Aspiring journalists should acquire relevant skills – Adefaye

The Provost of the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, Mr Gbgenga Adefaye, has advised aspiring journalists on the need to equip themselves with relevant skills before entering the competitive job market.

Mr Adefaye gave the advice during a recent intensive training session organized by the BBC for some selected students of the institute.

The Provost emphasized the importance of hands-on experience, stating that in his  25 years of hiring employees as the former Editor-in-Chief of Vanguard Newspaper, he prioritized applicants’ skills over their academic grades.

“Can you write a news story, write a sound editorial, and conduct an interview? These are the skill sets that set you apart,” he said.

He challenged the students to make good use of the skills they had learnt during the training.

“What you’ve acquired today is to be implemented in your Journalistic work as top media personnel will be glad to pay for this rare opportunity.”

Similarly, the Deputy Provost, Dr. Boye Ola also urged the students to strive for excellence as they prepare themselves for the media industry.

The training, which began with a webinar session from London,  emphasised the significance of storytelling in news reporting and the acquisition of Open Source Intelligence (OSIN) skills in the era of heightened disinformation propagated by artificial intelligence and digital technology.

Speakers from the BBC, including undercover reporters Vicky, Daniel, and Runako, stressed the importance of embracing open-source forensic journalism as a force for good.

Mr Chiagozie, a Senior Journalist at the BBC Global Disinformation Unit, encouraged the students to prioritize verification over speculation when disseminating information, as the BBC strives to be a trusted media platform.

The practical session, which introduced the students to relevant fact-checking tools, was captivating and interactive. The session with Mr. Joseph Ekine, Editor at BBC Pidgin, was particularly impactful and mind-blowing, providing the students with valuable insights into the steps needed to craft a news story using digital tools.

The BBC facilitators stressed the importance of paying attention to details and exhibiting truthfulness in the journalism profession as the process of searching for the truth and verification can be challenging, but ultimately worthwhile.

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