At least, I can tell my tale from the PGD arm, NIJ has not been just about academics; it has been about doggedness and discipline. It has been about the capacity of humanity to push the body and mental process beyond human elasticity and achieve results beyond the attainment of nominal average. Even I dare say that it has been about people; oh yes! colleagues and coursemates who have sworn to their hurt and determination over age, and convenience, to etch out a niche, and leave an indelible mark on the landscape of Nigerian media and beyond.
Little wonder, we were not aghast at the already laid down policies and strict rules by the management of NIJ which emphasised on punctuality, hardwork, dexterity, obedience, and good etiquette.
Normally, one would have thought the rules were hard nuts to crack but the school did know how to beat you into line, so without any altercations with the staff, in spite of the disciplinary routine of class activities, the PGD class did chomp-at-the-bit to lead exemplary before the junior classes – indeed, our maturity showed the tough cookie, each of us already had become.
Is it the standard of attaining a 70 -80% class attendance, all take home and class assignments be done prompt without fail, or is it the mode of dressing, or even the circulars and memos served by the school management to which the students are strictly advised to adhere.
All these make a no-nonsense institution that the Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ) is known for- as a distinguished place of learning with no room for tardiness.
Some say “education never comes easy”, some even say “education is not cheap”. But I believe that education is acquired information or knowledge, and knowledge is power; however power is not served a la carte.
