Education
Don tasks Media on transparency, accuracy to justify Fourth Estate status
By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja.
PROF. Gbenga Solomon Ibileye of the Federal University Lokoja, has urged the Media industry in Nigeria to prioritize transparency, accuracy, and a commitment to public interest in fulfilling its role as the Fourth Estate of the Realm.
Prof. Ibileye who is also the Provost, College of Postgraduate Studies at FUL made the call while presenting a paper titled, “The Media As The Fourth Estate of the Realm: Fact or Fiction.”
The function was the 2023 Triennial Delegates Conference of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kogi State Council, held at the NUJ Press Centre Lokoja.
He said that the relationship between the Media and the public is mutually reinforcing, and incumbent upon both to uphold the principles that underpin the position of the Media as the Fourth Estate.
“Citizens have a responsibility to evaluate the information they consume critically, seek out diverse perspectives, and hold media outlets to account for their reporting practices.
“At the same time, the media industry must prioritize transparency, accuracy, and a commitment to public interest in fulfilling its role as the Fourth Estate”, he said.
He said that while concerns about misinformation and partisan reporting abound, the media’s capacity to inform, scrutinize power, and facilitate public discourse should not be underestimated.
“The evolution of mass media presents both challenges and opportunities, and the preservation of the Fourth Estate depends on a concerted effort to prioritize factual reporting over fiction-inducing contents.
Ibileye stressed that in today’s media landscape, concerns have been raised about the erosion of the basic principles attributing it to the liberalized space with the journalism profession becoming an all-comers affair.
He noted that people with little or no training at all in journalism, mass communication or media practice now find themselves writing, editing, reporting, and generally setting the agenda and nuances for the media and media analysis.
The University Don regretted that the advent of social media had further complicated the issues, where any person who has access to a computer, mobile device and the internet and can type any passable English, would call himself a journalist or media practitioner.
He said that the development had led to the compromise of professional quality in terms of the ethics of the profession, objectivity and fairness adding that the other ethical standards are now sacrificed on the altar of the rise of sensationalism.
“As we navigate the complexities of the modern media landscape, the enduring ideals of truth, accountability, and public service must guide the media’s pursuit of its Fourth Estate responsibilities”, he added.
Ibileye, a Professor of African Literature, Oral Poetics and Cultural Communication however said that the concept of the media as the Fourth Estate remained a vital framework for understanding its role in democratic societies.
He said, “The fact of the matter is that for democracy to thrive, it requires informed citizens”, adding that in a representative democracy, the role of the press is twofold.
“It both informs citizens and sets up a feedback loop between the government and the people. The press makes the actions of the government known to the public, and voters who disapprove of current tendencies in policy can take corrective action in the next election.
“Without the press, the feedback loop is broken and the government is no longer accountable to the people. The press is therefore of the utmost importance in representative democracy”, he asserted. (Ends)
The Federal Government has suspended 13 students of the Federal Government College (FGC) Enugu for six weeks following an alleged bullying incident that was widely circulated on social media.
The suspension was ordered by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, who emphasized that safety and discipline are paramount in federal schools.
According to Folashade Boriowo, the Director of Press and Public Relations in the Ministry of Education, the incident involved a gang assault on an SS1 day student and raised serious concerns about student welfare at FGC Enugu.
The viral video prompted the ministry to establish a disciplinary committee to investigate, leading to the temporary suspension of the students involved.
Dr. Alausa has directed the School-Based Management Committee to collaborate with security agencies to conduct a thorough probe into any possible external influences.
In addition, the government has introduced enhanced security measures at the college, with law enforcement presence and strengthened safety protocols.
As part of the response, the ministry will also provide counseling and rehabilitation services to promote a safe, positive school environment for all students involved.
The Managing Director and CEO of the Bank of Industry (BOI), Dr. Olasupo Olusi, has called for a comprehensive curriculum overhaul in Nigerian universities to better align with global trends and equip graduates with practical skills. Speaking at the 10th special convention of the Ekiti State University Alumni Association in Abuja, Dr. Olusi highlighted the urgent need to bridge the gap between theory and practical application in Nigerian higher education.
Dr. Olusi noted that while Nigeria is rich in human and natural resources, progress in technology and economic development remains slow due to universities’ focus on theoretical knowledge over hands-on training. He emphasized that significant investments in research and technical skill development are essential for positioning Nigeria as a competitive force in the global economy.
Echoing this sentiment, Ekiti State University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Joseph Ayodele, called on alumni to contribute to their alma mater, emphasizing that alumni support plays a critical role in building a strong academic foundation and fostering innovative research. The institution’s Chancellor, Dr. Tunji Olowolafe, similarly urged alumni associations to prioritize initiatives that support university growth and student success.
Global President of the Ekiti State University Alumni Association, Dipo Bamisaye, stressed the need for Nigerian universities to continuously pursue excellence to remain competitive globally. Dr. Wale Jegede, Chairman of the institution’s Board of Trustees, commended the state governor for his dedication to quality education, particularly through the appointment of capable academics to guide the university’s progress.
The convention also honored notable alumni who have made significant contributions to the university’s development. Among those recognized were Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, former presidential aide Mr. Kingsley Kuku, Chancellor Dr. Tunji Olowolafe, Vice-Chancellor Professor Joseph Ayodele, and BOI MD Dr. Olasupo Olusi.
Reinforcing its commitment to the institution’s advancement, the Bank of Industry recently proposed a 2.5 billion Naira development fund to Ekiti State University, underscoring its dedication to driving growth in Nigeria’s educational sector.
The Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) have announced a nationwide indefinite strike beginning Monday.
This decision, coordinated by the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of non-teaching university staff unions, is in protest of unpaid salaries withheld during a past strike involving the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) under the previous administration.
The JAC, in a circular addressed to branch chairmen of NASU and SSANU, stated that the strike, initially set for October 23, was postponed to October 27 to align with the Trade Group Council meeting held in Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
The document, signed by NASU General Secretary Prince Peters Adeyemi and SSANU President Comrade Mohammed Ibrahim, cited delays from the Ministry of Finance in implementing President Bola Tinubu’s recent directive to release 50 percent of the outstanding four-month salaries.
The unions expressed frustration over the government’s perceived lack of commitment to resolve the issue, emphasizing their readiness to maintain the strike until all withheld salaries are released.
The JAC’s circular read: “We express our deepest appreciation for your steadfast commitment to the leadership and we affirm our determination to persist in this struggle until ultimate victory is secured.”
The decision highlights ongoing labor tensions in Nigeria’s education sector, as non-teaching staff urge the government to uphold previous agreements and fulfill financial obligations.
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