The Nigerian Guild of Editors has inaugurated a Research, Training and Publications Committee to strengthen journalism practice, promote media scholarship, and bridge the gap between academic training and newsroom realities.
The committee, according to a statement co-signed by the NGE President, Eze Anaba, and the General Secretary, Onuoha Ukeh, on Sunday, was unveiled at the Editors’ House, Ikeja, Lagos State.
The statement noted that the committee was set up to enhance professional skills and promote journalism scholarship through book publications and research.
The statement quoted the Anaba as saying the committee was set up to “bridge the gap between academic training and professional practice in Nigeria’s media industry.”
Anaba added that the committee was carefully constituted to reflect a blend of academic scholarship and industry experience.
“The membership of the committee was carefully selected to reflect this aspiration of bridging the gap between the town and gown,” Anaba said.
“I have no doubt that members will deploy their collective expertise to advance the Guild’s intellectual and professional mandate,” the statement quoted.
The NGE president explained that the Research, Training and Publications Committee was established to promote knowledge, skills, and best practices in journalism and media through research, training, and publications.
Outlining the committee’s terms of reference, Anaba said the body would conduct and support research on issues relevant to journalism and media practice, including studies on readership, viewership, and listenership trends.
“The committee will also publish materials, including books, journals, and online content, that promote excellence, innovation, and best practices in journalism, to strengthen the professionalism of Guild members,” he said.
In her reaction and on behalf of the committee, the chairman and Fellow of the Guild, Prof. Okunna, described the initiative as timely and significant.
“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,” the statement quoted.
It identified other members of the committee as Fellow of the Guild and former Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief of The Sun, Tony Onyima; Fellow of the Guild and Founder/CEO of Omalicha FM, Owerri, Angela Agoawike; Senior Editor/Member of Editorial Board, THISDAY, Iyobosa Uwugiaren; and Weekend Editor, The Guardian, Kabir Alabi Garba.
It concluded that the committee would serve a two-year term.
