Nigeria Institute of Journalism to Become Degree-Awarding Institution

The Nigeria Institute of Journalism (NIJ) is poised to attain degree-awarding status, as announced by the Chairman of the NIJ Governing Council, Aremo Olusegun Osoba, during the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the 350-seater Kesington Adebutu Media Resource Auditorium in Lagos. Osoba, a former governor of Ogun State, expressed confidence in the institute's transition, emphasizing the significance of the new auditorium in enhancing the journalism profession in Nigeria.

Osoba stated that the institute will move from its present status to a degree-awarding institution in the next few months, noting that NIJ will be one of the few institutions in Nigeria that offer Mass Communication, alongside the University of Lagos and Lagos State University. "The NIJ Governing Council, under my leadership, is working to ensure the institute becomes a degree-awarding institution, surpassing the status of similar institutions in Ghana and Kenya," Osoba said.

The construction of the auditorium, donated by Sir Kesington Adebutu, signifies a notable achievement for the NIJ and underscores its commitment to excellence in journalism education. The auditorium is being fully financed by the Kesington Adebukunola Adebutu Foundation (KAAF) and is expected to be completed within the next four months. Adebutu's representative, Mr. Kola Oyefeso, said the foundation was set up to give back to society and support the journalism profession in Nigeria.

Why this matters: The transition of the Nigeria Institute of Journalism into a degree-awarding institution signifies a major advancement in journalism education in Nigeria. This development will not only elevate the standards of journalism in the country but also position NIJ as a leading institution in West Africa and across the continent.

The Provost of NIJ, Mr. Gbenga Adefaye, expressed the institute's vision to make the media resource centre the most comprehensive facility for journalists in the country, aiming to elevate the quality of journalism produced by the institute. Adefaye commended Sir Adebutu for the project, stating that it is the best development the institute has seen in over 35 years. The resource centre is expected to have a significant impact on the students and users of the facility, serving as a research center and improving the future of journalism in Nigeria.

Key Takeaways

• NIJ to become a degree-awarding institution in the next few months.
• NIJ will be one of the few institutions in Nigeria offering Mass Communication.
• Construction of a 350-seater auditorium donated by Sir Kesington Adebutu.
• Auditorium to be the most comprehensive facility for journalists in Nigeria.
• Transition will elevate journalism standards and position NIJ as a leading institution.