Nigerian students urged to use journalism for social accountability

The Director General of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), Professor Olanrewaju Suleiman, has emphasized the need for Nigerian youths to be equipped with critical skills to engage constructively with the information that shapes their lives and communities.

Professor Suleiman made this statement in Abuja while officially opening the NILDS Democracy Radio Citizens Journalism Workshop for Nigerian Students, a collaboration with the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development, as well as Nigeria Health Watch.

The workshop, which was attended by over 50 students selected from Secondary Schools in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), aimed to empower the next generation of journalists.

As a former Minister for National Planning, Professor Suleiman stressed the significance of citizen journalism in today’s rapidly evolving media landscape. He noted, “The advent of digital technology and social media has democratized information, allowing ordinary citizens to report news, share opinions, and hold institutions accountable. However, with this power comes great responsibility.”

He further stated, “It is crucial that we equip young Nigerians with the necessary skills to discern truth from falsehood, separate fact from fiction, and engage in meaningful storytelling that can ignite positive change in their communities.”

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During the workshop, students will be taught essential skills such as online safety, fact-checking, scientific verification methods, and the importance of originality and authenticity in reporting. The concept of solution journalism, which seeks not only to highlight societal issues but also to propose constructive solutions, will also be introduced.

Professor Suleiman added, “Today’s workshop focuses on one of the most vital pillars of a thriving democracy—citizen journalism. In a country as diverse and dynamic as Nigeria, it is essential for our youths to be equipped with the skills to engage critically and constructively with the information that shapes their lives and communities.”

He concluded, “At NILDS, we are passionate about creating an informed and active citizenry. This is why we have initiated several programs, such as the National Legislative Quiz Competition, to empower young Nigerians by increasing their knowledge of governance and the legislative process.”