Association of Campus Journalists Inducts New Members at OAU, Experts Challenge Students to Uphold Integrity in the Media Profession
The Association of Campus Journalists at Obafemi Awolowo University (ACJOAU) has formally welcomed a new cohort of young reporters into its fold during an induction ceremony held on Saturday, 22 November 2025, at the African Union Development (AUD) II Lecture Hall. The event, attended by seasoned journalists and media practitioners, featured training sessions designed to strengthen ethical reporting and leadership among budding campus journalists.
The programme commenced at exactly 10:30 a.m. with an opening prayer led by the General Secretary, followed by a stirring rendition of the Great Ife Anthem — a symbolic reminder of the institution’s long-standing reputation for excellence. According to Akahi News findings, the ceremony set a reflective tone as speakers explored the evolving responsibilities of journalists in contemporary society.
Journalists Cautioned Against Sensationalism
Addressing the inductees, Mr Boluwatife Akinyemi, a Senior Reporter with the Nigerian Tribune, delivered a compelling lecture on journalistic ethics. He warned new practitioners against the growing trend of sensationalism and the reckless use of exaggerated language. According to him, credible journalism cannot thrive on “unnecessary adjectives” or emotional manipulation.
Mr Akinyemi stressed that accuracy, objectivity, honesty, and diligence remain the foundation of the profession. He reminded the students that trust—an essential currency in journalism—can only be earned through rigorous verification and the responsible handling of information.
He further urged the inductees to study their interview subjects deeply, guard their editorial independence, and identify a specific journalistic beat in which they can develop expertise. Akahi News gathered that his remarks resonated strongly with participants, many of whom described the session as both enlightening and challenging.
‘Journalists Are Glue, Breeze, and Dynamite’ — Oyedibo
Mr Enoch Oyedibo, an investigative journalist, expanded the discourse by discussing the concept of truth in journalism. He highlighted what he termed three forms of truth: your truth, my truth, and the truth. For journalism, he said, the only acceptable pursuit is the truth itself.
He described journalists metaphorically as glue, holding society together; breeze, providing clarity and fresh perspective; and dynamite, exposing wrongdoing when necessary. This imagery, he explained, underscores the multidimensional role journalists play in shaping national conscience.
Sources told Akahi News that Mr Oyedibo placed strong emphasis on the need for meticulous fact-gathering, source cross-checking, self-editing, and continuous learning — practices he said are vital for building a reputable byline. He encouraged the inductees to become lifelong students of the craft.
OAP Ayodele Urges Students to Protect Public Trust
On Air Personality Miss Busola Ayodele from Great 94.5 FM reinforced the advice given by earlier speakers. She called on the new members to uphold the highest standards of credibility, insisting that every story must be fact-checked before publication.
According to her, public trust is delicate and can be lost in a moment of carelessness. She advised the inductees to place the audience at the centre of their work, reminding them that authentic journalism is service-oriented.
Akahi News learnt that her session inspired several questions from participants eager to understand the practical demands of modern broadcast journalism.
Inductees Take Oath of Commitment
Following the keynote addresses, the ceremony transitioned into an interactive question-and-answer session where Mr Oyedibo and Miss Ayodele addressed concerns about newsroom challenges, handling misinformation, and developing personal journalistic identity.
The event concluded with the official oath-taking and presentation of certificates to newly admitted members of ACJOAU. The inductees pledged to uphold ethical reporting, pursue objective truth, and contribute meaningfully to the campus media landscape.
Journalists who spoke with Akahi News expressed optimism about the future of student journalism at Obafemi Awolowo University, noting that the quality of mentorship offered at the ceremony reflects the association’s commitment to grooming responsible media professionals.
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By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News
Joseph Iyaji is a journalist, educator, and founder of Akahi G. International, Akahi Tutors, and Akahi News. Read more about him here.
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