In recent times, a debate has erupted in the media space. At the heart of this heated debate are the owners of Nigeria’s largest media houses, whose status as journalists was challenged during a television interview with Lere Olayinka, the Senior Special Assistant to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. Olayinka sparked controversy around the definition of a journalist, opening the door for further exploration in this area. In a compelling interview with Professor Ralph Akinfeleye—the pioneer professor of Journalism in Nigeria—he provided succinct insights into the identity of a journalist. Akinfeleye is a graduate of the first World School of Journalism at the University of Missouri, a former Chairman and Head of the Department of Mass Communications at the University of Lagos, and the founder of the first campus radio station in Nigeria at the University of Lagos, as well as UNILAG TV. He is also a current Council Member of the World Journalism Education Congress, representing Africa, and has served as a Council Member at the University of Abuja. Currently, he is the Pro-Chancellor of New City University in Ogun State.
Tunde Akingbondere: There has been a controversy recently regarding who a journalist is. Can you provide insight?
Identifying who a journalist is not very difficult; it is not ambiguous. Journalism is not merely an occupation but a profession, and a profession requires certain criteria to qualify as a member. We need to distinguish between different roles: a publisher, like Chief MKO Abiola, owner of Concord, is not necessarily a journalist. A journalist is defined as someone who has undergone formal training in disseminating information and is guided by a code of conduct or ethical practice. According to the NUJ, a journalist must have at least a diploma in Journalism from an accredited university or polytechnic. The NUJ later expedited this definition, stating that a journalist must hold a minimum of a BSc or HND in Journalism or Mass Communication from an accredited institution, including the NIA. Anything less than this makes you less of a journalist. Therefore, a columnist is not a journalist; publishing a newspaper or magazine does not qualify you as one. The NUJ also considered those with degrees in other disciplines practicing journalism, resolving that if someone has worked in journalism for 5, 8, or 10 years (as a reporter or editor) without a degree in Journalism or Mass Communication, those years would be equivalent to a diploma. Anything outside these criteria makes you less of a journalist, although you can still be a publisher or media house owner.
Journalism is expected to uphold professional standards, including having a professional language (such as banner headlines and embargoes), the ability to police your rank, and adherence to ethical considerations. As a journalist, you must also engage with your literature as part of the profession. Violations can lead to punishment by the guild of editors. In Nigeria, the journalism profession is often misrepresented.
Tunde Akingbondere: Is Dele Momodu a journalist?
Yes, Dele Momodu is a journalist since he has practiced for five years or more, according to NUJ standards. Having practiced for that duration qualifies him as having earned an HND in Journalism or Mass Communication. If someone has not practiced at all, they cannot be considered a journalist. In the case of Dele Momodu, he was working when I was the editor at Established Community Concord. His experience as a writer for Concord qualifies him for the title of journalist from the outset.
Tunde Akingbondere: What is the impact of social and digital media on journalism?
Those claiming to practice new journalism or citizen journalism are not necessarily journalists. The term “citizen journalism” is misleading—many bloggers and online journalists have not undergone formal training, with exceptions like Premium Times or Real News, which are genuine media outlets. Many others merely use social media to spread unverified information. I refer to them as information processors, not journalists. When the owner of Facebook visited Nigeria years ago, he stated that he is not a journalist but provides a platform for rapid information dissemination. Thus, many social media users are information traffickers. For instance, a recent false report about King Sunny Ade’s death prompted me to call him directly; he confirmed he was alive. Such misinformation is the work of traffickers. However, will these traffickers eliminate mainstream media? The answer is no. The mainstream media, with its ability to disseminate information rapidly, will not be overshadowed. Information traffickers often rely on rumors and fake news. In conclusion, journalism is no longer just an occupation; it is a profession with specific criteria.
Tunde Akingbondere: As an elder statesman, are you considering retirement anytime soon?
When I teach my MAC 101 course, I tell my students that work will not kill you. If you stop working, you become isolated and risk harming yourself. I emphasize that journalism is a profession that continues beyond life. Segun Osoba often quotes me on this. In a heaven without politicians, police officers, or lawyers, there will still be a need for journalists to inform those in different regions of heaven about one another. A professor’s title is earned for life; similarly, journalists continue to report and enhance the integrity of their profession.
My current engagements are not full-time, so I don’t supervise daily, but I still teach as an adjunct professor at one or two universities and attend conferences. This is why I was elected as a Council member representing Africa in the World Journalism Education Congress in the United States, where we will soon hold elections. The founders of a new university appointed me as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Council; we were in Abuja last week to collect our license, and I received a warm welcome, including from the Minister and the Executive Secretary of the NUC. I have previously served on the Council at the University of Abuja. You cannot simply retire and isolate yourself; moderation is key. For example, I recently wrote a chapter for a journal that I will present later this month in San Francisco. Only a stagnant individual would retire and remain inactive. Journalism is very dear to my heart.
