The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has inaugurated its Research, Training and Publications Committee to bridge gap between academic training and professional practice in the nation’s media industry.
This was disclosed in a statement jointly signed by its President, Eze Anaba and General Secretary, Onuoha Ukeh respectively, in Abuja on Sunday.
The Guild said the inauguration was part of efforts to keep members informed on emerging issues, enhance professional skills and promote journalism scholarship through book publications and research,
The committee is chaired by Prof. Chinyere Stella Okunna, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Paul University, Awka, Anambra.
It comprises seasoned journalists and media professionals drawn from media management, academia and publishing.
Other members of the committee are Dr Tony Onyima, Fellow of the Guild and former Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief of The Sun and Ms. Angela Agoawike, Fellow of the Guild and Founder/CEO of Omalicha FM, Owerri.
Also in the committee are Dr Iyobosa Uwugiaren, Senior Editor/Member of Editorial Board, THISDAY; and Dr Kabir Alabi Garba, Weekend Editor, The Guardian.
The committee is expected to serve a two-year term.
NGE President, Eze Anaba, said at the inauguration that the guild took the assignment of the committee seriously and had therefore carefully constituted it to reflect a healthy blend of academic scholarship and industry experience.
He stressed the need to bridge the gap between academic training and professional practice in Nigeria’s media industry.
According to him, the committee’s work is expected to strengthen journalism practice and help address the disconnect that often exists between journalism education and the realities of newsroom operations.
“The membership of the committee was carefully selected to reflect this aspiration of bridging the gap between the town and gown.
“I have no doubt that members will deploy their collective expertise to advance the Guild’s intellectual and professional mandate,”Anaba said.
The NGE president explained that the committee was established to promote knowledge, skills and best practices in journalism and media through research, training and publications.
Outlining the committee’s terms of reference, Anaba said the body would conduct and support research on issues relevant to journalism and media practice, including studies on readership, viewership and listenership trends.
He added that the committee would also develop and deliver training programmes aimed at enhancing the skills and knowledge of journalists and media professionals.
“The committee will also publish materials, including books, journals and online content, that promote excellence, innovation and best practices in journalism, with the goal of strengthening the professionalism of Guild members,” he said.
Responding on behalf of the committee, its Chairman and Fellow of the Guild, Okunna, described the initiative as timely and significant.
“With the calibre and experience of members of this committee, I am confident that we will add considerable value to the Guild and the wider media industry,” she said.
The inauguration ceremony, held at the Editors’ House, Ikeja, Lagos, was attended by the Guild’s General Secretary, Onuoha Ukeh; Assistant General Secretary, Gabriel Akinadewo; and Rose Moses, a member of the Guild’s Standing Committee representing the West.
