By: Praise Ebubechukwu, Treasure Uka- Mmadubuko, Itunuoluwa Falusi, and Mary Egbemuyiwa
If there’s one thing the Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ) got right this year, it was the matriculation ceremony. Unlike previous years, this one felt grander, livelier, and more significant. It wasn’t just a routine event—it was a statement that the school is evolving, and so is the experience of its students.
From a better venue to an increased number of freshers, a surprising turnout of parents, and an unforgettable after-party, here’s a look at what made the 2024/2025 NIJ matriculation ceremony stand out.
1. A BETTER VENUE
Matriculation marks the official welcome into academic life, but this year, it also came with a welcome into a new era for NIJ.
For the first time, the ceremony was held in the newly inaugurated Adebutu Media Resource Center in the school premises in Ogba, a state-of-the-art hall that seats 350 people comfortably.
Gone were the days of cramming into the old, less spacious venue, where students struggled to catch a clear view of the stage. This time, freshers sat like royalty, with ample space to breathe, observe, and truly soak in the moment.
This hall, donated by Nigerian philanthropist Sir Kensington Adebutu, is a symbol of growth and progress. “The resource center will be a vital asset in advancing the role of the media as the fourth estate of the realm,” he said at its commissioning in October, 2024.
2. MORE FRESHERS, MORE DREAMS
Numbers don’t lie, and this year’s matriculation numbers tell an interesting story. NIJ welcomed 304 new students, a slight but meaningful increase from 248 last year.
In a country where education in practical fields like journalism is often overlooked, this growth is proof that young people are beginning to see the power of storytelling, the media, and the impact they can create through journalism.
With an expanded student population comes a diverse mix of talents, ideas, and perspectives, which will surely shape the school’s culture in the coming years.
3. PARENTS CAME IN NUMBERS
If there was one thing no one saw coming, it was the overwhelming presence of parents and guardians at this year’s event.
Matriculation ceremonies in previous years mostly had students attending alone, with just a handful of parents making an appearance. But this time, it was different. The hall had mothers adjusting their children’s gowns, fathers capturing the moment with their phones, and siblings cheering excitedly.
This shift suggests something bigger than just an increase in attendance—it shows that families are becoming more involved in the academic journey of their children.
Journalism is no longer seen as just a side career—it’s now a respected profession, and these parents are here to witness the start of their children’s path to greatness.
4. STUDENTS HAD SOMETHING TO SAY AFTER THE OATH-TAKING
For years, matriculation at NIJ has followed a structured pattern: dignitaries speak, students listen, and the event wraps up.
But this year introduced something refreshing—students got a chance to speak for themselves.
Representatives from each class were given the microphone to share their thoughts, aspirations, and expectations. It was a moment of expression, confidence, and motivation.
Although it has always happened in previous ones, but not as elaborately as this year’s own.
5. LIVE STREAMING
It’s a media training institution. So you can expect that it won’t lag behind when it comes to streaming events live.
This year, NIJ didn’t just keep the matriculation within the four walls of the school—it brought it to the world.
In an era where everything is digital, this move showed that NIJ is keeping up with modern trends and expanding its reach.
For those who couldn’t attend, it was a chance to feel included. For the institution, it was a statement of openness and engagement with a wider audience.
6. TIMELINESS: A RARE BUT WELCOME SURPRISE
It is no secret that many Nigerian events struggle with time management. Matriculations of the past have had students waiting longer than expected before proceedings even began.
But this year? Right on time. Well, not exactly. But fairly okay.
The flyer said the event will start by 10am. It actually kicked off by 11am.
And it still ended when it was meant to end. No unnecessary delays, no dragging of speeches, no restless shifting in seats. Everything moved smoothly, efficiently, and professionally.
And because it ended early, it left room for something every student loves—the after-party.
7. MATRIC AFTER-PARTY, WHO DOES THAT?
After all the formalities, students didn’t just pack their bags and go home. Instead, they came together for a joyous celebration, dancing, sharing food, and making new friends.
But the highlight? The PGD freshers took things up a notch by organizing a get-together in the old hall, proving that they weren’t just here to study—they were here to create memories too.
Matriculation is often seen as a serious and formal event, but this year showed that it can be fun, too.
For the freshers, this matriculation was more than just wearing a gown and taking an oath—it was the beginning of something bigger.
With a new resource center, more parental support, better organization, and an inclusive approach, the 2024/2025 set is stepping into an academic journey that promises to be rewarding, engaging, and transformative.
If this is how their journey starts, one can only imagine how great the rest of their time at NIJ will be.
