Nduke-obong Anthony
The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists Akwa Ibom State Council, Comrade Nsibiet John, has urged journalism students of Akwa Ibom State University to develop self-confidence to succeed in the profession.
He gave the advice on Thursday, October 29, 2026, during an interactive meeting between the union’s state executive members and students of Mass Communication at the union’s secretariat.
The meeting provided an opportunity for members of Academic Hub, a student group, to interact with media professionals, ask questions and gain practical knowledge beyond the classroom.
Among those present were NUJ Chairman Comrade Nsibiet John, Vice Chairman Comrade Margaret Moore, Member and NTA broadcaster Ndiana Ime, and the council treasurer.
The meeting was facilitated by a lecturer, Dr. Eneh John, to expose the students to professional experiences and help them understand the realities of journalism practice.
Addressing the students, John emphasised the importance of self-confidence in building a successful journalism career, stating emphatically, “You must develop self-confidence.”
He stressed that students must develop confidence in their ability to communicate, ask questions and speak up for the people.
According to him, self-confidence would help aspiring journalists communicate effectively and become a voice for the people they represent.
John also reminded the students that journalism is a practical profession, urging them to prioritise building a good name and professional reputation before pursuing financial rewards.
In a similar vein, the NUJ Vice Chairman, Comrade Margaret Moore, encouraged the students to begin building professional experience while still in school.
Moore gave the advice while responding to a question from Bright Okon, a 400-level Mass Communication student at AKSU and Team Lead of Academic Hub.
Okon had asked how students could gain professional experience when much of their exposure was centred on classroom theories.
Sharing her personal experience, Moore explained how she navigated her student days despite having limited facilities for practical training.
She disclosed that she volunteered to moderate church programmes to develop the self-confidence and public-speaking skills she needed as an aspiring broadcaster.
Moore urged the students to start building their professional experience early by volunteering, practising their writing skills and applying the lessons they learn in the classroom.
The meeting exposed the students to practical insights into journalism and the experiences of practising media professionals.
The students expressed appreciation to Dr. Eneh John for facilitating the meeting and to the NUJ Chairman and Exco for sharing their knowledge and professional experiences.
