Students of the Mass Communication Department, Moshood Abiola Polytechnic (MAPOLY), Abeokuta, Ogun State, have been charged to take up challenges that would stand them out as journalists.
The charge was given by the Editor, Nigerian Tribune, Alhaji Adebowale Abdulai, in a paper presentation entitled: “How a Journalist can remain relevant in today’s Newspaper World” at a mentoring programme for the students by the 1992 set of the department, to mark the 25th anniversary of their graduation.
The programme with the theme: “Classroom Experience and Post Classroom Reality,” was held at the auditorium of the Mass Communication Department and had in attendance the Rector of the school, Professor Oludele Itiola, the Director, School of Communications and Information Technology, Dr. Goke Raufu, the Head of Department, Mr. Kolawole Amos and the Sub-Dean, Mr. Lekan Oketokun.
Abdulai noted that media practice is a very big business, hence the need for the students to be creative and develop good ideas.
He highlighted adaptability; carving a niche; taking initiatives; integrity and nurturing relationships as some of the ingredients that would make them relevant in the media practice.
Abdulai explained that the media industry, especially print journalism in the country is under attack, identifying online media as the biggest threat, while he advised the students to build on all that they have learnt within the four walls of the classroom and put it into practice.
“Your success as a journalist isn’t just dependent on the right skills and experience; it is dependent on you showing initiative. How you show initiative plays an active role in your career and it determines how far you will go in your career.
“This principle has influenced my work till this day. In fact, I believe it played a key role in my career as the youngest title editor, first at Sunday Tribune and now at the Nigerian Tribune.
“Taking initiative as a journalist means choosing not to complain about the work you do, even if you think the role is beyond you or the pay is low; you never know who is listening or watching you,” he added.
The founder of Rave FM 93.7, Mr. Femi Adefila, also an alumnus of the Department, who spoke on “How to become a successful media entrepreneur,” urged the students to develop mentality of a job creator rather than looking for a white collar job.
Adefila further said that the students must have a vision of getting things done aright in the media business.
He said: “You must be pregnant with ideas and deliver it. You should dream big and always think out of the box.”
The Publisher of Eagle Online, Mr. Dotun Oladipo, who spoke on Online Publishing, said that the newspaper would continue to survive despite the penetration of online media.
Other members of the set spoke on various topics ranging from Public Relations, Influence of Digital Social Media and Broadcast journalism.
Welcoming the Class 92, Itiola, represented by Raufu, said that the Department of Mass Communication is the flagship of the the institution.
He said that the Department had produced great ambassadors that are known across the globe.
The HOD appreciated the set for giving the students intellectual mentorship, saying that the programme would leave a lasting legacy.
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