Make intelligent use of social media platforms and do not allow Artificial Intelligence rub you of your creativity – Rasheedat Oladotun – Iliyas
By Admin:
Students of Mass Communication have been advised to take advantage of the opportunities in the media industry for self development and career progression.
This advice was given by resource persons at a one day training programme under the Female Reporters Leadership Project, FRLP, for final year students of Mass Communication, Faculty of Communication and Information Sciences at the University of Ilorin, Kwara State.
In a presentation titled “Career Opportunities for Mass Communication Students,” Hajia Bushrah Yusuf-Badmus, an Editor with the News Agency of Nigeria described journalism as a rewarding profession which has diverse fields of practice and urged the students to take charge of the media space.
Hajia Yusuf-Badmus who highlighted some career opportunities in the profession,
urged the Mass Communication students to begin to develop their skills by practicing campus journalism and seeking opportunities on the internet.
“Even before you leave the school, there are some opportunities for you as Mass Comm students. There are some organisations that they put out fellowships, – fellowships are like training opportunities – and they tell you what you are suppose to do at one point in time.”
Hajia Bushrah Yusuf – Badmus
She however expressed displeasure that majority of the people in the media industry were not students of Mass Communication thereby giving room for absurdities in the profession.
“You realize that most of the campus journalists are not even Mass Communication students very very unfortunate. They engage in things that we who are trained journalists do not even do. They win fellowships, they win grants in thousands of dollars for writing stories you trained to do and you are not doing it as Mass comm students. So it’s a challenge on you.” She said.
In another presentation on “Leveraging Media Fellowships, Trainings and Social Media Platforms for Self Development and Financial Empowerment,” Dare Akogun, the Head Digital Media at Sobi FM, Ilorin, who shared his experiences in journalism explained that there are numerous opportunities that would serve as other sources of income for practicing journalism students and professionals
Mr Akogun however emphasized the need for media professionals to adhere to ethics and engage in fact based reporting to sustain integrity and credibility.
Mr. Dare Akogun
Earlier in an opening address, the Convener of the programme, Hajia Rasheedat Oladotun Iliyas, the Head of Department, Manager News and Current Affairs, at Radio Nigeria Harmony FM, Idofian, explained that the leadership project was necessary to sensitize young journalists on career opportunities in the media industry and how to leverage them for self development.
Hajia Oladotun Iliyas urged the students to make intelligent use of social media platforms and not to allow Artificial Intelligence rub them of their creativity.
Hajia Rasheedat Oladotun – Iliyas
In a remark, the Head of Department, Dr Patrick Udende appreciated the convener for the programme and pledged that the department would continue to keep the students abreast with trends in the industry as well as engage with players in the industry to sustain their passion for the course.
Dr Patrick Udende, HOD Mass Communication, University of Ilorin
“Their coming here, I believe that it’s not in vain. Coming from the plethora of questions and observations that you have made, it is an indication that their talk has really impacted on you.
“I would be highly gladdened if after this moment I begin to see some of you begin to practice it.
“I want to once again appeal to the facilitators that this has opened a new chapter for us to continue to interface. As God permits it, as regular as possible, our doors are open for you.”
The programme afforded participants opportunities to get answers to their questions.
Across section of Students at the programme
Earlier, the team visited the Dean, Faculty of Communication and Information Sciences, Professor Adeshina Lukman Azeez.
Professor Azeez applauded the initiative and expressed hope that it would ignite the passion of the students to take up career in the media industry.
