As the full-time postgraduate students of the Nigerian Institute of Journalism embarked on the monumental task of crafting their final paper for the second semester examination of the 2023/2024 academic session, an atmosphere of unbridled jubilation and euphoria pervaded the air.
In conversations with several of the students, they articulated their sentiments with a kaleidoscope of emotions, oscillating between exhilaration and nostalgia, as they reflected on the odyssey that had brought them to the cusp of this milestone.
While recounting their journey within the hallowed halls of the institution, they expressed their eagerness to translate the theoretical knowledge and skills acquired into practical applications in the field as professional journalists.
For Precious Nwonu, her voice trembles with a mix of emotions. She said: “I feel excited and relieved writing my last paper, it was just like yesterday when I was preparing to run the programme and right now it’s coming to an end. While I am excited of writing my final paper, I am also sad because I will miss the class and those I have created a beautiful bond with. I can’t wait to explore all that I have learnt in the institution and practice it out there in the field as a professional journalist.”
Adesina Micheal, his countenance a picture of introspection, remarked, “I have mixed emotions about writing my final exam one hand, I’m excited to complete this milestone and move forward. On the other hand, I’m saddened by the thought of possibly never seeing many of my dear colleagues again in this life. I’ve formed strong bonds with them and will deeply miss their presence and camaraderie.”
Walter Odigie, his eyes aglow with an uncontainable excitement, declared, “I feel super excited knowing I will be writing my final paper that will see me finally become a certified journalist. This personally means a lot to me, I’ve always wanted to be a journalist since 2011 but some circumstances made my journey here much longer and tougher, from not getting initial support from my parent to not getting my preferred course of study in the University to the realities of life after graduation, it hasn’t been easy but I thank God that in the end I will be archiving this dream of mine. As for the lessons learnt from NIJ I will say the importance of communication and understanding rather than perceptions and judgement is key to analyzing any situation and also I have learnt from some lecturers and some fellow students that it’s never too late to pursue your dreams.”
Meanwhile, Abegunde Afolake feels good about completing her exams but she “can’t wait to forge ahead.”
Omaraye Grace, on her part, said: “For me, I just want to get done and get out”
Overall, the PGD students were thrilled to have completed the intensive one-year program and were enthusiastically anticipating the next chapter of their careers.
