While noting that the dynamics of student-teacher relationship has changed over the years, the author’s reflects on a confrontational encounter with a former student in a life-threatening situation and the school’s experience with social media trials amidst allegations of sexual harassment.
Chapter 9 and 10 outline the procedures, policy intricacies, and reactions surrounding the appointments of provosts after Dr Ikem’s retirement. Meanwhile, Chapter 11 shines a spotlight on the significant achievements, collaborative endeavours, and professional advancements attained by the NIJ during this period. I am particularly fascinated by the author’s endeavour in Chapter 12, where he practically reproduces his notes from a training programme, facilitated by a communication specialist, Dr. Eduardo Cue at the NIJ as far back as 2007. Dr Omojuyigbe’s notes stand as a valuable resource in themselves, and simply by reading them, I felt like a participant myself at the programme. In Chapter 13, the author delves into the challenges brought about by the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic and discusses how the Institute successfully weathered the storm, adapting to the new reality of blended teaching and learning.
Chapter 14 is particularly enthralling for exploring the achievements of select NIJ alumni across diverse sectors within and beyond Nigeria, many of whom are now influential figures in media and entrepreneurship. Refer to the book for a list of these individuals.
Life’s journey is indeed a roller-coaster ride, marked by thrilling highs and devastating lows. In Chapter 15, the author recounts the Institute’s encounters with loss, including the passing of several staff members, over the years. The death of its founder, Lateef Jakande, the author recounts, is equally devastating.
Chapters 16 and 17 outline the ongoing challenges confronting the Institute, notably funding issues, which the author suggests could be mitigated if the government extends financial support to private tertiary institutions akin to government-owned ones. The controversy surrounding the renaming of the NIJ House at Victoria Island to Ismaila Isa House, following the demise of the Institutes’ Chairman, Governing Council, is also examined, with arguments both for and against the decision.
Chapter 18 shines a light on the significant contributions of philanthropist Sir Kessington Adebutu to the development of NIJ, culminating in a special convocation and awards ceremony in his honour. The concluding chapter, tagged “postscript,” is a heartfelt plea from the author to final-year students of the Institute, advising caution amidst celebration during their final exams. A notable addition to the book is the inclusion of the Institute’s six convocation lists from 2007 to 2021, adding to its depth.
Final Thoughts on the Book
“NIJ’s Inside Story …from my lenses, The beaut, the bend” is a compelling masterpiece that provides a captivating narrative of the Nigerian Institute of Journalism’s journey, both pre- and post-accreditation by the NBTE. It highlights the initial struggles and acknowledges the significant individuals and organisations involved in the Institute’s evolution, while also detailing how these challenges have been addressed over time. The book celebrates the contributions of both past and present staff members to the institution’s growth and development. It further showcases the accomplishments of NIJ alumni across diverse fields, illustrating the quality of education imparted at the Institute. Apart from highlighting the persistent funding challenges faced by the Institute, the author proposes potential solutions, emphasizing the role of government’s support in revitalizing private tertiary institutions.
The book is meticulously researched, drawing from a wide range of sources such as archival materials, lecture notes, presentations, interviews, and newspaper articles. This shows that a considerable effort has been invested in birthing this insightful piece.
With the author possessing Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctoral Degrees in English Language, one might expect a text filled with complex language; however, the prose of this book flows effortlessly, combining simplicity and clarity, easily understandable, even to a child of five.
While the author’s efforts to present an authentic account of the events that shaped the NIJ are duly recognised, it is important to acknowledge potential limitations regarding the accuracy and completeness of the information provided. Similar to many history books written from a single author’s viewpoint, it runs the risk of perception bias, which could introduce a degree of subjectivity or bias into the narrative.
Nevertheless, the book remains a valuable resource for current and prospective students of the NIJ in understanding the history and importance of the Institute. Its overall strengths lie in its rich coverage, insider perspective, engaging narrative style, detailed research, and relevance to contemporary issues.
On this note, I will like to appreciate the author once again for this opportunity. It’s a privilege I do not take for granted. I am immensely grateful to all my lecturers here today, whose contributions in shaping me are invaluable and while I may not have the capacity to repay you for your impact in my life, it is my desire to continue to carry on the mantra of excellence for which the NIJ is known for, as long as I am blessed to live. And I would like to implore you current and past students, to do the same anywhere you find yourselves. Thank you all for your attention and please, do not leave without getting a copy of the book.
By Khadijat Adedeji-Olona.
Khadijat Adedeji-Olona is of the department of Broadcasting, Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, Lagos State University.
An inspiring book review that makes you want to grab a copy of this book written by Dr Dele Omojuyigbe.