Fake news an epidemic on social media, says NIJ provost

Provost of the Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ), Gbenga Adefaye, has described fake news as an epidemic on social media platforms. Speaking at the 20th matriculation of the NIJ recently, he noted fake news has now become an epidemic such that everyone on Facebook now mimics journalists.

“We are fully aware of these challenges and more. The moderators of mass communication education are equally conscious of these and more. That is why they keep updating the curriculum and we are proud recipient of accreditation,” he stated.

He further assured the students that NIJ would continue to equip them with skills and confidence that would make them proud of their pedigree when they eventually complete their training.

Adefaye said: “As we matriculate our new students, we remind you of the thorough and diligent process of admission to get into this centre of excellence with a dual heritage of academic and professional, hands-on training in Mass Communication. Our admission here complies fully with the Joint Admission Matriculation Board (JAMB) moderation of all students being captured on the CAPS, the nation’s admission data base.”

He said he was very optimistic that when they graduate, most of them would become employers of labour.

A total of 229 students were matriculated into various programmes of the school.

One hundred and twelve for National Diploma (ND); while 58 are Higher National Diploma (HND) students and 59 in the Post Graduate Diploma class.