On October 2, 2018, I sat in the spectator’s seat on the field of the Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ) for the first time, ready to begin my academic journey. Nervous yet excited, I posed for a photograph, unaware of the transformative path ahead. Six years later, I sat in the same spot, now a graduate of journalism—confident, wiser, and more prepared to face the world. The picture captured that day tells not just my story but also the remarkable evolution of NIJ—a story of personal and institutional growth.
Looking back, I can confidently say that NIJ has shaped me into the journalist I am today. From classroom lessons to real-world experiences, such as my four-month SIWES internship at The Nation newspaper in 2019, every moment contributed to my growth. I still remember the advice of my lecturers; their words became guiding principles throughout my career.
During my time at NIJ, I also undertook Industrial Training with the Daily Trust newspaper, which greatly enhanced my understanding of journalistic writing, particularly in feature news story writing.
Working as the Head of Media and Publicity Secretary at Bullion Records after my graduation has enabled me to travel across 13 Nigerian states and several African countries, including South Africa, Kenya, Togo, Benin, Ivory Coast, and Ghana. These experiences deepened my understanding of journalism and broadened my perspective. “Journalism is not just a profession; it’s a mission to tell stories that matter,” I often tell aspiring journalists, reflecting on the lessons I’ve learned.
But my journey is just one part of the story. The Nigerian Institute of Journalism itself has undergone significant changes during this time. When I began my studies, NIJ was a respected but modest institution. Today, it stands tall with the addition of the Sir (Dr.) Kensington Adebukunola Adebutu Media Resource Centre, a state-of-the-art facility inaugurated in October 2024. This center symbolizes NIJ’s commitment to equipping students with modern tools and resources to thrive in an ever-evolving media landscape.
“The growth of NIJ mirrors my own,” I said recently. “As I grew intellectually and professionally, NIJ also expanded its horizons, ensuring that students like me are prepared to meet the challenges of modern journalism.” The new media resource center is a testament to this vision, providing students with access to cutting-edge technology and resources.
As I look at the two photographs—one taken on my first day and the other taken on December 22, 2024, a year after my graduation—I see more than just physical differences. I see the story of a young man who entered NIJ with dreams and left with a purpose. I also see an institution that has grown not just in size but in its ability to nurture and produce world-class journalists.
To aspiring journalists, I offer this piece of advice: make the most of your time at NIJ or any institution of learning. Embrace challenges, seek mentorship, and always strive to improve. Journalism is not just about writing; it’s about understanding the world and giving voice to the voiceless. As my lecturer, Dr. Dele Omojuyigbe, often said, “Journalists don’t clap.” We are here to inform, educate, and hold power to account.
As an alumnus, I am proud to be part of NIJ’s legacy. The institute not only gave me an education but also a platform to discover myself and my passion for storytelling. I am equally optimistic about its future and the countless lives it will continue to transform.
Standing in that familiar spot, I realized that my journey with NIJ was not just about earning a Higher National Diploma (HND). It was about growth, resilience, and the power of education to change lives. And just like NIJ continues to evolve, I am committed to growing and contributing to the field of journalism in ways that make a difference.
