The Development Communications (DevComs) Network, Surulere, Lagos, on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, hosted journalism students from the National Broadcast Academy (NBA) for an intensive career development session led by veteran science journalist and communication expert, Mr. Akin Jimoh, and his team.
The visiting students are beneficiaries of the Career Development With Augustina Armstrong (CDWAA) initiative, which awards scholarships to aspiring journalists undergoing various professional courses at the NBA.
The visit formed part of CDWAA’s commitment to equipping the students with practical industry exposure and mentorship from established media professionals.
The three-hour session followed a structured agenda, including welcome remarks, a career presentation, an interactive question-and-answer segment, and practical advice on professional growth and ethics.
Opening the engagement, Fikayo, a serving corps member with DevComs, introduced participants to the “Idea Keeper” jotter provided to them. He described it as a tool for capturing thoughts and inspiration in real-time.
“The Idea Keeper page is blank for a reason. Think about it and write on it as ideas pop in. Ideas can come at any time, and you must have somewhere to jot them down. Don’t underestimate ideas; life starts with a thought,” he said.
In his keynote address, Mr. Jimoh reflected on his personal journey in journalism, noting how persistence transformed his early limitations in science reporting into a broad career spanning over two decades.
“When I started journalism, I could only report on science. But with consistency and practice, I got better. Since 1998, journalism has exposed me to bigger knowledge,” he recalled.
He urged the students to prioritize depth, consistency, and investigative work over routine reporting.
“You need to have a plan. Each idea matures at its own time. The stories that define you are not day-to-day news, they come from consistency, depth, and investigative reporting,” he said.
Mr. Jimoh issued a strong warning against unethical practices in journalism, particularly inducements known as “brown envelopes.”
“Avoid brown envelopes with passion and at all cost. Your reputation is your biggest asset. Build it and protect it,” he emphasized.
Drawing from his experience as a Harvard and MIT Fellow, he stressed the need for constant learning, wide reading, and collaboration in journalism. He encouraged the students to explore digital platforms such as Nature Africa, where he serves as Editor, and to devote attention to local stories.
Supporting this call, another speaker, Mr. Mayowa Adeniran, urged the students to take ownership of community-based reporting.
“Not everything is the President’s headache. There’s a lot happening in your community. Investigate which ministry is responsible and write about it. Search for media law and educate yourself. Evidence matters. Competition is high, so develop yourself and be consistent,” he advised.
The event concluded with an engaging Q&A session, where the students sought guidance on career pathways, ethical dilemmas, and effective story sourcing. Expressions of gratitude poured in for CDWAA founder, Ms. Augustina Armstrong, whose initiative made the visit possible.
Oyinkansolami, one of the beneficiaries, said:
“Thank you so much for today’s opportunity, mama. I really enjoyed today’s talk and Mr. Akin Jimoh really motivated me.”
Another student, Arafat, added:
“Thanks so much ma’am for the field trip; I learned, unlearned, and relearned. It was so impactful.”
The scholarship beneficiaries are nearing the end of their six-week intensive training at the National Broadcast Academy, which concludes next week with examinations.
Over the course of the programme, they have engaged in in-depth learning across key areas of the media profession, including Presentation, Production, Marketing, and Journalism.