The 2025 International Campus Journalists Conference (ICJC2025) of the Association of Campus Journalists, Obafemi Awolowo University, took place on Saturday, May 3rd, 2025, at the BOOC, Biological Building of the Faculty of Science, OAU. The conference, which coincides with World Press Freedom Day, provides valuable insights into how the Media can drive a state’s socio-political economic transformation.
In an interview with ACJOAU, a special adviser to former president Muhammadu Buhari on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, OON, stated that true editorial freedom is now difficult to achieve in developing nations such as Nigeria due to strong government interference. He noted that, while the media should serve as a watchdog, the government has grown heavily involved in practically every industry, including journalism. He stated that aspiring journalists should understand what they’re doing as campus journalists and advised them to be patient as they chase their goal in the media.
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While delivering his keynote speech, Mr Femi Adesina, OON, analysed the use of both traditional and modern media, including social media, emphasizing the media’s role in changing policy and positively influencing society.
He identified five fundamental responsibilities of media for development, which are disseminating information, advocating positive change, empowering communities, ensuring accountability and transparency, and achieving specific development goals. He highlighted leveraging the use of technology in research, fact-checking, reaching a broader audience, and influencing decision-making. He further advised Journalists to avoid sensationalism in their careers and focus on impactful reporting to benefit society.
In his welcome address, the President of the Association of Campus Journalists, Olabode Oluwafemi, commended the courage taken on by the campus journalists and their competence in tackling challenges. He emphasized the power of storytelling and innovation in driving post-pandemic transformation and expressed gratitude to the Keynote Speaker and the facilitators for their support.
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In his brief remarks, the Association’s Staff Adviser, Professor James Olabisi, highlighted the importance of campus journalism. He asserted that campus journalism gives students a voice, aids in talent discovery, and provides an opportunity to hone abilities in writing, news reporting, and even media marketing. According to him, campus journalism functions as both a training ground and a platform for hands-on experience, assisting students in preparing for their future careers in the media.
Boluwatife Oladele moderated the first Panel Session. Panellist Abimbola Abatta, an investigative reporter from the Foundation for Investigative Journalism, discussed the media as a link between the people and the government, emphasizing the necessity of grassroots information transmission, long-term support, and editorial independence.
In response to a question from the audience, Miss Abimbola Abata explained that investigative journalism entails in-depth, on-the ground reporting supported by concrete evidence such as audio, graphics, and images stating that its advantage lies in exposing hidden issues, though it frequently attracts backlash such as lawsuits, which can be overcome if proper evidence is provided.
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The second Panel Session hosted by ThankGod Adeoye Oke, which included panellists Anthony Dimnwaka, Osarennoma Saba, and Afounda Samuel. The session focused on the power of storytelling in journalism, stressing that storytelling extends outside of the newsroom and is rooted in tradition, language, education, and human connections.
Panellists stated that journalists’ primary role is not just to inform, but also to educate, influence, and reflect the realities of life through well-crafted stories. They pushed young media practitioners to use independent platforms and social media, pointing out that today’s journalists have no excuse not to share important news, even outside of traditional media channels.
The discussion ended with a plea to journalists to draw attention to stories that reveal societal challenges, use data, and maintain accuracy even in the face of suppression. One of the panellists stated that, a lot of Journalsts are needed to tell stories that matter.
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An informative discussion was led by Akinkunmi and Ifeoluwa Odetayo, both experienced data analysts. They reviewed the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in modern journalism, emphasizing how AI tools may help journalists with content creation, research, and data analysis. They presented BIMI, an artificial intelligence application that provides accurate answers and real-time feedback, and encouraged participants to use data-driven technology to improve their narrative and report quality. In a rapidly changing media world, their discussion underlined the vitality of integrating journalism and technological expertise.
While delivering their goodwill messages, the President of the Union of Campus Journalists, UI (UCJUI), Olanshile Ogunrinu; Editor-in-Chief of The Academia Campus Journalists, UI (Abeokuta Affiliate Campus), David Olatunji; the President of Campus Mirror, OOU, represented by Thank-God Adeoye; and the President of the Union of Campus Journalists, UNILORIN, Boluwatife Oladele, applauded the Association of Campus Journalists, OAU, for the successful conference. They appreciated the initiative’s ability to help young journalists improve their talents and respect journalistic standards.
Other session of the program includes a spoken word performance by Oladele Olalekan, titled “Shattered Effort and the Cacophony of Agony”, games and presentation of awards and certificates to the Speakers, Panelists, participants.
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In her closing remark and vote of thanks, the Vice President of the Association of Campus Journalists, OAU, Olatimehin Esther, appreciated the keynote speaker, panellists, and participants for their presence, support and contribution towards the success of the 2025 Edition of the International Campus Journalism Conference.
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The Chairman, Guild of Editors, Adeniran Tolulope, in his remarks, appreciated the guests for being at the conference. He further stated that the establishment of the Adejumo Kabir Essay Competition by an ACJOAU alumnus, Mr Adejumo Kabir, was to encourage critical thoughts and uphold the ethical standards of journalism.
He, then, announced the top three winners of the 3rd Edition of the Essay Competition. The Winner of the Adejumo Kabir Essay Competition was Sheriffdeen Muslim. The first runner-up and the second runner-up were Dada Oreoluwa and Oso Samuel, respectively. An award of excellence and a prize were presented to the winners. However, Dada Oreoluwa and Oso Samuel were absent.
