The Nigerian Guild of Editors has inaugurated a Research, Training and Publications Committee as part of efforts to strengthen professional capacity, promote journalism scholarship and keep members updated on emerging issues in the media industry.
President of the Guild, Eze Anaba, who inaugurated the committee, said the initiative was aimed at bridging the gap between academic journalism training and professional newsroom practice in Nigeria.
The committee is chaired by Chinyere Stella Okunna, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Paul University Awka in Anambra State. Its members include Tony Onyima, former Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief of The Sun; Angela Agoawike, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Omalicha FM, Owerri; Iyobosa Uwugiaren, Senior Editor and member of the editorial board of THISDAY; and Kabir Alabi Garba, Weekend Editor of The Guardian.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Anaba said the Guild deliberately constituted the committee with a blend of academic scholars and seasoned media professionals to ensure a balance between theory and practice.
“The membership of the committee was carefully selected to reflect this aspiration of bridging the gap between the town and gown,” he said, expressing confidence that the members would deploy their expertise to advance the Guild’s intellectual and professional objectives.
He explained that the committee would promote knowledge, skills and best practices in journalism through research, training programmes and publications.
According to him, the body will conduct and support research on issues relevant to journalism practice, including studies on readership, viewership and listenership trends.
The committee will also design and deliver training programmes to enhance the skills of journalists and media professionals, while publishing books, journals and digital content aimed at promoting innovation and excellence in journalism.
Responding on behalf of the committee, Prof. Okunna described the initiative as timely and significant, expressing confidence that the committee would add value to both the Guild and the wider media industry.
“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, held at the Editors’ House in 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.
The committee will serve a two-year term.
