NIJ PGD Print: The only ‘man’ standing

Since all journalists, irrespective of their gender are usually addressed as gentlemen of the press, I take the liberty to use ‘man’ in the headline for Elizabeth Oluwaseyi Jimoh who is the subject of this piece.

Jimoh, a graduate of Physical and Health Education from Adeyemi College of Education, affiliated with Obafemi Awolowo University, is the only student in the Post-Graduate Full-Time class at the Nigeria Institute of Journalism (NIJ) specialising in print journalism in the 2023/2024 academic session out of 31.

They were initially two when I started teaching them Fact-Checking and Data Journalism, but the other student withdrew from the course, leaving Elizabeth with the tempting option of moving to either Broadcast or Public Relations/Advertising, but she stayed back, determined to improve her writing skills which was the purpose of enrolling for the course.

With the second semester almost over, Elizabeth, popularly called “Mummy GO” by classmates has not only excelled in her general academic performance, but at the last count has 25  published reports on various platforms to her credit.

She ensures she writes reports on every major programme on the campus or others she attends outside the campus.

Jimoh has proved that her decision to remain the only print student in her class was borne out of her flair for writing and determination to learn more.

“After the first lecture in the practical class on news writing, I went to the library to get more knowledge.  I started writing and submitted my reports to our Lecturer on News writing,” Jimoh said when asked what inspired her to write for publications.

“I would also say I love to write and the joy of seeing my byline somehow triggers me to write. Sometimes, I task myself to write for every event.

“Anytime I didn’t meet up with the task, I felt very bad. I attended two events last week and I haven’t written about it. The guilt has been horrible because of the pledge I haven’t fulfilled”

She acknowledges the mentorship of one of her experienced classmates,

Lady Ejiro Umukoro, Executive Director of LightRay Media who usually demands that she writes reports of every event she attends and publishes them on her website.

“I’m  sure if she knew I attended those meetings, she would have demanded the stories and  I won’t want to disappoint her.”

Umukoro recalls her first encounter with Elizabeth saying “There was hunger in her eyes.”

“Her mien was gentle and would fool anyone who takes her femininity and gentleness for weakness. It was then I knew I wanted to mentor her. She had a gift, and I’m one helluva legendary talent spotter, so our dance began.

“Whatever task Mrs G.O is given as she’s fondly called by her peers, she delivers! She does not carry on as a newbie. She takes on task as though she’s been five years on the job, “Umukoro stated.

Apart from her published reports, Jimoh also goes out of her way to learn about broadcasting and anchors a programme on the school’s online station, Pen Radio.

She explained that her interest in broadcasting was because of the lecturer who admonished her class during his first Lecture not to segregate the courses but to participate in all.

“I remember I was able to write the first script for Broadcast students for their first TV presentation. It was after this I was approached to help write a script for a radio programmed tagged- Naked Mind.

“Then, I became a co-host and sometimes helped to host the programme when the host was absent. The programme is about helping listeners to unburden their burdens.

“We share real-life stories, inspire, and also give sports updates, because the producer Mr Abel, is a Broadcast student and basketballer,” Jimoh explained.

Asked about her general impression of the postgraduate course, Jimoh says “It has been enlightening and inspiring.”

“Being strange in the course at first was a bit challenging until I was able to mingle freely at a fact-checking seminar I attended.

“It was on the  1st of December 2023 at NECA house. I remember I came in late for the workshop due to Lectures, but after that event, the incentive from Mr Lanre Arogundade, the Executive Director of the International Press Centre was a motivation, an eye opener that If I can answer questions and get a token amidst media personalities, then, I can do something in the media Industry.

So, I decided to embrace the transformative journey.”