NUJ mulls qualifying body for journalists

TOWARDS enhancing the image and credibility of the profession, the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) is considering putting in place a qualifying examination body that will certify intending journalists before they are accepted to practice in Nigeria.

Managing Editor of The Nation Newspapers and candidate for NUJ presidency in the union’s national election this month, Comrade Abdulwahid Odusile, disclosed this at the weekend in Abuja after picking his nomination form.

He promise to ensure standardisation of the profession so that the younger generation could take pride in it. To achieve this, he promised to ensure that training and re-training of members is taken seriously if voted in.

Also, he promised to ensure a minimum qualification standard for practitioners, worked out in partnership with the Nigerian Guild of Editors, while equally setting up an examination body to certify journalists after their normal training from the tertiary institutions.

According to Odusile, these steps would eliminate quacks from the profession and place it on such pedestal as the legal, accounting, medical and engineering professions, among others.

He further indicated that he would work towards establishing a television and radio stations for the union, as well as community newspaper in major cities across the country.

“As the next NUJ president, I will ensure we go ahead to operate media organisations such as radio/television stations, local newspaper houses with a view to creating jobs for our members,” he said. “This will also enable us to teach our employers how to run media outfits as well as how the welfare of journalists are supposed to be promoted.”

He expressed dismay at media outfits that owe workers for months, warning that his tenure would frustrate such habit. Earlier, Chairman of the Abuja Council, Comrade Chucks Ehirim, had commended Odusile for visiting the council, adding that the council would support him because of his track record of good work, dedication and contributions to uplifting the profession.