Programme focuses on ethical reporting, investigative journalism, news writing, and gender-sensitive media practices.
The Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) has commenced a three-day training programme for student journalists at Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University (IBBU), Lapai, aimed at strengthening professional journalism skills and promoting ethical media practice among emerging reporters.
The training, which began on Tuesday at the university's ICT Centre, brings together student journalists and mass communication students for sessions on ethical reporting, news writing, investigative journalism, and gender-sensitive reporting.
Speaking during the opening session, the Head of the Department of Mass Communication, Dr. Ternenge Ende, represented by Dr. Andrew Ngene, encouraged participants to maximize the opportunity offered by the programme.
He described journalism as a dynamic profession that continues to evolve alongside technological advancements and urged students to embrace continuous learning, professionalism, and discipline.
According to him, developing relevant skills and adapting to industry changes are essential for success in modern journalism.
CJID Project Officer, Osaruonamen Ibizugbe, welcomed participants and provided an overview of the organisation's work, highlighting its commitment to promoting ethical journalism and supporting the development of young media professionals across Nigeria.
The first training session was facilitated by Qosim Sulaiman, Editor of Campus Reporter, who spoke on Journalism Ethics and the Essentials of News Reporting.
Sulaiman emphasized that ethical principles such as accuracy, fairness, balance, objectivity, and accountability remain fundamental to credible journalism.
He noted that adherence to professional standards helps journalists counter misinformation, propaganda, and declining public trust in the media.
According to him, fairness and integrity remain central to building public confidence in journalism.
The session also explored journalism ethics from both international and Nigerian perspectives, with discussions on the roles of professional regulatory bodies in promoting ethical practice within the media industry.
In a separate presentation, Ibizugbe led discussions on gender representation in the media, examining the distinction between sex and gender and the impact of stereotypes on news coverage.
She encouraged participants to adopt inclusive and balanced approaches to reporting, urging journalists to portray women based on their achievements, expertise, and contributions to society rather than relying on traditional stereotypes.
Also present at the training were Mass Communication lecturers Dr. Grace Danladi and Dr. Galadima Bala, who is also the Chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), IBB University Chapter.
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