Bright Sunday
What happens when classroom theories meet the realities of journalism practice? For students of Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU), that question took centre stage on Thursday, October 29,2026, during an interactive session with the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom State Council, at the NUJ Press Centre, Uyo.
The discussion brought together members of the AKSU Academic Hub, a student group comprising mass communication students, and practising journalists to discuss the realities, responsibilities and challenges of the profession beyond the classroom.
The meeting was facilitated by Dr. Eneh John, a lecturer and initiator of Academic Hub, to expose the students to professional journalism practice and deepen their understanding of the relationship between classroom learning and real-world media operations.
Among the students present were Bright Sunday, the team’s leader; Ebenezer Emmanuel; El-Donai Enema; Martha Udom; Paul Antai; and Nduke-Obong Anthony.
The session featured an interactive question-and-answer segment during which the students raised questions about the challenges they might encounter as aspiring media professionals.
Responding to the students, the NUJ Chairman, Comrade Nsibiet John, emphasised the importance of self-confidence, patriotism and practical involvement in journalism. He urged the students to understand the profession’s watchdog responsibility and its role in connecting the grassroots with the wider society.
A major highlight of the discussion was a question raised by Nduke-Obong Anthony on how journalists could sustain their watchdog role and maintain objectivity when some media organisations are owned by government officials and other politically influential individuals.
In response, the chairman and his vice chairman highlighted the moral responsibility associated with journalism, describing it as a profession that demands integrity and a strong commitment to ethical principles.
“Journalism is a moral burden,” they said.
The discussion stood out for the students because it moved beyond academic theories to confront the ethical dilemmas and professional realities that journalists may encounter in the field. It also reinforced the importance of personal conviction and a willingness to practise the profession responsibly.
Earlier in the session, Comrade John had stressed that academic qualifications alone do not make someone a journalist.
According to him, practical involvement in the profession is essential, urging the students to develop the confidence and commitment needed to translate classroom knowledge into professional competence.
“Not every writer is a journalist. Journalism is about practising,” he said.
The chairman also urged the students to use social media responsibly, reminding them that writing ability alone does not qualify someone as a journalist.
The interaction offered the students an opportunity to reflect on the demands of journalism, particularly the need to balance professional knowledge with practical experience, ethical responsibility and independence.
For aspiring journalists, the lesson was clear: classroom instruction provides a foundation, but professional competence requires continuous practice, exposure and a willingness to confront the realities of the field.
Ultimately, becoming a journalist requires more than studying theories. It requires the commitment to practise, the courage to ask difficult questions and the integrity to serve the public interest.
