By Racheal Shobowale, Olamide Fashoyi, Temitope Oyetunji and Aminah Onanuga
The Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ) has began a weekly workshop tagged “Project Clinic” to assist final year students in understanding the academic research process and improving their writing skills.
The workshop which is being organized in the school’s hall in Ogba, aims to provide students with practical knowledge and step-by-step guidance on how to conduct and present their research projects.
The session is coordinated by Mr. Femi Osuntoki and Mr. Anthony Oligbo. Other faculty members and academic staff include Head of Department, General Studies, Mrs. Maureen Popoola and Dr. Jide Johnson have facilitated the last two editions.
The Project Clinic is structured into different phases, with each session focusing on a specific chapter of the research project.
Dr. Johnson, who handled the first session in February, emphasized the importance of understanding a research topic before writing. According to him, students must not rush into their projects without first ensuring they fully grasp the subject matter. He advised students to take time to analyze, reflect, and break down their topics before moving forward.
“The foundation of every good research work is understanding your topic. If you don’t understand what you are researching, you will struggle all through the process,” he said.
The second session, led by Mrs. Popoola, focused on literature review, a critical part of any research work. She explained that the purpose of a literature review is to examine previous studies related to the chosen topic and identify gaps in existing knowledge.
“Every research project must build on past studies. If you are writing on a topic, you need to ask yourself: What has been done before? What gaps exist? How can my study contribute to knowledge?” she said during her lecture.
Mrs. Popoola also posed several key questions that students should consider when writing their literature review. These were:
- What types of research have been conducted in this area?
- What suggestions have been made for further studies?
- What has already been investigated?
- How does my study add to the existing body of knowledge?
- What research methods were used in previous studies?
Deputy Provost of the institution, Dr. Adeboye Ola, who was present in the session encouraged students to choose topics they are passionate about, as this would make the research process more enjoyable and less stressful.
“If you choose a topic that interests you, the research will not feel like a burden. You will be motivated to dig deeper and produce quality work,” he advised.
He further noted that for topics related to specific subjects, such as television or social media, students must provide a comprehensive overview, including the history, definitions, and key concepts related to the subject matter.
Many students who participated in the Project Clinic have praised the initiative, describing it as an eye-opener that has given them a clearer understanding of the research process.
One of the students in the National Diploma 2 class, Ifeoluwa Kingsley, told NIJ Insight, “The research program has helped me in several ways. The weekly lectures have been very educational, especially for ND 2 students. They provide practical steps to follow, which are very helpful. I think they should continue this initiative because it is making research writing easier for us.”
Students also commended the lecturers for their detailed explanations and willingness to answer questions during the sessions.
The interactive nature of the clinic has also been highly beneficial, as students are encouraged to ask questions and seek clarifications on any aspects of their research that seem unclear. Some students noted that the practical steps provided by the facilitators have helped them gain confidence in their research abilities.
WHAT NECESSITATED THE INITIATIVE?
The introduction of the Project Clinic at NIJ comes as a response to the common challenges students face while working on their research projects. Many students struggle with:
- Choosing a suitable research topic
- Understanding how to structure their research work
- Conducting a proper literature review
- Identifying the right research methodology
- Referencing and citing sources correctly
By addressing these concerns through weekly interactive lectures, the Project Clinic ensures that students receive practical guidance tailored to their academic needs.
Lecturers have also emphasized the importance of research ethics, reminding students that they must maintain academic integrity by avoiding plagiarism and properly citing all sources used in their work.
Mr. Osuntoki assured students that the school is committed to improving research education and will continue to explore ways to make the process more accessible and engaging.
“Our goal is to ensure that every student leaves NIJ with a strong understanding of research writing. We are glad that this initiative is already making a difference, and we will keep working on refining it,” he explained.
The workshop is proving to be an invaluable resource for students as they embark on their research journey. By equipping them with the right knowledge and skills, the program is helping to build a strong academic foundation, ensuring that students are well-prepared to produce quality research work that meets academic standards.
With more students expressing interest in the sessions, the Project Clinic is set to continue playing a crucial role in shaping the next generation of media professionals and researchers.
