NUJ President Offers Scholarships to Mass Communication Students in Maiduguri

The National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Alhassan Yahya Abdullahi, has announced a scholarship programme for exceptional Mass Communication students at the University of Maiduguri in Borno State. This initiative aims to support young individuals who are enthusiastic about pursuing careers in journalism and broadcasting. Abdullahi made this announcement during a courtesy visit to the Department of Mass Communication, Faculty of Communication and Media Studies.

During the visit on February 13, Abdullahi described the scholarship programme as an effort to encourage young people passionate about journalism and broadcasting. He also encouraged students to register as associate members of the NUJ, as the union plans to introduce this membership category. The Head of Department, Dr Abdulmutallib A. Abubakar, welcomed the initiative and commended Abdullahi, noting that his visit felt like a homecoming given his background as an alumnus of the department.

The Dean of the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, Professor Abubakar Mu’azu, expressed his appreciation for the NUJ president's visit and initiative. He disclosed that the faculty had recently secured approval for seven new academic programmes. Three of these programmes have already commenced, while preparations are underway for the remaining four. Mu’azu reaffirmed the faculty’s commitment to strengthening partnerships with the NUJ, media organisations, and other professional bodies.

The meeting was attended by several notable individuals, including the General Manager of Borno Radio and Television (BRTV), the NUJ Borno State Council Chairman, Dr Musa Usman, and Mohammed Auwal Umar from the Department of Broadcasting. The discussions focused on fostering collaboration between the university and media organisations to improve journalism education and practice in Nigeria.

Both parties agreed to sustain their collaboration through periodic seminars, academic engagements, research, and professional activities. These efforts aim to strengthen journalism education, curriculum development, and media practice in Nigeria. The NUJ president's initiative and the faculty’s commitment to partnerships reflect a shared goal of enhancing the quality of journalism education and professional practice.

The scholarship programme and collaboration between the NUJ and the University of Maiduguri demonstrate a concerted effort to support and develop the next generation of journalists and media professionals in Nigeria. By providing financial support and fostering partnerships, these initiatives can contribute to the growth and improvement of journalism and broadcasting in the country.

Key initiatives include the introduction of new academic programmes and collaboration with media organisations to enhance journalism education and practice. The NUJ's scholarship programme for Mass Communication students is a significant step towards encouraging young people to pursue careers in journalism and broadcasting.

Key points

• The NUJ president announced a scholarship programme for exceptional Mass Communication students at the University of Maiduguri.
• The faculty has secured approval for seven new academic programmes to enhance journalism education.
• The NUJ and university will collaborate on seminars, academic engagements, research, and professional activities.