Martha Udom
Students of the Academic Hub, Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU) on Thursday, engaged the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom State Council, at the NUJ Press Centre, Information Drive, Uyo.
The AKSU delegation was received by the State Chairman, Comrade Nsibiet John, alongside the Vice Chairman, Pastor Margaret Moore, the Council Auditor, Comrade Dianime and the Council Treasurer, Comrade Udeme Hosea.
The meeting, which began with an opening prayer and self-introduction, turned into an interactive question-and-answer session on journalism practice and mass communication.
Fielding questions from the students, Comrade John stressed that writing alone does not make one a journalist, stating that practical involvement in the profession is what confers the status of a journalist beyond academic certificates.
He explained key mass communication theories to the students, including Agenda Setting Theory and the Inverted Pyramid style of news writing, and charged them to build self-confidence.
“Communicate in particularity,” he told the students.
He further counselled the students to prioritize integrity and reputation in the profession, saying, “Seek first a good name and image in journalism and other things shall be added unto you.”
The engagement was facilitated by Dr. Eneh John, Special Assistant to the Governor on Media.
Reacting on behalf of the students, the team lead, Comrade Bright Okon, described the session as an eye-opener, noting that the direct interaction with practising NUJ leaders has demystified classroom theories and will motivate them to pursue practical journalism with integrity. She thanked Dr. Eneh John for creating the platform for hands-on learning, describing it as a privilege capable of boosting their academic and professional development.
