By Samuel Sunday
The International Institute of Journalism (IIJ), Ado-Ekiti Campus, has unveiled activities for its 2026 Students’ Representative Council (SRC) Week, with a call on students to blend academic knowledge with creativity, unity, character and professional excellence.
The week, themed “Beyond Headlines: Knowledge, Creativity, Unity and Excellence,” was announced at a press conference attended by IIJ students, lecturers, media practitioners and leadership of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ekiti State Council.
The President of the IIJ SRC, Comrade Toba Fatunla, said the programme was designed to give students practical exposure beyond classroom instruction.
He noted that experienced journalists and media professionals were invited to interact with students to provide first-hand insights into the profession.
According to him, activities lined up for the week include an educational programme, a novelty football match involving media stakeholders, a dinner, and an awards ceremony to honour outstanding students and individuals who have contributed to journalism and media development in Ekiti State.
Fatunla also stressed the need for professionalism among students, particularly in an era where social media has blurred the lines between trained journalists and content creators.
He urged students to take their training seriously and build the character, skills and knowledge required for responsible journalism practice.
The Coordinator of IIJ Ado-Ekiti Campus, Pastor Dare Daniel, said the institute offers professional training in journalism, public relations and advertising.
He stated that years of experience in a media organization without formal training does not qualify one as a journalist, and urged practitioners to obtain the necessary certification.
Daniel encouraged students to apply what they learn in practice, rather than focus solely on certificates. He described professional journalists as the voice of society who must earn public trust through accuracy, credibility and responsible reporting.
He commended the SRC for organizing the Students’ Week and urged future administrations to sustain the initiative.
Also speaking, the Chairman of NUJ, Ekiti State Council, commended the students for the programme. He described journalism as a noble profession and assured the students of the union’s support.
He urged them to prepare for the demands of professional practice, noting that the NUJ is committed to protecting the integrity of the profession and distinguishing trained journalists from unqualified practitioners.
