NUJ President Reaffirms Commitment to Reposition IIJ as Alumni Hold Inaugural Congress in Abuja

NUJ President Reaffirms Commitment to Reposition IIJ as Alumni Hold Inaugural Congress in Abuja

The President of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Alhassan Yahya Abdul, has reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to repositioning the International Institute of Journalism (IIJ) as a globally competitive centre of excellence for journalism training in Nigeria.

Comrade Abdul gave the assurance on Friday at the inaugural congress of the IIJ Alumni Association held at the institute’s premises in Jahi, Abuja.

The congress brought together IIJ alumni, NUJ leadership and key stakeholders to deliberate on critical issues affecting the future of the institute, including accreditation, institutional autonomy, infrastructural renewal and far-reaching reforms.

Addressing participants, the NUJ President commended the alumni for convening at what he described as a critical turning point in the history of IIJ, noting that the revitalisation of the institute formed a core component of his campaign promises.

He assured members that concrete steps were already underway to fulfil those commitments.

On accreditation, Comrade Abdul disclosed that all required accreditation fees had been paid, explaining that the delay in issuance of certificates was due to a temporary nationwide suspension by the National Universities Commission (NUC). He added that he had formally written to the Federal Ministry of Education and expressed confidence that IIJ would soon secure full accreditation.

He explained that the absence of accreditation was currently limiting access to Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) interventions, stressing that accreditation is a prerequisite for such funding.

The NUJ President further revealed that discussions were ongoing to strengthen IIJ’s academic programmes, update curricula and introduce new courses in line with global best practices.

He also announced plans for the rebranding and comprehensive restructuring of the institute, covering staffing, faculty development, infrastructure and institutional image, noting that a significant portion of his campaign agenda is focused on restoring IIJ to its rightful position in journalism education.

Speaking on journalists’ welfare, Comrade Abdul disclosed that the NUJ was finalising a healthcare insurance scheme aimed at improving access to quality healthcare for journalists and reducing maternal mortality. He also revealed that a Media Enhancement Bill would soon be presented to the National Assembly.

On broadcast expansion, he said efforts were ongoing to secure certification for IIJ Television and Radio stations. While noting that television certification is currently attainable, he explained that radio licensing in Abuja is temporarily suspended, urging members to remain patient as engagements with relevant authorities continue.

Clarifying concerns surrounding institutional affiliation, Comrade Abdul stated that IIJ remains affiliated with the University of Maiduguri. He urged graduates to collect their certificates promptly and cautioned against the spread of 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 within the IIJ system and called for urgent intervention in key areas, including 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, the 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 FCT Administration, the Presidency, non-governmental organisations and other relevant institutions. He appealed to the NUJ President to give favourable consideration to the issue of IIJ autonomy and urged alumni to work collectively to restore the institute’s credibility.

Speaking on behalf of the alumni, the President of the IIJ Alumni Association, Mr. Reuben Okala, expressed appreciation to the NUJ President for honouring the invitation despite his busy schedule. He thanked him for the detailed explanations and reassurances on the state of IIJ and pledged the alumni’s full support towards achieving the outlined reforms.

The inaugural congress ended with a renewed commitment by alumni, NUJ leadership and stakeholders to work collaboratively to secure accreditation, strengthen governance and restore the International Institute of Journalism to its status as a leading journalism institution in Nigeria and beyond.