*** Says committee to bridge gap between academic training and professional practice
As part of efforts to keep members informed on emerging issues, enhance professional skills and promote journalism scholarship through book publications and research, the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has inaugurated its Research, Training and Publications Committee.
The committee is chaired by Prof. Chinyere Stella Okunna, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Paul University, Awka, Anambra State. It comprises seasoned journalists and media professionals drawn from media management, academia and publishing.
Other members of the committee are Dr. Tony Onyima, Fellow of the Guild and former Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief of The Sun; Ms. Angela Agoawike, Fellow of the Guild and Founder/CEO of Omalicha FM, Owerri; Dr. Iyobosa Uwugiaren, Senior Editor/Member of Editorial Board, THISDAY; and Dr. Kabir Alabi Garba, Weekend Editor, The Guardian.
Speaking at the inauguration, the President of the NGE, Eze Anaba, said the Guild takes the assignment of the committee seriously and therefore carefully constituted it to reflect a healthy blend of academic scholarship and industry experience.
He stressed the need to bridge the gap between academic training and professional practice in Nigeria’s media industry.
According to him, the committee’s work is expected to strengthen journalism practice and help address the disconnect that often exists between journalism education and the realities of newsroom operations.
“The membership of the committee was carefully selected to reflect this aspiration of bridging the gap between the town and gown,” Anaba said.
“I have no doubt that members will deploy their collective expertise to advance the Guild’s intellectual and professional mandate.”
The NGE president explained that the Research, Training and Publications Committee was established to promote knowledge, skills and best practices in journalism and media through research, training and publications.
Outlining the committee’s terms of reference, Anaba said the body would conduct and support research on issues relevant to journalism and media practice, including studies on readership, viewership and listenership trends.
He added that the committee would also develop and deliver training programmes aimed at enhancing the skills and knowledge of journalists and media professionals.
“The committee will also publish materials, including books, journals and online content, that promote excellence, innovation and best practices in journalism, with the goal of strengthening the professionalism of Guild members,” he said.
Responding on behalf of the committee, its chairman and Fellow of the Guild, Prof. Okunna, described the initiative as timely and significant.
“With the calibre and experience of members of this committee, I am confident that we will add considerable value to the Guild and the wider media industry,” she said.
The inauguration ceremony, held at the Editors’ House, Ikeja, Lagos, was attended by the Guild’s General Secretary, Onuoha Ukeh; Assistant General Secretary, Gabriel Akinadewo; and Rose Moses, a member of the Guild’s Standing Committee representing the West.
The committee will serve a two-year term.
