Rianat Ademola 

In a quest to raise the bar of campus journalism in and around the University of Ibadan, members of the National Association of Students of English and Literary Studies Press [NASELS Press] embarked on a couple of weeks internship with one of Nigeria’s most prominent national news agencies, which is the Nigerian Tribune. The internship would however not have been possible if not for the support of Dr. Kehinde Oyetimi, who has once served as a mainstream journalist in the industry before taking up the role of a lecturer in the prestigious Department of English, University of Ibadan. 

The plan and purpose of this internship program goes beyond what the eyes of many will see, and what many will say. Truth be told, it was a sacrifice indeed, as members availed their weekly presence for the period of the internship, seeing many of their colleagues have gone to their respective homes after examination for the session has been concluded. Although we all needed rest, the need for a live experience in journalism as a campus journalist was like an insuppressible instinct.

In an interview with one of the participants, Eniola Olagunju who also happens to be the first NASELS Press member to get her byline published in a national newspaper, expressed her excitement, “It was a great experience, having my name on a national newspaper, I was so excited. It makes me want to do more. The feeling was so triggering.” she stated. Further commenting on her experience, she stated that journalists are accommodating people and are always eager to teach. “I learnt a lot from them, and it makes working in the place look so easy. I really appreciate the time I spent there and the opportunity to work in a prestigious newspaper paper like the Nigerian Tribune,” she concluded.

Also, speaking with another participant on his experience, Praise Olorunfemi who has always wanted to go for an internship with the Nigerian Tribune in the past, and has made unsuccessful attempt. While responding, he said, “I felt elated, as it also coincided with my being the newly elected Editor-in-Chief for the NASELS Press Organisation.” He added that the internship gave an insight into his tasks, duties and responsibilities as the Editor-in-Chief on which he was initially curious about. He also spoke about how he was able to ask and get answers to puzzling questions that has been lingering on his mind. Also from him, “I met with several desk editors while working under the Sub-desk, I worked directly with the Editor for the Metro News category, where news about city, crimes and court cases were edited.” He stated.

From another participant who happens to be the current General Editor of the NASELS Press, Emmanuel Awoko. In an interview with him, he commented that the internship is what he hasf always wanted. He shared his own experience, expressing that it was an opportunity for him to intern with mainstream journalists. In his words, “It is a good opportunity for me to function in the mainstream. I learnt the simplicity of the journalistic approach to addressing issues under the Opinion/Editorial desk that I worked under.” He further stated that he was able to take note of some software used for writing,  and overall for him, “ It was a nice experience”. 

The Opinion editor, John Adeniji, is another member who benefited from the internship. He served under the Opinion/Editorial desk and also expressed his  experience. “The experience, I would say, was worth it. It was an impactful experience, learning from experienced, seasoned journalists. I eagerly anticipated each day knowing fully well that there was something to learn. The atmosphere at the workplace was encouraging and accommodating.” He stated.

Rebecca Akinsola, the current Managing Editor for NASELS Press Organisation who worked under the Feature desk in the industry also mentioned that it was quite an impactful experience, “I was able to learn news writing better compared to the traditional style, fact-checking and editing process.” She stated, she further commented that the staff and journalists at the Nigerian Tribune were accommodating. 

The Feature Editor, Rianat Ademola, also expressed how she felt working under the Feature desk and the experience she had, “It was really an eye-opening experience for me. I learnt a lot about journalism, judging that it is one of the fields I have an interest in. Thankfully, I worked under an amazing editor, Mr Paul. He showed and explained the workflow in mainstream journalism, and he always made sure we challenge ourselves. The experience was impactful and educational”, she stated.

Damilola Olumurewa who is the Lifestyle Editor and also a participant of the internship also shared her experience in Nigerian Tribune, “ It was really nice and eye-opening. I was exposed to some things in mainstream journalism that I was not really aware of. Besides, I had an awesome editor so I was not just taught how to write and edit, I was taught to stretch myself above the standards, and how to leverage on the skills I have.” she stated.

Concluding, is hearing from Feyisayo Adebanjo, the News Editor also a participant in the internship  “It was an awesome experience. Quite a number of us attended and we were warmly welcomed. I served under the News desk, assigned to the Sub-Editor of the News desk, Mrs. Bunmi Ishola”, She further described how she was an amazing person, “Working with her has also improved my computer literacy. Although it was tiring at some point, however, I can say I had the best experience” she admitted.