The Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ) on Wednesday held it’s 22nd Matriculation ceremony which ushered in the newly admitted students for the 2024/2025 academic session.
Campus 360 reports that a total of 304 students admitted into various programs of the institution took their Matriculation oath during the ceremony.
The institution’s Provost, Mr. Gbenga Adefaye emphasized the institution’s commitment to academic and professional excellence while urging students to embrace technology, discipline, and ethical journalism.
Adefaye stressed the significance of the event, describing it as the formal initiation into the NIJ community.
“Matriculation is not just a ceremony; it is a commitment to uphold the values of this institution. You are now part of a centre of excellence with a dual heritage of academic and hands-on training in mass communication for over half a century,” he said.
The newly admitted students included 127 for the National Diploma (ND) program, 82 for the Higher National Diploma (HND), and 95 for the Postgraduate Diploma (PGD).
The provost assured them that their admissions had been duly processed through the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) and registered on the Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS), ensuring a seamless transition for those who will participate in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) upon graduation.
The Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) Students Taking Oath Strict Academic and Ethical Standards The Provost reminded students of the institution’s high academic standards and disciplinary policies.
“Attendance at lectures is compulsory, and each student must attain at least 70 percent attendance to qualify for examinations. Assignments and continuous assessments are not optional but an integral part of your academic progress,” he warned. He also emphasized the need for students to maintain a decent dress code.
“We are not just interested in your academic success but also your character. Decency will be strictly enforced on this campus,” he added.
Acknowledging the rapid evolution of journalism in the digital era, Adefaye challenged students to equip themselves with the necessary skills to thrive in the modern media landscape.
“This is the age of Artificial Intelligence (AI), and as mass communicators, you must embrace it, master it, and use it to your advantage. Journalism is no longer confined to print or broadcast; it now requires digital proficiency, content creation skills, and the ability to navigate the ever-changing media space,” he stated.
He also highlighted the increasing challenges posed by misinformation and fake news, urging students to uphold the highest ethical standards. “Fake news is an epidemic on social media, threatening societal stability. As future journalists, you must rise to the occasion and be the vanguard of truth, accuracy, and responsible reporting,” he advised.
The Provost assured students of NIJ’s commitment to practical training, industry exposure, and extracurricular activities.
“During your time here, you will have the opportunity to participate in field trips to media houses, advertising agencies, and PR firms. ND students will undergo the Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES), while others can take part in entrepreneurship workshops, media competitions, and sports events such as the Lagos Tertiary Games Competition,” he explained.
He also announced that NIJ’s online radio project was in progress, aiming to provide real-time broadcasting experience for students.
“We are expanding our practical training scope, especially for those in print and broadcast media. This is in line with our vision to produce graduates who are not only academically sound but also industry-ready,” he added
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