The International Institute of Journalism (IIJ), announced its readiness to partner with the News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) toward improving the quality of journalists and journalism in Nigeria.
Dr Emman Shehu, its Director, made the disclosure on Wednesday in Abuja when he paid a courtesy call on Malam Ali M. Ali, the Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria.
“NAN has a critical role to play in telling the story of developing nations.
“Its challenges are enormous. It needs capable manpower, technology and skills in marketing. Our institute can provide the training required to excel in all these tasks,” he uttered.
Shehu noted that IIJ, which is affiliated to University of Maiduguri, was created to meet the training needs of journalists in Africa.
He said that social media journalism is hurting the profession, urging stakeholders to strive to ensure that only true professionals were allowed to practice.
The director said that IIJ would provide the right opportunity for practitioners seeking to improve their knowledge.
“We shall be ready to upgrade people that do not meet professional requirements.
“We shall be happy to train NAN Reporters and Editors so that the quality of the agency’s news content shall improve.
“So much is expected from NAN. The subscribers and members of the public expect so much from the agency. We shall help the agency to meet its mandate.”
Shehu listed other areas of partnership to include the organization of seminars and workshops to generate money.
“The partnership will also include bringing our students to undertake Internship Training in NAN,” he added.
In his response, Ali described Shehu as a mentor, who taught him a lot in journalism.
“He is a thorough professional with an eagle eye to detect any slip in a copy.
“He took us through a lot. People like Garba Shehu, media aide to former President Muhamadu Buhari, went through his tutelage to become experts on the job,” he stated.
