The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State Council, has entered into a partnership with Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo, to provide practical media training for students of the institution’s Mass Communication Department.
The collaboration is aimed at strengthening the professional capacity of students and exposing them to practical journalism experience beyond classroom learning.
Under the arrangement, 300-level and final-year students of the faith-based university will be exposed to real-time newsroom operations and field reporting practices.
The initiative is expected to provide participants with first-hand knowledge of how journalism is practiced in modern media organisations, thereby improving their professional readiness.
The mentorship programme, which will involve the leadership of the NUJ in both Oyo and Ogun State Councils, is scheduled to commence in May.
Speaking on the development, the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Professor Ebunoluwa Oduwole, expressed the institution’s commitment to producing highly marketable graduates, noting that the partnership would help bridge the gap between theoretical teaching and practical training for Mass Communication students.
Professor Oduwole explained that the university deliberately designs its academic programmes to align with the realities of the modern labour market.
Earlier, the Chairman of NUJ, Oyo State Council, Mr. Akeem Abas, while presenting the training proposal to the Vice Chancellor, said the professional and academic partnership would enhance the competence and performance of graduates from the institution.
He noted that the initiative would equip students with practical newsroom skills and deepen their understanding of the realities of journalism practice.
Abas also commended the management of Ajayi Crowther University for sustaining a productive relationship with the union over the years.
He lauded the achievements recorded by the university since its establishment, noting that the institution has continued to grow in reputation within its 21 years of existence.
Present at the meeting were the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Olumuyiwa Popoola, the institution’s Public Relations Officer, Mr. Olufemi Atoyebi, as well as executive members of the NUJ Oyo State Council.
