Customs CG Urges Tech Literacy as NIJ Graduates 707 Students

Adeniyi Urges Tech Literacy

Lagos, Nigeria – May 9, 2025

The Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ) has graduated 707 students during its 7th convocation ceremony held at its Ogba campus in Lagos. The event brought together dignitaries from the media, academia, and public service, with the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, delivering the convocation lecture.

The Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, delivering convocation lecture on “AI in Public Governance” at NIJ, Ogba, Lagos

The event was graced by eminent personalities in the Nigerian media industry and academia, including the Chairman of the Governing Council of NIJ, Aremo Olusegun Osoba, a veteran journalist and former governor of Ogun State; Mr Sam Amuka, Publisher of Vanguard Newspapers; and Mr. Ray Ekpu, former Newswatch co-founder and Vice Chairman of the NIJ Governing Council. Also in attendance were the Provost of NIJ, Mr. Gbenga Adefaye; top management staff; faculty members; alumni; parents; and well-wishers.

Speaking on the topic “Artificial Intelligence in Public Governance: Transforming Society Through Intelligent Systems,” Adeniyi called on young journalists and communication professionals to equip themselves with the skills necessary to understand and report on technological developments, particularly Artificial Intelligence (AI).

He emphasized the rising influence of AI in various sectors of governance, highlighting its potential to enhance service delivery, boost transparency, and reduce corruption. “AI is not just a buzzword. It is transforming the way public institutions operate. However, with great power comes the responsibility to question and evaluate its impact,” he said ,  Adeniyi Urges Tech Literacy amongst graduands.

The Customs boss warned of the risks associated with unregulated AI use, such as algorithmic bias and misinformation, and stressed the critical role journalists play in shaping public understanding of these emerging technologies. “Journalists must be prepared to interrogate the systems that influence public life. You don’t need to be coders, but you must ask the right questions and understand the implications of what AI is doing,” he added.

Adeniyi, a seasoned media professional before joining the Nigeria Customs Service, expressed delight at being invited to speak at NIJ, an institution that played a role in his own early career development. He encouraged graduates to embrace innovation while upholding the ethics of the journalism profession.

Earlier, in his welcome remarks, the Provost of NIJ, Mr. Gbenga Adefaye, said the theme of the lecture was chosen to reflect current realities and the need for future media professionals to be tech-savvy. “We are preparing our students not just for the newsroom of today, but for the newsroom of tomorrow. AI is already influencing news creation, dissemination, and audience engagement,” he noted.

Adefaye announced that 707 students were awarded various diplomas including National Diploma (ND), Higher National Diploma (HND), and Post-Graduate Diploma (PGD). Of this number, 60 graduated with distinctions, while others earned upper credit, lower credit, and pass classifications.

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The ceremony was chaired by veteran journalist and former Ogun State governor, Aremo Olusegun Osoba, who praised the institute for remaining committed to excellence in media education. “NIJ remains the flagship for journalism training in Nigeria. It has weathered storms and continues to produce professionals who shape national discourse,” Osoba said.

Dignitaries at the event included representatives of regulatory bodies, media organizations, and members of the NIJ Governing Council. Families, friends, and well-wishers also gathered to celebrate the achievements of the new graduates.

The Nigerian Institute of Journalism, established in 1971 and restructured in 1973, continues to be a leading institution for journalism and mass communication studies in Africa, with a mission to nurture ethical and competent professionals for the media industry.

As the event came to a close, the graduates were urged to become ambassadors of truth, accountability, and innovation in a fast-changing media landscape.

L-R NIJ’s Public Relations Officer, Tolulope Ojemuyiwa, Provost, Gbenga Adefaye and Area Commander, Area G Command, Ogba, Lagos, ACP Veronica Ameh-Akpa at the just concluded 7th convocation ceremony of the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, Lagos.