Special Report: CJID Sets To Train UDUS Campus Journalists, Mass Communication Students

Sewedo Khadijat reports,

The Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) has announced its preparedness to train students of Usmanu Danfodiyo University from 16th -19th October 2023, within the University premises.

This information is contained in a flyer released by the center, made to the public, and shared on the NACJ (National Association of Campus Journalists) WhatsApp group by the association's President, Abdulwasiu Olokoba, and disseminated across media outlets.

According to the flyer, the training is restricted to Mass Communication Students and campus journalists at Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto.

Part of the flier reads, "The campus reporter project of the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) calls for Mass Communications students and campus journalists in Usmanu Danfodiyo University (UDUS) to apply for a Campus Clinic".

"Female campus journalists are highly encouraged to apply", it added.

Meanwhile, training by professionals from leading media organizations, certification, moderate stipends, post-training mentorship, and access to publish stories on the Campus Reporters website, are some of the things participants will benefit from the training.

To participate in the campus journalism clinic, one must be a student of Usmanu Danfodiyo University, submit a 100-word essay on "The Importance of the Press in Democracy" and attend the 4-day training if selected.

Meanwhile, the application ends on 5th October 2023 while applicants await the decision of the selection shortly by CJID.

NACJ executives, Journalists, Mass Communication Students' React

Speaking with Vanguard Press, Abdulwasiu Olokooba, the president of the National Association of Campus Journalists (NACJ) expressed his delight in the success recorded by his administration in bringing CJID to the University. 

"As a president, I feel fulfilled. If I am not mistaken, it is more than three years that NACJ has been on the course to bring CJID to our campus, so I am glad this happened while I am still here and as the president. I understand the efforts we (NACJ as a team) made this a reality."

According to him, the training aims to impact the fundamental rudiments of Journalism. It will also serve as an eye-opener for members as journalism is beyond the campus. There are a lot of people to meet and a lot to learn outside the campus. This training will provide platforms to write and grants to pursue stories.

When asked about the benefits of this training for members, he said "The benefits are enormous. But it will reinstate the existing fact that UDUS has a lot of students with potential in the media profession. The training will be an avenue to expose the students of the university (particularly mass communication students) to practical sessions of the theories they were being taught in classes".

Ismaila Biliaminu, the Assistant Secretary of the association relayed his profound gratitude. 

"I feel delighted and grateful that the CJID finally agreed to come to our school (UDUS), to train us on how to write evidence-based reports in tertiary institutions across West Africa. Though it is with selection, this is a great opportunity for me to acquire more knowledge of journalism as a Student Journalist", he stated

"I believe that this training will tremendously add to my existing knowledge and I'm happy for the few students that will be selected for the training", he added.

Also reacting to the development, Mudathir Hayatullahi Folorunsho, the Editor-in-Chief of Pen Press, said that he feels very excited about the development.

"It's been a long we've been longing for this opportunity, and it makes us feel somehow when we see this kind of training being organized in other institutions, and not happening in the school known as (School of Journalism), recognized to have produced prominent journalists now working in notable media houses in Nigeria."

"Now that this training is being brought to our institution, we all feel fulfilled. Thanks to the CJID for seeing UDUS worthy of the opportunity!" he concluded.

It Would Improve My Writing Skills and Creativity 

In an interview with Vanguard Press, Yunus Hassan, another campus journalist, said the training would enhance his writing skills and creativity.

"I would be glad to be involved in the training process. When I first came across the flier, I was full of different thoughts, if at all I'm opportune to be shortlisted eventually, it would help me improve my writing skills and creativity, and also expose me more to Journalism."

Meanwhile, Abdulrasheed Akere, a campus journalist, sees the training as a great opportunity for him to meet CJID after a long time of hearing about the organization and the great things they do. 

"We have been hearing about CJID, but it's now time, to meet CJID," he noted. 

"I look forward to the training, I believe it's going to be very impactful, may God make it easy. It will really give people more reason to do journalism and it will build interest in our mind to continue in this field because different experts will be training us and will let us know what journalism is to do it well," Akere added. 

Aisha kamaldeen, a 200-level student of Mass Communication, is among the communication students interviewed by Vanguard Press who looking forward to the training.

"This is finally a dream come true. As a student of mass Communication, I see this opportunity as an avenue to learn more theories in Journalism, and also practice the theories I've learned so far," Aisha said while stating that she feels motivated already.

Bashirat Mustapha Durojaye, another Mass Communication student, shared her opinion about the development.

"I was indifferent about the training at first, though I saw it as an avenue of learning and opportunity to those who are interested in it," she told Vanguard Press. 

"I later realized that the training is a one-time opportunity that shouldn't be missed as it will be helpful in my course of study," Bashirat stated.