Council recommends review of journalism, mass communication curriculum

The Nigerian Press Council on Monday expressed concern over the poor performance of mass communication graduates in the country.
The Executive Secretary of the Council, Bayo Atoyebi, made the observation when he visited the Executive Secretary, National Board for Technical Education, Dr. Mas’udu Kazaure, in Kaduna.
Atoyebi said that the poor performance by young practicing journalists in the country was worrisome and therefore suggested that the curriculum for journalism education be improved.
He appealed to the National Universities Commission to approve a review of the curriculum to be in line with the approved UNESCO model curriculum for journalism education.
He said: “Stakeholders are concerned that the content of the curriculum taught in journalism and mass communication institutions in the country seem not adequate.
“Many graduates, upon entry into the industry, are often found not to have sufficient background to build on and function effectively as journalists.
“Furthermore, the council, after a recent review with Heads of Departments of Journalism and Mass Communication institutes, observed the limited emphasis on governance and democratic issues, as well as the need to also expand on the new media.”
Atoyebi stressed the need to reverse the trend to enable the production of quality journalism and mass communication graduates that would live up to the challenges of the profession.
“This will help prepare and empower graduates for their role in a democracy, including that of monitoring governance,” he said.
According to him, the curriculum, if implemented, would improve the practice of journalism by making journalists project national issues, particularly on governance and democracy.
He appealed to the NBTE and the NUC to support the council towards improving the curriculum for journalism and mass communication education, so as to improve on its professionalism, ethics and responsibility.
Responding, Kazaure said the board would look at its recommendation, assess same with stakeholders to evaluate its benefit to education, before adopting it.
Kazaure further restated the commitment of the Federal Government towards improving the education sector.
He added that N15.3 billion was expended to improve vocational and technical education standards in 51 polytechnics across the country.
He said that a framework on National Vocational Qualification would soon be established to provide a standard for the non-formal sector.