U.S. Consulate launches Journalism Clinic for young Nigerian reporters

The Media Career Development Network, with support from the U.S. Consulate General in Lagos, has launched a Bi-Monthly Journalism Clinic aimed at empowering early-career journalists.

Targeted at reporters with less than five years of experience, the year-long initiative will deliver intensive, hands-on workshops in Lagos designed to build core professional skills, enhance investigative reporting capabilities, and promote fact-based, ethical journalism.

The program will expose participants to critical tools and techniques for producing high-quality, data-driven stories. Through each session, journalists will be introduced to open-source digital tools, gain insight into investigative methods, and connect with senior journalists and subject matter experts for mentorship and guidance.

Topics covered will include reporting on governance and accountability, financial and public health journalism, and the ethical challenges of covering sensitive stories. Participants will also receive training on accessing public data, working with anonymous sources, and maximizing the use of social media for impactful storytelling.

U.S. Consulate Public Affairs Officer Julie McKay described the initiative as part of a broader effort to support media development in Nigeria. “Press freedom and a professional, responsive, and independent media are critical parts of any democracy,” McKay said. “By providing timely and accurate information, journalists give citizens a voice, allowing them to engage in important dialogue and hold leaders accountable.”

Lekan Otufodunrin, Executive Director of the Media Career Development Network, said the program will benefit approximately 150 journalists over the course of the year. “Our goal is to strengthen the capacity of young reporters to inform, educate, and contribute to national accountability through quality journalism,” he said.

Aspiring participants are invited to apply by sending an email detailing their reporting interests to [email protected]. Selected applicants will be notified ahead of each bi-monthly clinic.

Media Contact:
Dayo Emmanuel
Programme Manager, Media Career Development Network
0803 337 4017