NUJ Reaffirms Commitment to Stronger Town-and-Gown Relationship with Rivers Universities
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Rivers State Council, has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening town-and-gown collaboration with universities and other higher institutions in Rivers State.
The Chairman of the Council, Comrade Paul Bazia gave the assurance when he received a Professor of Journalism and Media Studies at the University of Port Harcourt, Professor Aniefiok Udoudo, at the Ernest Ikoli Press Centre, Moscow Road, Port Harcourt.
Bazia said the present administration of the Union had prioritised town-and-gown engagement as a means of bridging the gap between journalism practice and academic research. He noted that the NUJ had maintained a healthy town-and-gown relationship with institutions in the state since the inception of the present administration.
“The Union has maintained a healthy town-and-gown relationship with Institutions in the State since the inception of the present administration,” he said.
According to him, while universities generate knowledge through research, the media plays a critical role in disseminating such knowledge to the wider public. He added that journalists serve as a bridge between academic research and society by bringing important findings and societal issues to public attention.
“The researchers in the University investigate societal problems, which journalists gather in the field and also take them into public consciousness,” he said.
The NUJ chairman expressed the readiness of the Council to build a stronger and more enduring relationship with the University of Port Harcourt. He also assured that members of the Union would fully participate in the University’s forthcoming inaugural lecture scheduled for November 12, 2026.
Meanwhile in his earlier speech, Professor Udoudo commended the Rivers State NUJ leadership for its commitment, hard work and dedication to improving the welfare of journalists.
Describing the Union as his “constituency,” the professor recalled his years of professional journalism practice before moving into academia. He explained that his visit was to formally intimate the NUJ leadership about the forthcoming inaugural lecture, which he said would address fundamental professional concerns bordering on the status, safety and welfare of journalists.
“Journalists are watchdogs of society but are treated as hunterdogs by the Society,” he said.
Professor Udoudo further expressed concern over the treatment of journalists, alleging that security agencies were being used by sections of society to mistreat media practitioners. He expressed optimism that the inaugural lecture would examine these challenges and proffer practical solutions towards improving journalism practice in Nigeria.
The university don consequently called on media practitioners, security agencies and other relevant stakeholders in Rivers State to attend the lecture, stressing the need for stronger collaboration and mutual understanding among stakeholders.
The lecture, titled “Newshounds: A Watchdog or African Hunter Dog,” is expected to examine critical issues affecting journalism and media practice.
