ICJC ’26: Media Experts, Campus Journalists Converge at OAU to Champion Youth-Driven Journalism

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            Fawaz Adedeji

Media professionals and student journalists from across Nigeria converged at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) on Saturday, June 6, for the 2026 International Campus Journalism Conference (ICJC ’26), aimed at strengthening youth-driven journalism and fostering the transition from campus journalism to mainstream media practice.

The conference, organised by the Association of Campus Journalists (ACJ), OAU, held at the ICT Conference Hall, attracted participants from several universities, including the University of Ibadan (UI), University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), Osun State University (UNIOSUN), and Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), among others.

With the theme, “Active Voices: Youth-Driven Journalism for National Cohesion,” the conference underscored the role of journalism in promoting accountability, public enlightenment, and effective two-way communication. Speakers highlighted the media’s influence on the socio-political landscape through accurate, objective, and independently verified reporting essential for national development and democratic consolidation.

In attendance were media practitioners from mainstream newsrooms, including Segun Odunayo and Faith Alofe of The Punch Newspaper, alongside Caleb Ijioma of RoundCheck, Hassan Abdulsalam, and Solution Adedokun.

                 Panel Session I

Former Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the Vice President of Nigeria, Prof. Laolu Akande, delivered the keynote address virtually during the event.

Welcoming participants, ACJOAU President, Esther Olatimehin, described campus journalism as a critical training ground for emerging media professionals. She emphasised the power of information in the digital age and its role in shaping public understanding and national cohesion.

“This is a call to move beyond passive observation,” she said. “We must become active voices that seek truth, promote understanding, advocate for underrepresented communities, and contribute meaningfully to nation-building.”

In his keynote address, Prof. Akande stressed the importance of journalism as a public trust and a pillar of democratic society. He noted that credible information remains central to the strength and stability of any nation.

“The press is vital to the idea of liberty and freedom,” he said. “When journalism functions properly, it enables citizens to make informed decisions, fosters mutual understanding, reduces suspicion among communities, and strengthens national cohesion. It also plays a crucial role in sustaining democratic processes.”

A major highlight of the event was the announcement of winners of the 4th edition of the Kabir Adejumo Essay Competition, organized by ACJOAU. The results were unveiled by the Chairman, Guild of Editors, Adedoyin Oguntade.

  Overall Winner of the 4th Edition of the Kabir Adejumo Essay Competition 

Muslim Adewale emerged overall winner with a score of 98 per cent, receiving a cash prize of ₦100,000. Kolade Akinniyi secured the first runner-up position with ₦50,000, while Dalley Folahanmi placed second runner-up, earning ₦30,000.

The conference reaffirmed the need to equip young journalists with the skills and ethical grounding required in a fast-paced information environment where narratives shape public perception. 

Speakers noted that national cohesion extends beyond government responsibility, stressing the role of ethical journalism, accurate reporting, and constructive dialogue in fostering unity and progress.

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