By Muhammed Akindele
Since his secondary school days, Issa Hamed Alhaji has harboured a deep passion for journalism. Driven by this fervour, he long desired to study Mass Communication, setting his sights on a future where he could turn his dream of becoming a journalist into reality.
Before gaining admission to Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS), Issa, now a 100-level Mass Comm student, was unaware of any campus journalism association. However, once he learned of its existence, he realized that joining would significantly enhance his path to becoming a professional journalist.
According to Issa, his passion for journalism and academic pursuits complement each other perfectly. He is enthusiastic about the positive impact campus journalism has had on his studies. “It has positively impacted my performance in my course because it helps me put into practice what I’ve learned in class and what I will be learning in the course. I’ve developed skills such as how to write a report, an opinion piece, a feature story, and how to conduct interviews.”
Beyond Theory
For Sulaiman Jumain Shuaibat, another Mass Communication student, campus journalism has been transformative. Previously struggling with reading, she now finds herself an avid reader due to the demands of her journalistic work, which requires reading and writing articles, news reports, and more.
“Campus journalism has not only improved my reading habits but has also helped me develop a unique writing style because I must read before I can put something down,” Shuaibat said.
Similarly, Zainab Abdulazeez, a 200-level Mass Comm student, appreciates how campus journalism has enhanced her grammatical accuracy and communication skills. “I’ve learned effective communication skills because your manner of approach determines how you can create a good write-up,” she said.
Speaking with The Harbinger, Anas Abdulrahman highlighted how he was encouraged to join campus journalism by Abdulwasiu Olokooba, the former National Association of Campus Journalists (NACJ) president.
“Campus journalism has positively impacted my academic performance by making me realize that my course of study is all about practical skills, not just what we learn in class. It has also made it easier for me to understand the theoretical aspects of the course,” Anas said. “I have also developed a lot of skills as a campus reporter, particularly in editing and report writing.”
Onaji Ruth Ojochogwu, a 300-level Mass Communication student, shares similar experiences after joining campus journalism. Ruth explained that journalism involves a lot of research, which aligns well with her studies in Mass Comm. “With my knowledge from my pressboard, I find it easy to conduct research. I know what I’m looking for and who will provide the information I need,” she stated.
Ruth also emphasized how she plans her work ahead of time. “Before the semester starts, I know what I want to focus on, and I use the holiday season to work on stories and send them to my editor-in-chief.”
Another 300-level Mass Comm student, Yusuf Amirah, was motivated by the role of journalists in informing and educating the public. “I have been impacted in different ways. Campus journalism allows me to learn the practical aspects of journalism, which helps me understand better what I’ve been taught in the classroom,” she stated.
NACJ Offers Discounted Fees to Encourage Mass Communication Students
During the previous administration, the former president of the National Association of Campus Journalists (NACJ) waived the registration fee for the first group of Mass Comm students who joined the association. This decision was made to encourage their participation in campus journalism and make it easier for them to become members.
In an interview with The Harbinger, the current NACJ president, Hussain Wahab, a 500-level Law student, emphasised that his administration is also committed to supporting Mass Communication students. To continue encouraging their involvement, the president mentioned that the current administration has provided financial relief to these students. By reducing the fees, they hope to make it easier for more students to participate in the association’s activities.
“For example, to encourage them, we told the new ones among them to pay just 800 Naira out of the required 1000 Naira,” the president explained.
Joining Campus Journalism is Important for Mass Communication Students — HOD
The Head of the Mass Communication Department, Dr. Abubakar Mijinyawa, speaking with The Harbinger, emphasised the significance of campus journalism for Mass Communication students.
“For Mass Communication students, joining campus journalism is very important, though not compulsory. It’s a platform where students who have undergone training in news reporting, gathering, presentation, and dissemination can practically apply their knowledge. This hands-on experience is invaluable in improving their skills,” he stated.
Dr. Abubakar further stressed the importance of social activities for Mass Comm students. “We encourage our students to not only engage in campus journalism but also participate in social activities. This helps improve their social skills, which are essential for effective reporting. A well-rounded Mass Comm graduate should be confident and competent in various situations,” he added.
