The Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ), the nation’s foremost journalism College, held its matriculation ceremony for the 2023/2024 academic session on Wednesday, March 6, 2024.
The academic ceremony which took place at the school auditorium, Ogba, Lagos, saw the matriculation of 248 students in total. This included 119 students under the National Diploma (ND) programme, 67 pupils under the Higher National Diploma (HND), and 62 educatees for the Post Graduate Diploma (PGD) programme .
The institution also assured the new entrants the provision of the best learning environment, including constant upgrades and acquisition of state-of-the-art equipment.
While congratulating the new students in his speech, the Provost, Mr. Gbenga Adefaye, reminded them that they are in the school not just to receive education but to become a better version of themselves and to make a lasting impact in the world around them.
“Our goal is to train and groom disciplined and excellent professionals who will uphold the highest ethical standard in their profession. We will equip you to go into the world as professionals cum content producers in our new age of communication technology,” Mr. Adefaye noted.
To achieve this, the Provost assured that the new students could look forward to programmes such as field trips to media houses, advertising agencies and Public Relations firms, students industrial training for the National Diploma graduands, sports, intercollege competitions, industrial workshops and many more.
He advised the students to see the ceremony as the beginning of their journey, urging them to embrace curiosity and diversity.
Meanwhile, while giving the vote of thanks, the newly appointed deputy provost of the institution, Dr. Adeboye Ola, stressed the need for good conduct and decent dressing.
In his words, “Today, you all are now bonafide students. And as bonafide students, we are now partners in progress. It is expected that you abide by the school rules and regulations.”
Dr. Ola appreciated the ratio of women who are among the new students, noting that it’s a good sign of gender equality and interest in the noble profession.
He also pointed out that continuous assessment and attendance in class lectures remain mandatory.
Expressing excitement over the ceremony, Daniel Okeke from the ND 1 class said, “I am happy about the induction ceremony. I had been looking forward to it. However, it’s not really comfortable that it was placed a day before the commencement of the first semester exams.”
Academic and non-academic staff members of the institution, parents and returning students also attended the oath-taking ceremony.