Caleb University, NIJ to partner on media practice

Caleb University, Imota, Lagos, and the Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ) have commenced a strategic partnership to bridge the long-standing gap between academic work and media practice in the country. The Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Olalekan Asikhia, who led a high-powered delegation from the institution to the NIJ Council Chambers in Lagos, described the proposed collaboration as a forward-looking initiative that aligns with the University's vision of producing globally competitive graduates equipped with practical skills, professional competence and entrepreneurial capacity. He said: "Our goal is to build stronger bridges between the classroom and the workplace. The future of media education lies in creating meaningful partnerships that expose students to real-world industry practices while enriching academic content with contemporary professional realities. “This engagement with the Nigerian Institute of Journalism represents a significant step in that direction.” Welcoming the Caleb University delegation, the Provost of the NIJ, Mr. Gbenga Adefaye, expressed delight at the prospect of partnering with one of Nigeria's leading private universities. He noted that the collaboration would help address one of the most pressing challenges confronting journalism and media education in the country. "The gap between academia and media practice is wide. We need to close the gap," Adefaye remarked, emphasizing the need for deliberate institutional partnerships capable of producing graduates who are adequately prepared for the realities of today's dynamic media environment. The NIJ Provost assured the university of the institute's commitment to the success of the partnership through extensive stakeholder engagement and industry participation. He disclosed that major professional bodies and media institutions would be mobilized to support joint programmes and initiatives arising from the collaboration. He listed the organisations expected to participate in the collaboration as the Newspaper Proprietors' Association of Nigeria (NPAN), the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCN), the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), the National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), and the Photojournalists Association of Nigeria (PJAN). The strategic meeting brought together senior management officials of both institutions and focused on developing innovative frameworks that will enhance media education, improve graduate employability and foster stronger collaboration between academia and industry. A major highlight of the engagement was the formal invitation by the Vice-Chancellor to the management, staff and students of NIJ to participate actively in Caleb University's forthcoming Digitalization of Newspaper Programme slated for July 20 at the Marriott Hotel in Ikeja. The programme is expected to bring together media professionals, academics, communication scholars, policymakers, students and industry stakeholders to examine emerging trends, technological disruptions and digital innovations shaping the future of newspaper publishing in Nigeria and beyond. WALE ADEKOYA