NIJ admits 293 students at 23rd matriculation, charges them to lead Nigeria’s digital media future
The Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ), Ogba, Lagos, on Wednesday formally admitted 293 students into its National Diploma (ND), Higher National Diploma (HND) and Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) programmes at its 23rd Matriculation Ceremony.
The ceremony, held at the Sir Kensington Adebutu Media Resource Centre, marked the formal induction of the Class of 2026 into what the Provost, Mr. Gbenga Adefaye, described as “Nigeria’s foremost journalism and media training institution.”
Addressing the matriculating students, parents, faculty and invited guests, Adefaye said matriculation was more than a ceremonial rite, describing it as “a solemn academic covenant” that inducts students into the intellectual tradition and ethical culture of the Institute.
“By taking the Matriculation Oath and signing the Register, you affirm your commitment to discipline, integrity, and academic excellence,” he said, adding that the students are now bona fide members of the NIJ community, entitled to its privileges and bound by its responsibilities.
Adefaye disclosed that the newly admitted students comprise 138 ND students, 69 HND students and 86 PGD students, each representing “a future voice in Nigeria’s media and public communication landscape.”
He noted that their admission was conducted in strict compliance with national standards in collaboration with the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) and processed through the Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS), guaranteeing the integrity of their records and eligibility for NYSC mobilisation where applicable.
The Provost highlighted the rapidly evolving nature of journalism and mass communication, pointing to the disruptive impact of digital technology, artificial intelligence, data-driven storytelling and the complex global information ecosystem, adding “The modern media professional must be skilled not only in reporting but also in multimedia production, podcasting, digital investigations, fact-checking and strategic content management. Your education at NIJ is structured to prepare you not merely to adapt to this change, but to lead it with competence, courage and conscience”.
He urged students to maintain proper dress and comportment, noting that journalism is a profession built on credibility, and to treat institutional facilities, including two newly equipped ICT laboratories, with care.
The Provost outlined several opportunities available to students, including field trips to media organisations and advertising agencies, participation in the Student Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES), professional competitions, entrepreneurship training, media innovation labs and intensive newsroom practice across print, broadcast and digital platforms.
