By Glory Ekpang
The Department of Journalism and Media Studies, University of Calabar, has called for stronger collaboration with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Cross River State Council, to enhance practical training for journalism students.
The Acting Head of Department, Dr. Kwita Dan-Obo, made the appeal on Tuesday during a courtesy visit to the NUJ Chairman, Comrade Archibong Bassey, at the Ernest Etim Bassey Press Centre, Calabar.
Dr. Dan-Obo said the visit was part of efforts to bridge the gap between classroom theory and newsroom practice, noting that journalism training could not be complete without field exposure.
“We cannot have a Department of Journalism and Media Studies and not run here first to make our presence known,” she said.
“When the department was formed, I always knew that the first port of call would be the NUJ. We are here to seek collaboration and partnership.
“What we do in school is theoretical. You are the ones in the field with practical knowledge. We want our students to come out here to gain real field experience in news gathering and reporting.”
She added that the department, being newly unbundled, required visibility and strong professional partnerships to strengthen its academic delivery and industry relevance.
“We are ready to work with you in whatever ways necessary to take the department to the next level and ensure our students are well grounded in the profession,” she said.
In his response, Archibong Bassey welcomed the delegation, describing the relationship between the NUJ and journalism training institutions in the state as longstanding and necessary.
“I want to most sincerely thank you for this visit. The synergy between the department and NUJ Cross River State Council has always existed,” she said.
“We will continue to expose students to practical aspects of journalism through internships and field attachments so they can understand the realities of the profession.
“It is one thing to teach theory, and another to expose students to practical experience. Our doors are always open for collaboration and support.”
Bassey assured the department of the union’s readiness to support training efforts, while noting that guidelines on student membership would be clarified in line with national NUJ standards.
The meeting ended with both parties expressing commitment to strengthening ties aimed at producing more competent and industry-ready journalists.