By Joseph Joy, Onyekachi Agu and Ogechi Chika

A university don, Dr Chidiebere Ezinwa has raised the alarm that journalism practice in Nigeria could go into extinction.

Dr Ezinwa who is the Head of Mass Communication Department at the Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) disclosed this during his opening remark at a one-day capacity building workshop organised for the students of the department by Ikenga Media and Cultural Awareness Initiative.  

Dr Ezinwa who expressed joy and described the workshop as timely msaid he is concerned that universities in the country are producing graduates in journalism who end up not practising the profession.

“I want to express my delight over this workshop which is very timely because right now, from what we are seeing as lecturers and practitioners, journalism practice will soon go into extinction in this country.

“This is a fact. Majority of the students we graduate here end up not practising the profession and you wonder why. Many of them are here for the certificate and once they graduate, they go into something else. I am not saying there is anything wrong with that but just imagine a situation where all of us decide not to lecture or practise the profession. A society without the media is a society that doesn’t exist.

“So this workshop is timely because it will serve as a wakeup call to the students on why they should practice what they have been imparted. Journalism profession is dying in this country and we must wake up to fight for its survival” he said.

Early in his speech, the Editor-in-Chief, Ikengaonline, Mr Uche Ugboajah said the workshop is part of the organisation’s efforts in creating awareness about the practice of journalism and how to ensure that the students understand the essence of the profession they are studying.

He noted that Ikenga has already trained over 60 students.

With the theme: “Building a Satisfying Career in Journalism” the mentoring workshop was held at the final classroom of the department of Mass Communication with over 100 students in attendance.

Below are pictures from the workshop