Akinsola Rebecca

The Union of Campus Journalists University of Ibadan (UCJUI) held its 35th induction ceremony to inaugurate a new set of campus journalists on Saturday, 24th of February, 2024 at the First Bank Building, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ibadan.

The induction kickstarted with a welcome address by the moderators and a game session, which was held to lighten the mood of everyone present. Then, the president of the union welcomed every intending CJs to the ceremony with a brief talk on what to expect.

The keynote speaker Dr Olabisi Olagunju was represented by Dr Kehinde Oyetimi, a journalist who is also a lecturer in the Department of English at the University. Dr Oyetimi gave the first induction speech of the day. He enlightened the Intending Journalists on the theme of the programme, which is “Beyond Bylines: Impacting the society through Journalism”. He said “What you do with your byline is the legacy that you leave behind. Your byline validates whatever story you write.” He further encouraged the inductees to embrace the journalistic call with great pride and dignity because it is a noble profession, and it empowers them to give a voice to the ills of the society and in turn change the world. He also mentioned the advantages and bitter parts of the profession. However, he advised every journalist to stand firm to their oath of communicating the truth with their conscience.

In addition, another keynote speaker who lectured at the ceremony was Mr Kabir Adejumo, an award-winning journalist based in Abuja. Kabir narrated his journalism journey since his undergraduate days at the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU). In his speech, he gave the audience the do’s and don’t of the professions. He told a few of his stories about his sacrifices for the press club. He further stated authoritatively, “Ask yourself your reasons for joining journalism. To make an impact or make money?” He then admonished that the profit-driving part of being a journalist should be our second drive. To cap his speech, he urged every campus journalist present, never to be afraid to go to any length to bring the truth to everyone’s consciousness because that is what makes a journalist who he/she is. In the same vein, the last speaker, Mr Sunday Oguntola addressed the audience on a topic titled “Does AI Threaten Job Opportunities in Journalism?” Mr Sunday answered the question with a no and refuted the claim that AI ability can never replace human creativity and expertise. He said AI will only threaten those who fail to grow. Hence, he emphasised the need for self-improvement and personal growth in the field. He said, “Artificial intelligence is to help journalism and not to destroy it.”

Also, Issac Martins, the 32nd president of the union spoke to the inductees about the history of the union. After these, the current president, Odeyinka Tobi of the union led the inductees as they pledged the oath. The ceremony continued with other programmes like the prize-giving ceremony for The Sunday Oguntola Essay Competition and the final round of the “Prof. Francis Egbokhare Inter-press Debate Competition” Further, several members of the staff of the university and other notable journalists from other parts of the country graced the occasion. The Dean of Students, Prof. Abiona was duly represented.

Finally, after the rigorous screening process, Ibraheem Fiyinfoluwa, a member of Sultan Bello Press was announced, and celebrated as the best inductee of the year among four other persons.