NUJ Chairman Charges Journalism Graduates on Professional Ethics, Excellence

NUJ Chairman Charges Journalism Graduates on Professional Ethics, Excellence

By Mary Ekere

The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom State Council, Comrade Nsibiet John, has charged graduating Post Graduate Diploma in Journalism students to uphold professional ethics, pursue excellence and remain committed to the values of responsible journalism as they advance in their careers.

NUJ Chairman, Akwa Ibom State Council, Comrade Nsibiet John speaking at the event

John gave the charge on Friday, as students of the Institute of Journalism, Abuja, Uyo Study Centre, concluded their examinations, marking the end of the classroom phase of their academic journey.

Speaking to the students after their examinations, the NUJ Chairman urged them to be deliberate about professionalism in their conduct and activities, stressing that journalism carries a responsibility to society that goes beyond academic qualification.

He encouraged the students to distinguish themselves through excellence, integrity and continuous learning, particularly as many of them prepare to join or strengthen their participation in the journalism profession.

Communication Expert and Lecturer, Dr. Chris Okon addressing the PGD Graduands

“As you prepare to join the Union, you must understand that professionalism is not only about what you write or report. It is also about your conduct, your integrity and the way you relate with the society you serve”, he said.

John also urged the students to sustain the relationships established during their period of study, encouraging them to reunite from time to time, check on one another and offer assistance to colleagues whenever necessary.

He said such bonds were important to building a strong professional community, noting that collaboration, mentorship and mutual support could contribute significantly to the growth of individuals and the journalism profession.

Dr. Chris Okon, Administrative Secretary, Mrs. Ukeme Ubong and Class Rep, Comrade Mfon Bassey

The NUJ Chairman further advised the students not to allow the challenges associated with the profession to weaken their commitment to excellence, urging them to continually update their knowledge and remain abreast of developments in journalism and the wider communication industry.

Also speaking, the Administrative Secretary of the Institute of Journalism, Abuja, Uyo Study Centre, Mrs Ukeme Ubong, expressed gratitude to God for the successful completion of the academic session.

Ubong commended the students for their conduct throughout the programme, describing their discipline and commitment as significant to the successful completion of the academic journey.

She urged them not to regard the end of their examinations as the end of learning, but as the beginning of another phase of professional development.

The Administrative Secretary encouraged the students to continue acquiring knowledge and developing themselves in other aspects of life, stressing that professional success requires continuous growth beyond academic qualifications.

A communication expert and lecturer, Dr Chris Okon, also congratulated the students on reaching the end of the examination phase, describing the achievement as an important milestone in their professional development.

Okon emphasised the importance of continuous learning in a rapidly changing media environment, urging the students to apply the knowledge acquired during the programme responsibly and creatively.

He noted that the contemporary journalist operates in an environment shaped by technological advancement, changing audience behaviour and the growing influence of digital platforms, making adaptability and continuous professional development essential.

He encouraged the students to remain curious and committed to the fundamental principles of accuracy, fairness and responsibility as they advance in their careers.

For members of Class 2025, the conclusion of the examinations provided an opportunity to reflect on their academic journey, the challenges they overcame and the professional relationships established during the programme.

The Class Representative, Mfon Bassey, recalled the experiences that shaped the class and the support members received from one another throughout the academic session.

Bassey, however, noted that the conclusion of the examinations did not signify the end of the academic journey, as attention would now shift to seminar presentations as well as project writing, presentation and defence scheduled to follow later in the year.

He described the experience as one that had strengthened the bond among members of the class and expressed the hope that the relationships would continue beyond the Study Centre.

In their goodwill messages, the Deputy Class Representative, Boniface Emmanuel; Mmeyene-Obong Udosen; Faith Uko; Dr Patrick Progress; Mr Asuquo Nduonyi; Victor Uweh, Barrister Abia and Imabong Peter, reflected on the experiences of the class and congratulated their colleagues on reaching the examination milestone.

They acknowledged the shared experiences, cooperation and support that characterised the academic session, while expressing appreciation for the opportunity to learn, interact and grow together.

The students’ reflections added a personal dimension to what marked a significant academic milestone, as colleagues who had shared lectures, assignments, examinations and other academic demands looked ahead to the next stage of their journey.

Beyond the academic requirements ahead, the occasion also marked a transition into a broader professional responsibility; one in which the students are expected to carry the knowledge acquired into the newsroom, communication industry and wider society, while upholding the ethics, credibility and public-service values of journalism.