The Icons Training Workshop: Accountability—The Backbone of Campus Journalism, Say Speakers

By Oyinlade Adeyemi, Eniola Adeyeye and Precious Olusola

The Icons Organization organised a mind-blowing journalism workshop themed "Prioritising Accountability: The Tenets, Champions, and Future of Impactful Campus Journalism" on Saturday, 19th April 2025. The workshop coincided with the induction of new members. The event was held in Auditorium II (AUD 2) and featured two former Chairmen of the Guild of Editors, ACJ-OAU, Abdullah Ajibade and Ayomide Adeshina as its speakers. Additionally, the current President of the Association of Campus Journalists, Obafemi Awolowo University (ACJ-OAU), Oluwafemi Olabode, the Assistant General Secretary, and several other members of ACJ-OAU were in attendance.

As the media world continues to evolve, the demand for credible and accountable reporting keeps increasing. The Icons Workshop, which included an induction ceremony, came at the perfect time. This workshop not only focuses on accountability but also equips campus journalists with the ethics and practices needed to reshape the future of journalism. It serves as both a training ground and a platform for innovation and change.

Speakers and participants of the training workshop.

The event, which commenced at exactly 11:40AM, began with an opening prayer by a member, followed by the Great Ife anthem. After this, the citations of the guest speakers were read by Icon Joy Oludele.

While speaking during the workshop, Abdullah Ajibade explained the concept of journalism, encouraging the new intakes and other journalists present to uphold the tenets of accountability, which constitute the major backbone of campus journalism, through which authorities can be held accountable for transparency. Other principles mentioned include truth and accuracy, fairness, and ethical responsibility, to name a few.

READ ALSO: Angola Hall: Abode of Perennial Water, Residents Say

Abdullah further emphasised the importance of fact-checking in news reporting, as it serves as a tool for promoting accurate, transparent, fair, and balanced reports. He, however, mentioned a few challenges of campus journalism, which include pressure from the school management, resource constraints, the risk of retaliation, and digital challenges posed by artificial intelligence.

The immediate past Chairman of the Guild of Editors, ACJ-OAU, Ayomide Adesina, while delivering his speech during the workshop, also noted that journalists should always carry out thorough research when writing their reports. He further mentioned the importance of “timeliness and relevance” in news reporting to avoid the spread of stale news. He, however, nudged Icons reporters to incorporate storytelling and narrative techniques into news reporting.

Ayomide also added that campus journalists serve as watchdogs, storytellers, and information seekers, playing a critical and important role in the university community. He highlights that their key role as watchdogs involves being the people's mouthpiece by holding the administration and student leadership accountable and investigating every form of misconduct among students, student leaders, and staff. As storytellers, they must document the vibrant life of the campus, from student achievements and cultural events to the everyday experiences that make up university life. Lastly, as information seekers, campus journalists are committed to uncovering facts and ensuring accuracy.

To give the event a befitting end, the President of ACJOAU, Obafemi Olabode, encouraged the participants, especially Icons members, to put all the principles and journalistic ethics learned in the workshop into practice, upholding integrity and accountability.

The workshop and induction ceremony brought to a close at exactly 3:00PM as participants expressed their gratitude to Icons Executives for organising such an insightful, impactful, and remarkable workshop.