Get Guardian on GoogleThe Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has reaffirmed its commitment to bridging the gap between the newsroom and the classroom through stronger collaboration between media professionals and academic institutions.
Speaking yesterday during the presentation of a book, titled, ‘Truth, Trust, and the Future of Journalism in Nigeria’ published by the Guild to The Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH), the Vice President (West) of the Guild, Dr. Kabir Alabi Garba, said the book was part of the priorities of the Guild’s current leadership, led by Eze Anaba, when it assumed office in 2023.
“One of his priorities is to bridge the gap between the industry and the classroom, the newsroom and the classroom,” he said.
He explained that the president subsequently established a committee to oversee the publication, with Professor Chinyere Okunna, Nigeria’s first female Professor of Mass Communication and Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Paul University, Awka, Anambra State, as its chairman including other members of the guild.
Garba, who doubles as the Editor of the Weekend Guardian, stated that the book, with contributions from both academics and practising journalists, was part of the Guild’s objective of promoting the exchange of knowledge and experience between the two sectors.
“The idea is to bridge the gap and connect the newsroom with the classroom. That is why we have a combination of contributors from the academia as well as from the newsroom,” he stated.
Responding, the Dean, College of Applied Social Sciences, Prof. Olumuyiwa Olamade, thanked the Guild for the donation, calling for a stronger relationship between both institutions.
“On behalf of the university, I say thank you. Please, be our ambassador to the Guild of Editors. We so much appreciate it, and we want to continue our relationship with them and deepen the relationship,” he said.
He expressed optimism that sustained collaboration between the university and the Guild would create opportunities for students to become influential journalists and media professionals just like authors who contributed to the book.
“We are looking forward to the time, not too far into the future, when our own students too will become prominent journalists in Nigeria, and they have people like you in the industry to bring them up,” he added.
Also speaking, Senior lecturer/ Assistant Director, ICT, Dr. Adewale Ajayi, also thanked the Guild, for providing the book to enhance learning in the institution.
He called for expanded collaboration between LASUSTECH, the NGE and media organisations such as The Guardian, particularly in providing internship opportunities for students.
Beyond student internships, he proposed the introduction of academic internships to enable lecturers to gain practical newsroom experience and better understand developments in the media industry.
According to him, such an arrangement would allow lecturers to spend time in media organisations, observe newsroom operations and acquire practical knowledge that could enrich their teaching and contribute to the development of the media industry.
The Head of Department, Mass Communication, Dr Prosper Zannu, expressed deep gratitude on behalf of the department to the Guild.
