By Taiwo Raphael-Kolawole
In a bid to equip Nigerian students with practical skills for employability and competitiveness in the global labour and business market, communication and media experts convened at the Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology, Ikere Ekiti (BOUESTI) to discuss the evolving role of photojournalism in contemporary news writing and reporting.
The annual lecture, organized by the university’s Department of Mass Communication, focused on enhancing students’ practical exposure beyond the compulsory six-month industrial training.
Delivering the keynote address, Mr. Yemi Olajutemu, a journalist with over 15 years of experience in Broadcasting and expertise in social media and digital publishing, urged students to leverage digital platforms to establish their professional brands. He noted that the prevailing economic challenges in Nigeria have forced many media outlets to downsize, thereby intensifying competition in the job market.
“Rather than fall victim to the harsh realities of the Nigerian media industry, students of communication and media studies should embrace digital media to carve a niche for themselves. Photojournalism is a good way as it has evolved from playing a supplementary role to becoming a critical aspect of storytelling in news writing and reporting,” Olajutemu stated.
He told the students to apply as freelance reporters and intern in online media outlets such as the REMOTEWORK NEWSPAPER, which he said provides the opportunity for practical training for the students even while in school.
He highlighted the impact of convergence theory and integrated media in the digital age, which have enabled traditional outlets to expand their reach through multimedia storytelling.
Olajutemu also emphasized the growing relevance of photojournalism in radio, traditionally known as the “blind medium,” which now adopts visual elements like live streaming for broader engagement. He urged future communication professionals to take ownership of photography and resist ceding the space to citizen journalists or untrained practitioners.
Speaking at another session, the General Manager of the university radio station and a public relations expert with over 30 years of experience in media, Mr. Adeyinka Olanipekun encouraged the students and participants to embrace every opportunity for skill acquisition.
“This era demands multitasking, a hallmark of what we call backpack journalism,” he said. Olanipekun commended the university management and the department for blending theory with practice, adding that such initiatives would not only foster innovation and self-reliance but also create networking opportunities for students.
Also, a communication scholar Mrs. Olanike Olushola, advised students to harness the platform provided by the institution to realize their potential. Olushola who is the coordinator of the annual event said that students under her watch would continue to be exposed to practical knowledge capable of projecting them and placing them at par and above their global counterparts.
Similarly, Mr. Ajayi, a communication scholar, lauded the students for their various projects, noting that they demonstrated the department’s commitment to intellectual and practical excellence.
The annual event showcases the University effort at bridging classroom knowledge with hands-on experience as well as positioning students for success in the competitive global media industry.