By Gabriel Ameh
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Premium Times and MacArthur Foundation have pledged support for the newly launched Daily Trust Foundation (DTF) Journalism Academy, an initiative aimed at improving journalists’ professional skills, strengthening ethical reporting and rebuilding public trust in the media.
At the academy’s launch on Tuesday, representatives of the organisations stressed the need for continuous training, accurate fact-checking and stronger newsroom practices as journalists face growing challenges from misinformation and rapid changes in digital publishing.
The stakeholders described the academy as an opportunity to close professional skills gaps, expand access to training and help journalists adapt to the changing demands of modern newsrooms.
NUJ, NAWOJ Promise Support for Journalists
Representing the NUJ FCT Council Chairman, Comrade Grace Ike, Comrade Rosemary described the academy as a timely response to concerns about fake news and declining professional standards.
She commended the Daily Trust Foundation for developing an accessible training programme and pledged the council’s support for efforts to promote ethical journalism and professional excellence.
Rosemary encouraged journalists to take advantage of the academy’s courses to strengthen their reporting skills and improve their capacity to serve the public.
The Chairperson of NAWOJ FCT, Comrade Bassey Ita-Ikpang, represented by Princess Joy Idam, also pledged the association’s support.
Idam said NAWOJ would encourage women journalists to enrol in the programme, particularly while the training remained free.
She noted that the initiative would help journalists improve their reporting, develop digital skills and uphold the principles of responsible journalism.
Premium Times Calls for Continuous Training
Publisher of Premium Times, Mr Dapo Olorunyomi, described the academy as an important response to the changing demands of the media industry.
He said formal education alone could no longer adequately prepare journalists for the complex challenges of modern newsrooms, making continuous professional development and practical experience essential.
Olorunyomi pledged Premium Times’ continued partnership with the Daily Trust Foundation and expressed optimism that the academy would expand access to professional learning.
Premium Times Editor-in-Chief, Musikiliu Mojeed, also challenged journalists to improve their knowledge, verify information carefully and maintain strong ethical standards while holding public officials and institutions accountable.
He warned that the pursuit of investigative stories must not lead journalists to publish unverified allegations or ignore the evidence required for credible reporting.
Mojeed urged media organisations to make learning part of everyday newsroom practice through mentorship, knowledge-sharing sessions and constructive feedback.
He also called on media owners to provide journalists with the time and resources needed to conduct thorough investigations, noting that quality reporting depends on both professional competence and adequate institutional support.
MacArthur Foundation Backs Sustainable Journalism Development
Representing the MacArthur Foundation, Janet Gbam congratulated the Daily Trust Foundation on the initiative, describing it as an opportunity to sustain investment in professional journalism beyond individual grant-funded programmes.
She highlighted the importance of credible information in strengthening public trust, supporting good governance and enabling citizens to make informed decisions.
According to DTF Chairman Malam Bilya Bala, the academy builds on lessons from the Foundation’s previous capacity-building programmes supported by multi-year grants from the MacArthur Foundation.
Bala said those programmes exposed gaps in investigative reporting, specialised journalism, newsroom collaboration and digital skills.
He disclosed that earlier training initiatives had benefited more than 2,000 participants from media organisations and civil society groups.
The programmes covered several areas, including investigative journalism, education, energy, banking, agriculture, natural resources, crime and security, oil and gas, national budgeting and media management.
He said the new academy would build on those experiences and expand access to structured professional training.
Online Platform Offers Flexible Learning
A major component of the initiative is the DTF Digital Academy, an online learning platform available at dtfacademy.com.ng.
The platform allows participants to study at their own pace, complete assessments and earn certificates after successfully completing courses.
Beyond online courses, the Foundation plans to organise specialised workshops, webinars, conferences and public forums while developing partnerships with academic institutions, media organisations and development partners.
The Programme Director of the Daily Trust Foundation, Dr Theophilus Abbah, urged media owners and platform managers to encourage their reporters to enrol.
He said the training would help journalists produce more accurate, credible and useful reports while strengthening public confidence in the media.
Building a Stronger Future for Journalism
The academy’s launch brings together media professional bodies, news organisations and development partners around a shared goal of improving journalism standards.
For journalists, the initiative offers an opportunity to strengthen their reporting skills, adapt to digital changes and deepen their understanding of ethical practice.
The stakeholders emphasised that credible journalism requires continuous learning, rigorous verification, responsible reporting and adequate support from media organisations.
As misinformation and digital disruption continue to challenge the media industry, the Daily Trust Foundation Journalism Academy aims to provide journalists with additional opportunities to develop the skills needed to serve the public interest.
SOURCE: Daily Trust Foundation (DTF), based on information provided on the launch of its Journalism Academy.
