Ibom Focus
NUJ President Pledges Reforms as IIJ Alumni Hold Inaugural Congress in Abuja
The President of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Alhassan Yahya Abdul, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to repositioning the International Institute of Journalism (IIJ) as a globally competitive centre for journalism education in Nigeria.
Comrade Abdul gave the assurance on Friday at the inaugural congress of the IIJ Alumni Association held at the institute’s headquarters in Jahi, Abuja.
The congress attracted alumni of the institute, NUJ national leadership and other stakeholders, who deliberated on key challenges confronting IIJ, including accreditation, institutional autonomy, infrastructural decay and comprehensive reforms.
Addressing the gathering, the NUJ President commended the alumni for convening what he described as a timely intervention in the history of the institute. He recalled that the revitalisation of IIJ formed a core component of his campaign promises and assured participants that concrete steps were already being taken to actualise those commitments.
On accreditation, Abdul disclosed that all required fees had been paid, noting however that the National Universities Commission (NUC) had temporarily suspended the issuance of accreditation certificates nationwide. He added that he had formally written to the Federal Ministry of Education and expressed optimism that IIJ would soon secure full accreditation.
He explained that the lack of accreditation was currently limiting access to Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) interventions, stressing that accreditation remains a prerequisite for such funding.
The NUJ President further revealed that efforts were ongoing to strengthen IIJ’s academic programmes through curriculum review, faculty development and the introduction of new courses aligned with global best practices.
He also announced plans for a comprehensive rebranding and restructuring of the institute, covering staffing, infrastructure, governance and institutional image, noting that a significant number of his campaign promises were focused on restoring IIJ to its rightful place in journalism education.
Speaking on journalists’ welfare, Abdul disclosed that the NUJ was concluding plans for a healthcare insurance scheme aimed at improving journalists’ access to quality healthcare and reducing maternal mortality.
He also revealed that a Media Enhancement Bill would soon be presented to the National Assembly.
On broadcast expansion, the NUJ President said efforts were ongoing to secure certification for IIJ Television and Radio stations. While television certification was attainable, he noted that radio licensing in Abuja was currently suspended, urging stakeholders to remain patient as engagements with relevant authorities continue.
Clarifying concerns about institutional affiliation, Abdul stated that IIJ remains affiliated with the University of Maiduguri and urged graduates to collect their certificates promptly, cautioning against misinformation.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Patron of the IIJ Alumni Association, Maj. Prof. A. A. Ambosun (Rtd.), said the alumni body was established to reposition IIJ as a global journalism institute through strategic reforms and collective responsibility.
Prof. Ambosun lamented the current state of decay in the institute and called for urgent intervention in areas such as accreditation, institutional autonomy from the NUJ National Secretariat, establishment of functional radio and television stations, development of a modern library and the appointment of a competent Governing Board.
He also emphasised the need for a databased alumni structure, appointment of Deans for Postgraduate Studies and Media Communication Studies, general restructuring of the institute, introduction of new schools and strategic partnerships with TETFUND, the Federal Capital Territory Administration, the Presidency, non-governmental organisations and other institutions.
Speaking on behalf of the alumni, the President of the IIJ Alumni Association, Mr. Reuben Okala, thanked the NUJ President for honouring the invitation despite his tight schedule. He expressed appreciation for the detailed clarifications on the state of the institute and pledged the alumni’s full support towards the successful implementation of the proposed reforms.
The congress ended with a renewed commitment by alumni, NUJ leadership and stakeholders to work collaboratively towards securing accreditation, strengthening governance and restoring the International Institute of Journalism to its status as a leading journalism institution in Nigeria and beyond.
