OOU Campus Mirror at 7: Members Praised For Upholding Campus Journalism

The Executive Director of Media Career Development Network (MCDN), Lagos, Mr. Lekan Otufodunrin, has commended campus journalists of the Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago Iwoye, Ogun State, for their dedication to campus journalism.

Otufodunrin who was represented by the MCDN’s Program Manager, Mr. Dayo Emmanuel, praised the students’ commitment to the profession.

He expressed gratitude to Campus Mirror for the opportunity to address them on the theme, “Navigating the Media Landscape: Career Paths for Journalists.”

“I appreciate the leaders of Campus Mirror for the opportunity to address your members on your seventh anniversary,” he said.

Highlighting MCDN’s mission as a media resource centre that provides mentorship, guidance, and networking opportunities for journalists, he said,

“At the Media Career Development Network, we support journalists with resources to help them succeed,” encouraging media students to visit the organisation’s website (mediacareerng.org) for resources and career opportunities.

Emphasising the hands-on nature of journalism, Otufodunrin urged students to actively engage in campus journalism being their opportunity to develop. “Your campus journalism is a space to apply classroom knowledge, which is vital in a field that relies on practical experience,” he said.

Reflecting on the contributions of journalists like Herbert Macaulay, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Alhaji Lateef Jakande, Chief Anthony Enahoro, and Chief Olabisi Onabanjo in nation building, he illustrated journalism’s impact on Nigerian history.

He also narrated how a journalist who later became the wife of the then Governor General of Nigeria, Lord Lugard, Lady Flora Shaw, coined the name “Nigeria from Niger Area,” emphasising the role of journalists in shaping national identity.

Noting the participation of science students in OOU campus journalism, he insisted that science skills like critical thinking, research and attention to detail are also beneficial in journalism. “Science teaches critical thinking and attention to detail are skills beneficial in journalism,” he observed, stating that many outstanding journalists have emerged from the sciences.

He applauded the students’ initiative and creativity, citing event organisation and decorations as examples of valuable skills that could lead to profitable career paths, especially as traditional opportunities shrink.

“I saw some of you decorating the stands and advertising your brands on the anniversary banner.

“This is commendable. Young people are making fortunes in hall decoration, photography, MC roles and event management which you have done perfectly well in this anniversary,” he noted.

Otufodunrin concluded by urging students to stay focused amid distractions and emphasised the importance of internships for practical experience.

“Internships expose you to real-world journalism. Those who have completed internships understand their value, while others should look forward to this chance to learn,” he advised.

Another speaker, Caleb Ijioma, founder of the fact-checking platform Round Check, encouraged students to develop critical skills and embrace campus journalism’s unique challenges.

Outlining five essential skills—data analysis, fact-checking, in-depth research, social media proficiency, and critical insight—he emphasised the importance of presenting data accurately. “Data skills and fact-checking are foundational for credible reporting,” he said.

Ijioma also advised students to specialise, explaining that a niche could help them stand out. He shared personal experiences, including how reporting on campus issues led to his withheld academic results for a year, highlighting the resilience campus journalists sometimes need.

“If you’re facing no resistance, you might not be pushing hard enough,” he noted,

He encouraged students to focus on impactful stories that challenge the status quo and drive positive change. “Campus journalism is more than press releases. Focus on impactful stories that encourage positive change,” he advised.

Tarre Elizabeth Tosanwunmi, President of the Union of Campus Journalists at the University of Ibadan, advised her OOU colleagues to remain committed to campus journalism.

She acknowledged the diverse motivations that drive students into the field—from effecting societal change to fulfilling association tasks.

Emphasising that campus journalists are “watchdogs of society,” she reminded them to “be bold enough to stand by your words,” despite potential backlash.

She also stressed the importance of editorial and administrative roles, urging editorial members to hone their craft, and administrative members to recognise their contributions behind the scenes.

“Even if you’re not as visible as the editorial team, your efforts are crucial to our success,” she said.

 

As the event concluded, she encouraged campus journalists to embrace the journey, regardless of whatever future outcome of career plans in journalism or not.

Looking into the near future , she assured them, “Years from now, you’ll look back at your work with pride,” and congratulated OOU’s campus journalism group on its anniversary.

Earlier, Campus Mirror President Olamide Lasisi recounted the publication’s history, founded by a student who had earlier studied at the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, Lagos who on getting to OOU initially faced restrictions at the existing Press Club before mobilising to establish Campus Mirror.

Lasisi highlighted how the publication has created opportunities for students over the past seven years to develop campus journalism.

Vice President Olamide Ayoade closed the event, presenting certificates to students who have worked to build the publication over the past year.