By: Giwa Oluwatumininu, Favour Ihekwoaba, Ibukunoluwa Abikoye
Like any great institution, growth comes with adaptation. Over the past year, a lot has happened at the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, Ogba. There have been notable changes in key aspects of the institution which has to do with new appearance, fresh infrastructure, curriculum upgrades and key programmes that allow students hands-on industry exposure.
At the forefront of another evolution is the NIJ’s most recent introduction of a new curriculum starting with the HND1 students of the 2024/2025 academic session.
The decision to split the Mass Communication department into two specialized sub-departments: Strategic Communications & Media Studies and Journalism & Media Studies is, no doubt, one of the most outstanding developments within the school in the longest while. It’s a change from the usual Print and Broadcast segments.
The new curriculum offers students a chance to specialize in a specific area of mass communication, allowing for deeper knowledge and expertise. This is different from the older curriculum, which covered a broad range of topics without much specialisation.
Students can now focus on a particular field within mass communication, making them more skilled in their chosen area.
The curriculum includes practical training in video editing, web development, and content management systems, all essential for modern media production.
Graduates will be better prepared for today’s job market with skills in digital media production, social media marketing, and data analysis.
The Head of Department, Mass Communication, Mr Mike Osuji, in an interview with NIJ Insight, explained that the updated curriculum ensures that students gain hands-on experience and the knowledge needed to succeed in the evolving media industry.
This move was designed to provide students with a more focused and in-depth education, better preparing them for the demands of the modern media industry.
According to the deputy provost of NIJ, Dr. Adeboye Ola, the decision was informed by the need to adapt to the rapidly changing media landscape. He told NIJTIMES, “The media industry is evolving at a very fast rate. To remain relevant, it is necessary that we equip our students with necessary skills and knowledge that meet the needs of the industry and this is one giant step to make our students more professional.”
In Nigeria, there are over 200 federal and private universities offering academic programmes in mass communication. However, there’s a large preference for polytechnics and monotechnics such as NIJ since they offer streamlined training in the discipline.
The Nigerian institute of journalism (NIJ) is one of the Institution which has broken through various hoards to remain the finest in media training, consistently producing component communicators of which many are now gladiators in the Nigerian media and communication industry.
Today, the premier monotechnic has Alumni who are stars in the media industry and public spaces in Nigeria. These include Dr Qasim Akinreti of Voice of Nigeria, Mrs. Ini Thompson of Channels TV, Debo Osundun of News Agency of Nigeria, Dr. Olusanya Awosan, Former Special Assistant on Public Relations to Former President of Nigeria, President Jonathan, Korede Bello, artiste and musician, Yeni Kuti of Felabration Fame, Njoku Ebeonu, Nollywood star and many others.
The institution is a full-fledged monotechnic that engages in the teaching, research, and development of communication studies.
It is one of the monotechnics in Nigeria which are overseen and accredited by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE).
The institute is overseen by a governing council chairman Chief Olusegun Osoba, alongside other members who ensure the institution’s smooth running. The day-to-day activities are managed by the Provost, Mr Gbenga Adefaye, who is assisted by the Deputy Provost, Dr Adeboye Ola and the Registrar, Mrs Patricia Kalesanwo. These officials play key roles in reviewing, developing, and enforcing the institution’s goals and objectives along with other faculty members and academic staff members.
Established in 1963 by the International Press Institute, the institute began full operations in 1971, offering diploma programs in various fields of journalism.
NIJ offers both academic and professional diploma programs, available in full-time and part-time formats, leading to the award of a National Diploma, Higher National Diploma and Postgraduate Diploma in Journalism and Media Studies.
There’s also a well-equipped library and media resource center for students usage.
Despite the rigorous academic environment, students at the Nigerian Institute of Journalism balance their studies with social activities. The Student Representative Council (SRC) organises a week of social events during the second semester, providing students with opportunities to unwind and engage in recreational activities.
There’s also the monthly professional forum where industry leaders come to share with students from their wealth of experience, the Freshers party and other extracurricular activities during each session are things students also look forward to.
