The Preacher was right when he penned in the Holy writ- “For surely there is an end; and better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof”
This was indeed the experience of the full-time Post Graduate Diploma (PGD) students of the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, who on the 9th of August 2024 concluded their one year Post Graduate Diploma Program, as they wrote their final semester exams which wrapped up the 2023/2024 academic calendar for the session.
The students who were largely unfamiliar with the mass communication profession couldn’t curtail their joy, as they were grateful for how their transformative journey into Journalism has refined their career path, initiating them as- members of the fourth estate of the realm.
Although the students which comprises of- Public Relations and Advertising (PRAD), Broadcast and Print concluded their last paper with each writing different courses, yet, the moment after the final examination was thrilling and scintillating.
The students reflected on the transformational journey which began a few months ago as some started their race via a screening exercise involving written and oral tests conducted on the 5th of August 2023 at the school premises.
But for some, they recalled how they joined the session at the last moment, shortly before the matriculation ceremony.
Meanwhile, lectures had commenced on the 9th of October 2023, prior to the Matriculation exercise which took place on 6th of March, 2024, on the NIJ campus.
The Provost of the Institute, Mr Gbgenga Adefanye, a former editor-in-chief of the Vanguard newspaper had informed attendees how the institution matriculated 248 students on its 21st Matriculation celebration exercise.
He made the statement during a speech delivered at the ceremony, which took place on the NIJ campus, Ogba Ikeja Lagos.
He said- “One hundred and nineteen(119) ND students; sixty-seven(67) HND students and Sixty-two PGD students were matriculated into various programmes respectively”.
Mr Gbgenga told the students to be mindful of the institute’s dual heritage of- academic and professional hands-on training in Mass communication which has been in existence for more than half of a century.
The Provost then advised the students on the need to prioritize the importance of attendance and lectures. He specifically asserted that each student must attain 70 per cent attendance to qualify to attend examinations.
Undoubtedly, as the full time PGD 2023/2024 students completed their final papers on the 9th of August 2024, they were indeed grateful to the Lectures who had served as loco-parentis and also instrumental for their holistic development without leaving out the school management whose unique selling point was a record of smooth running of the academic session without any form of disruption of scheduled programmes or interruptions from strikes.
The students, who were largely adults, couldn’t hide their emotions, as moments of celebration and felicitations sent signals of departure to their mind. Many became speechless as the pain of separation from course mates and team members whom they have shared memorable moments with, seems unbearable.
Conversation on their social media platform revealed how many struggled to embrace the sudden reality of departure which had recently dawned on them.
Meanwhile, an earlier message from a member on the students interactive WhatsApp group, prior to the final papers, read thus-
“Good evening, dear colleagues. Please, someone should come with speakers tomorrow. We must celebrate together and create memories that we will never forget. For some of us, tomorrow may be the last time we will ever see each other again on earth. So, I would love to appeal to everyone to please forgive themselves. Let’s forget unnecessary issues and focus on working together to achieve greatness. I love you all and wish you tremendous success in tomorrow’s exam.”
Surprisingly, some of the students were not aware that a committee had secretly masterminded a memorable send off party, which was intended to make the last moment colorful. It was least expected from majority of the students, considering the hiccups that had ravaged the peaceful co-existence of the students for some time, but the “mini-parting-party” came as a shocker to many.
After the final papers, the surprise party began, and it lasted for about two hours.
The aftermath of the party was massive, as greetings and farewell messages followed tremendously.
It all began when Mrs Folake Olatunji wrote on the general WhatsApp platform. “Thank you all.! It has been a pleasure meeting each and every one of you. The experiences we’ve shared together will never be forgotten. You’re much appreciated ..thank you for the refreshments. May God support and guide you all in the pursuit of your dreams and goals. Sending much love!”
Subsequent felicitations flowed.
“Today, my heart experienced a tumultuous blend of joy and pain, but I remain steadfast in my belief that we will all rise to greatness and converge at the summit of our aspirations in the near future. I am filled with an unrelenting optimism that I will behold a tapestry of triumphs, woven from the threads of success stories from every corner of the globe. This vision brings me boundless joy, transcending the memories of our time within NIJ’s walls…oh my goodness. It’s always very hard to say goodbye, but we will surely meet again.”
This message came from Micheal Adeshina and it attracted reactions and emojis which led to the response of Mrs Olushola Agbalu who wrote: “People can only pretend they won’t miss each other. Even you will feel emotional when you can no longer see someone you don’t like.”
Another response from Madam Titi Oreka read thus: “Thank you so much for these encouraging words,…As much as I hate goodbyes, reading this has helped to lift my spirits and I am very hopeful that greater days lie ahead for all of us. Thanks to everyone for hanging in till the end. Things can only get better.”
Furthermore, Mr Abel Sunday, another student wrote on the platform: “Dear friends, colleagues, and loved ones. I’m filled with a mix of emotions – sad to leave behind the familiar, yet excitement for the new adventures ahead.
“I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to each of you for being part of my journey. Your support, guidance have made my time here truly unforgettable. I’ll cherish the memories we’ve created, the laughter we’ve shared, and the challenges we’ve overcome together.
“As I move on to new horizons, I’ll carry the lessons learned and the love received here with me. I’ll stay in touch and look forward to crossing paths again.
“Thank you again for being an integral part of my story. Farewell, and may our paths continue to intersect in wonderful ways!”
The amiable class governor in person Mrs Rufai Kehinde sent in her farewell messages which read thus-
“Good evening, everyone. It’s a pleasure to meet you all. We’ve shared fights, laughter, smiles, and great memories. I appreciate and love each one of you, and I believe we will all reach the height we aspire to, in Jesus name.”
As more messages and emojis kept pouring in, the class governor added: “All these farewell messages make me cry, but it’s all for the best.”
Also, another response from Comrade Yewande read thus: “Guysss, I was crying when I wanted to take my leave. I hate goodbyes.”
Similarly, the next morning began with fresh note of farewell greetings as the first one came from Comrade Musa Toliat titled- All too soon, and it read thus-
“Good morning, great minds! All too soon we have come to a point where we need to leave each other…
All too soon we have to move on and look elsewhere to place order…
All too soon we have to live with fondest memories of one another…
Indeed life has brought us, for a purpose, together…
Indeed life has taught us a lesson never to forget…
That we always had one another to protect…
We shared laughter, when it mattered…
And empathized with issues not to get battered…
We look forward to days ahead so bright…
To make future challenges so light…
We meet to part and part to meet,
but the love that brought us together will never part from us
All too soon we say thank you for being there
All too soon I say thank you for being you
All too soon!”
This led to more messages as Ifeoluwa Babatunde wrote: “I still haven’t gotten over the fact that I won’t see some of you guys again. I’m happy and grateful to have met you guys. Thanks to the beautiful memories both the good and bad. I will miss you all so much. I pray for success all the way. The lord God will favour each and everyone of us. Love you all!”
Another heart touching farewell came from Precious Nnwonu. “It was just like yesterday when we resumed as PGD freshers in NIJ, introducing ourselves to one another, our academic and professional background. And now we are saying ‘goodbye’ .
Another student said ”good byes are the most difficult words to say” and right now it’s nothing but the truth. Most especially when you have to say it to those you shared beautiful memories with. Mhm!
“My journey through NIJ with you all, has taught me a lot. I mean like a whole lot!
“The journey has given me the connection I need for my career path among you all. The close relationship for my social life. It has been a roller coaster journey but glad it ended in praise. I’m definitely going to miss everyone, including my troublemakers. Even the political banters. For everyone that’s a student of NIJ PGD 2023/2024 FULL TIME students, I want you to know I learnt a lot from your personalities and also your line of profession. I gained more than what NIJ PGD cert offered me and that’s because of the rapport among ourselves. And for the organizers of the beautiful refreshments we had after the exam, I really do appreciate your efforts. God bless you all. I had a nice time yesterday. No refreshment is complete, without BILLY’S BITE. Well done Omotayo.
God bless you all and see you at the top. Cheers to better days ahead.”
However, one of the committee members that masterminded the celebration party, in person of Madam Bilikis Omotayo wrote: “Special thanks to Mr Mike, Kazzem, Mr Scott, Aunt Shollies, Mariam, Ademola, Damilola, Mama Agbalu, Kenny, Mr Musa, Mr Segunfunmi and Madam Pat for setting up the refreshment committee. God bless you all for the contribution”
She further revealed that she had so much fun than she expected.
“Thanks to the committee that made it possible that we had fun yesterday. You guys rock”
The last message that rolled in on the group while filing this report was from Mrs. Patricia Gabriel fondly called Madam Pat. She wrote jokingly: “My dearest colleagues I no fit write after the plenty exam. I just want to use this opportunity to say thank you for making the journey in NIJ a fun filled experience, though with some unpleasant times but hey, if we no fight, the matter for no sweet reach like this. The name madam Pat don stamp for my CV 😂.This pursuit will bring to us greater open doors in Jesus name. As always, I love everyone of us.”
The mini party which came as a surprise was indeed a “parting-reunion” which had lecturers like Mr Jide Johnson, Mr Akin Ojo, Madam Popola, and Mr Femi who graced the occasion.
Sumptuous meals, cakes, drinks and chops were served to interested well-wishers.
However, a senior lecturer, Mrs Oruoma Odum, advised the students the next day not to forget to complete their assignments , project and industrial training.
The lecturer said: “Good morning to us. Congratulations to all of us. We ran the race to the finish line but can only embrace the tape if we can do just three things:
- Complete assignments
- Complete our projects and
- Complete our I.T.
As for number 1, try and submit. God bless y’all”.
The indomitable 2023/2024 full time PGD set which will hopefully begin their four months internship after a week break had a sum total of 31 students for their set which comprises of- 28 PRAD students, 12 Broadcast students and 1 Print student.
The closing experience from both ends was really memorable to all, and indeed, it was a bang!
