NGE inaugurates Research, Training Committee to strengthen journalism practice

The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has inaugurated a Research, Training and Publications Committee as part of efforts to keep members updated on emerging issues, improve professional skills and promote journalism scholarship through research and book publications.

The committee, which will serve a two-year term, is chaired by renowned media scholar Chinyere Stella Okunna, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Paul University, Awka in Anambra State.

Its membership comprises experienced journalists and media professionals drawn from media management, academia and publishing.

Other members include Tony Onyima, a Fellow of the Guild and former Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief of The Sun; Angela Agoawike, also a Fellow of the Guild and Founder/Chief Executive Officer of Omalicha FM in Owerri; Iyobosa Uwugiaren, Senior Editor and member of the Editorial Board of THISDAY; and Kabir Alabi Garba, Weekend Editor of The Guardian.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony held at the Editors’ House, Ikeja in Lagos, the President of the Guild, Eze Anaba, said the committee was carefully constituted to reflect a balance between academic scholarship and professional newsroom experience.

He stressed that the initiative was designed to bridge the long-standing gap between journalism education and practical newsroom operations in Nigeria.

“The membership of the committee was carefully selected to reflect this aspiration of bridging the gap between the town and gown,” Anaba said.

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“I have no doubt that members will deploy their collective expertise to advance the Guild’s intellectual and professional mandate.”

According to Anaba, the Research, Training and Publications Committee was established to promote knowledge, skills and best practices in journalism through structured research, training initiatives and publications.

He explained that the committee would conduct and support research on issues affecting journalism and media practice, including studies on readership, viewership and listenership patterns.

The committee will also design and implement training programmes aimed at strengthening the capacity of journalists and media professionals.

“The committee will also publish materials, including books, journals and online content, that promote excellence, innovation and best practices in journalism, with the goal of strengthening the professionalism of Guild members,” Anaba added.

Responding on behalf of members, Prof. Okunna described the initiative as both timely and significant for the development of journalism practice in Nigeria.

“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,” she said.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by several officials of the Guild, including the General Secretary, Onuoha Ukeh; the Assistant General Secretary, Gabriel Akinadewo; and Rose Moses, a member of the Guild’s Standing Committee representing the Western zone.

The establishment of the committee underscores the Guild’s commitment to strengthening professional development, advancing media research and promoting intellectual contributions to journalism practice in Nigeria.