NIJ Not A Certificate Factory, Provost Admonishes New Students At 2026 Matriculation

Provost of the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, NIJ, and former president of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, Gbenga Adefaye says that the institution is not a certificate factory, but committed to producing ethical, disciplined, and socially responsible communicators

Adefaye spoke during the matriculation ceremony of the school held at the school premises, Ogba, Lagos.

No fewer than 138 students were admitted into the National Diploma, ND, programme, 69 into the Higher National Diploma programme, and 86 into the Post Graduate Diploma programme.

According to the provost, who was also the Editor - In- Chief of Vanguard Newspapers, the new intakes would have professional exposure through field trips to media organisations and advertising agencies; Student Industrial Work Experience Scheme, SIWES, for ND and HND1 students as well as participation in professional competitions

He further told the matriculating students that their admission was conducted in strict compliance with national standards in collaboration with the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB, and fully processed through the Central Admissions Processing System, CAPS, hence

guaranteeing the integrity of their records, certificates and future eligibility for NYSC mobilization where applicable.

Adefaye said for over five decades, that the NIJ had sustained a distinctive dual tradition – a rigorous academic instruction combined with hands-on professional training, adding that the balance between theory and practice remained the bedrock of NIJ’s reputation.

Emphasing the need for the students to be regular in class, he said, “Attendance in the institute of Journalism is compulsory and students are to meet at least 70% attendance to be considered for examination.

“NIJ students have consistently excelled in national competitions—an affirmation of the quality of training you are about to receive.

“One of our proudest achievements is academic stability. NIJ has maintained an uninterrupted academic calendar—no strikes, no shutdowns, and no avoidable delays.

“We intend to sustain this tradition with your cooperation.”

He then urged the students to see NIJ as a place to become leaders, educators, and professionals, rather than just a certificate factory, hoping that the institution would help them to become the best version of themselves.