In order for seasoned journalists to use their knowledge to support national development, Nigerian authorities have been urged to reevaluate the obstacles they encounter while attempting to enter academia.
In his 29th Inaugural Lecture, Professor Eserinune McCarty Mojaye of the National Open University of Nigeria’s (NOUN) Department of Mass Communication made this call.
The talk, entitled “Building and Deconstructing Journalism Practice and Communication Research in Nigeria: A 40-Year Experience,” took place in the university’s Abuja headquarters on Thursday, November 7, 2024.
According to a statement released by Ibrahim Sheme, NOUN’s Director of Media and Publicity, Mojaye underlined the necessity of a change in the way colleges assess and choose seasoned individuals for academic positions.
Reflecting on his own path from media to academia, Mojaye described the strict academic standards that, in spite of his 15-year active journalism career from 1983 to 1998, frequently undervalue practical expertise.
Read Also: Kogi State: NSCDC Recognizes, Decorates 206 Promoted Officers
He described how, after joining academia in 1998, he was demoted to a lower academic position despite having written many unique works and served as editing team leader.
Other seasoned journalists, such as current officials Tunji Bello, Bayo Onanuga, and Dele Alake, may face comparable difficulties if they choose to pursue a career in academics, according to Mojaye. He maintained that such people, who could provide important direction for aspiring journalists, are frequently deterred by stringent academic standards.
He called for a review of existing regulations in order to promote more inclusive procedures that honor the work of seasoned professionals without placing needless restrictions on their academic pursuits. Mojaye proposed that strengthening the intellectual rigor of academic programs and preventing brain drain may be achieved by tighter cooperation between “the town and the gown.”
NOUN’s commitment to advancing an inclusive and progressive educational system was also emphasized by Prof. Olufemi Peters, the university’s vice-chancellor. Peters underlined the importance of inaugural talks in furthering NOUN’s purpose of knowledge sharing and fostering innovative research, as represented by Prof. Isaac Butswat, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration).
As part of NOUN’s attempts to close the gap between theory and practice across disciplines and in accordance with the school’s dedication to inclusive and flexible teaching, Peters thanked the organizers and attendees. The need of combining real-world experience with academic knowledge was emphasized by his praise of Mojaye’s contributions to academics and the journalistic field.
