Students of the Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ) on Wednesday April 17 heaved a sigh of relief when the management assured them of a massive facility upgrade coming up soon.
This was hinted by the Deputy Provost, Dr. Boye Ola during students-management meeting held at the Institution’s auditorium in Ogba, Lagos.
According to Dr. Ola, similar to the upgrades that happened in 2023, students should keep their fingers crossed for the purchase of new amenities and equipment in the labs, studios, and classrooms.
“We are going to buy more laptops, cameras, and other equipment. The whole idea is to make sure that when you leave here as a student, you are multimedia-compliant.
“It is better to make mistakes and learn with the right tools while we’re training you here so that when you graduate and fully inducted in the profession, you don’t make mistakes that are unforgivable,” Dr Ola said.
He also hinted that the monotechnic would be expecting a visitation of officials from the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) in a matter of weeks. Thus, the facility upgrades have become timely and inevitable.
Meanwhile, there’s ongoing construction on the school premises. A recent circular from the management revealed that it is the commencement of the construction of Kesington Adebutu Media Resource Centre on the school’s parking ground which is expected to last till October, 2024.
While addressing the students at the meeting, the Deputy Provost urged them not to bear with the management recent happening on campus that the management is aware of their complaints.
He also mentioned that a meeting will be held about releasing the first semester results next week and congratulated the final year students on their journey so far.
Dr. Ola stated that attendance is compulsory. “If you don’t come to class regularly, not only will you lose the ten marks, you will also put yourself at high risk of not writing exams,” he added.
In her contribution, the Registrar, Mrs Patricia Kalesanwo, mentioned that NIJ has a decent dress code, and it’s appalling to see students dressed to school as though they are attending social events.
The meeting between the management and students was held barely a week after the institution resumed for second semester of the 2023/2024 academic session.
It allowed an opportunity for students to ask questions, express concerns, and provide feedback directly to the school administration. While the school management addressed students queries and clarified policies.
Concerns were raised by students across all classes. The complaints were centred on deteriorating air conditioners in classes, toilet maintenance, timetable adjustment, library usage, and their involvement in the institution’s online radio—Pen Radio.
Addressing these concerns, Dr. Ola reminded the students that NIJ receives revenue solely from internal sources. Mrs. Kalesanwo then encouraged students to be patient, assuring them that their problems would be addressed promptly.
She also discussed the rising costs of diesel and emphasised the school’s zero-tolerance policy as regards fighting, stating that those involved would be expelled.