NUJ Oyo State Council and Ajayi Crowther University Launch Practical Media Mentorship for Journalism Students

NUJ Oyo Council partners with Ajayi Crowther University to provide Mass Communication students with practical newsroom training and mentorship starting May 2026.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 7, 2026, 4:06 AM EST

Source: The information in this article was sourced from the Peoples Gazette

Bridging the Gap Between Classroom and Newsroom

In a move to modernize journalism education in Nigeria, the Oyo State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has formalized a partnership with Ajayi Crowther University (ACU), Oyo. The collaboration is designed to provide Mass Communication students with immersive, practical training that goes beyond traditional academic lectures. NUJ Chairman Akeem Abas highlighted that the initiative focuses on strengthening the professional capacity of students by exposing them to the rigors of real-time newsroom operations and field reporting. This "lab-to-field" approach is intended to ensure that the next generation of Nigerian journalists is equipped with the technical skills required for immediate employment upon graduation.

Scope and Timeline of the Mentorship Program

The program is specifically tailored for 300-level and final-year students, who are at a critical juncture in their professional development. Participants will be mentored by seasoned industry leaders from both the Oyo and Ogun state councils of the NUJ. Scheduled to officially commence in May 2026, the curriculum will include firsthand knowledge of news gathering, editorial processes, and digital journalism practices. By involving two different state councils, the program offers students a broader regional perspective on media dynamics in Southwest Nigeria, enhancing their professional versatility.

Institutional Support for Labor Market Readiness

Vice-Chancellor Prof. Ebunoluwa Oduwole welcomed the proposal, emphasizing that the university’s academic programs are deliberately structured to align with contemporary labor market demands. She noted that while theoretical knowledge provides the foundation, practical exposure is what makes a graduate "highly marketable." The partnership is seen as a fulfillment of the institution’s commitment to producing graduates who are not just degree holders but competent professionals ready to navigate the complexities of the 21st-century media landscape. The university management expressed pride in its 21-year history of fostering productive relationships with professional bodies like the NUJ.