I've always been passionate about writing and telling stories about people and events in my society. Stories in local newspapers like Punch, Vanguard and The Guardian Nigeria fascinated me. However, like many young Nigerian journalists, knowing where and how to get started has been a challenge.
As a second-year student at Fountain University, I attended a professional media workshop organized by the university’s department of mass communication to “bridge the gap between the classroom and the media room.”
The workshop provided valuable knowledge, practical skills and networking opportunities. Here’s what I learned:
About the workshop
The Professional Media Skills Workshop is an annual program that features learning sessions, practical training and lectures from industry professionals for student journalists.
“The aim is to expose students to professionals in the field,” said Rasheed Adebiyi, the workshop’s coordinator. “We need experience from those in the field, to motivate and inspire the students.”
This year’s workshop explored various aspects of digital content creation, writing and freelancing. Facilitators guided participants through writing, journalism and monetization techniques, providing practical guidance on utilizing platforms and strategies to generate revenue.
What I learned
During a photojournalism session with Idris Adeniran, we learned about camera handling and storytelling through images. We then applied these lessons by taking pictures around campus and discussing the concepts behind the photos.
Another impactful session was on journalism ethics, led by Ismail Adejare, editor of Insight Media. Although I was personally familiar with the topic, I was impressed with his emphasis on the three core ethics of journalism: integrity, independence and accuracy. “A journalist should remain independent from influences that might affect the objectivity and accuracy of their story," said Adejare.
The workshop also covered writing and freelancing skills, with a focus on improving our techniques for different digital formats, and provided tips for finding clients and managing freelance projects.
We were introduced to various writing platforms like Medium, Offing, and Upwork. Ahmad Amobi, a writer for Bella Naija, showcased his work on Upwork and explained the publishing process, how to get clients and how to build a profile on the platform. I left with a better understanding of how to improve my writing skills and find freelance opportunities.
Participant feedback
After the workshop, I connected with Amobi, who provided constructive feedback on my work and encouraged me to persevere in pursuing my career goals. This mentorship experience strengthened my passion for journalism and gave me the confidence to continue after my dream. I was also motivated by the perspectives shared by other participants who succeeded in the face of similar challenges to ones I’ve experienced.
Fatima Edun, a final-year student, attended the last three editions of the workshop. She said the most recent workshop helped her answer a key question she has had around gender inequality in journalism: “How can female content creators or student journalists develop their craft, find their niche and succeed in their careers despite the industry’s challenges?”
“Your resilient approach and adaptability is necessary. What matters most is giving your best and standing firm against these challenges,” said Mariam Olayiwola, a digital marketer and content writer at Kultre Media. “My advice to females is to voice out when you’re being treated poorly or inappropriately. Don’t keep it to yourselves.” She added that setting clear, achievable goals may seem tedious but they will “give you the upper hand.”
Adegoke Awau, a first-time attendee, said her favorite segment was a session that brought former workshop participants to speak about their experiences. One takeaway from the workshop she appreciated, as voiced by one alumnus was that: “Journalism is more than just a job, it’s a passion and you are the storyteller.”
“I used to view journalism as simply covering reports and writing stories,” Awau said. “As I've learned more about the field, I've come to understand that journalism is truly about passion and storytelling. It's not just about reporting facts, but about sharing stories that need to be told, and that requires a genuine passion for the work.”
Building a generation of journalists
Workshops like the one I attended are vital. They provide a comprehensive approach that combines theoretical understanding with practical applications, while the networking opportunities they offer are priceless, connecting participants with industry professionals and promoting growth and collaboration.
Amobi, especially, mentioned the importance of mentorship for emerging journalists.
“The media industry requires connection and information for anyone to bloom and I believe mentorship will help in this regard, he said. “Workshops like this are important in building future journalists, introducing them to the industry early.”
Photo by Alena Darmel via Pexels.
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