By News Writing and Reporting Class (Group One)
Students of Mass Communication Department, University of Jos have been called upon to strive for professional excellence despite the challenges facing journalism practice in Nigeria.
The Zonal Director, NTA Network Centre Jos, Mr Rory Miller, gave this advice yesterday while delivering a lecture titled “Striving for Professional Excellence in Journalism in Nigeria,” stressing that objectivity, fairness and accuracy are the qualities that distinguish a professional from others.
Miller, represented by the Assistant News Director, Mr Abdulraman Mohammed cautioned the students against subjective and biased reporting as it negates the principles and ethics of the profession. While recounting his personal experiences, Abdulraman explained that it is better to stand for the truth regardless of any form of threats or intimidations.
“I received threats from both the christian and muslim communities in the reportage of the Jos crisis…I was threatened by hooligans at a fast food restaurant in Lagos when NTA stopped transmitting the UEFA Champions League. Since I was renown particularly with sports, the ‘area boys’ almost lynched me.” He said.
He further expressed his satisfaction with AMCOMSITES who had been on internship with the NTA station but regretted the insufficient logistics and equipment which served as hindrances for students to put into practice what they are thought theoretically in school.
The Acting Head of Department, Dr. John Galadima also expressed the department’s support for the programme. He encouraged the students to take the week serious and fully participate in all the activities lined up for the period since lectures have been put on hold.
Also speaking, the Staff Adviser of the department, Mr. Taye Obateru admonished the students to be outstanding and distinct as these make them stand a shoulder higher than their contemporaries.
The President of the association, Mr Richards Maiwada in an interview with Unijos Echoonline also disclosed that activities for the week will run for five days starting with the corporate old school day and climaxing with a dinner and award presentation to deserving staff and students of the department on Sunday, September 16.
