Journalists in the county have been charged to adhere to professional ethics in the coverage of 2023 general elections.
Head of Department Mass Communication University of Maiduguri, Dr. Nuhu Gabsiso gave the charge when the executive members of Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, led by its chairman Comrade Dauda Iliya paid him a visit at the department.
Dr Gabsiso observed that adhering to professionalism and responsive journalism will enable electorate make informed choices between candidates contesting for various positions under different platforms.
The Head of Department called on NUJ leadership not hesitate to discipline any erring member who compromised ethical standards that will further polarise the country.
“We are in a critical period of our nation’s history, insecurity and election is approaching. Therefore, journalists have the responsibility of elevating the truth above any other considerations for use to have peaceful and secured country after 2023 elections” Dr Gabsiso said.
He announced that the Department has commenced the process of unbundling the mass communication curriculum and requested the input of NUJ.
On the training of one hundred journalists, the HOD called on leadership of the Union to identify emerging areas where journalists required the training, stressing that the department is willing to build capacity of members.
Dr Gabsiso remarked that the department will soon commence masters programme on journalism and other related fields.
Also speaking, Professor Abubakar Mu’azu called on the union to periodically organise public lecture on issues of public interest to restore the image of the Union.
Earlier, Chairman Nigeria Union of Journalists Dauda Iliya said the visit was to strengthen relationship between NUJ and the department of mass communication.
He sought the collaboration of the department for training of its members on emerging issues in journalism profession.
Cov/Dauda Iliya