MY ODYSSEY: BYE BYE TO CAMPUS JOURNALISM By Ibrahim Jatto So much excitement in the air, i am writing my last piece as a member of campus journalists in Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto. I am drawing the curtain on my exploit as the substantive boss and Editor-in chief of Pen press organisation. How time flies! The campus of Fodiyo is no reminder of anything, it has been four years plus since the journey started from Garin Alimi through the desert to the horn of the caliphate, certainly it’s time to go! But there seems to be something unique in my sojourn: campus journalism; I don’t know how Udus became excellent choice among students, Because UDUS was far from my dreamed institution but i applied here, i was admitted and by far i enjoyed every bit of the ‘goods’ and the ‘dramas’. Changing environment is a thing that makes people look different, different belief, ideologies, cultures and dialects, for all on moral; I have enjoyed my stay In UDUS all thanks to campus journalism. Coming to UDUS I thought to myself that i would fight a cause for humanity and ensure educational rights either as a writer or a unionist, the former seems to me to be more effective and direct with logical impact. Damn! Without fear i chose to trek the path of Dele Giwa, Sam Ndanusa, Gbenga Omotoso, Sam Omatseye et al...Bearing in mind that i have to write to address the wide gap between the poor and the rich, bondage and freedom, light and darkness, hunger and food, rights and privileges. In my early days as a campus journalist, there were many challenges facing the operation of campus journalism in UDUS, we had mediocre and sub standard writings most which are imbued with grammatical blunders, i took it upon myself that i must make a difference. Now four years after, i am satisfied and proud of the achievements of our brand of journalism, today most of my members are so good that they write for national dallies, we pioneered the first ever campus news telecast, i was the Editor –in –chief of the first ever students union magazine amongst other countless transformations. Today we have members who can compete favourable well with their counterparts from other varsities. Now it’s time to say Goodbye , i think i have done my bit, hoping that other people will build on it and take my beloved NACJ to the level far beyond. I have written a couple of opinion pieces published in national dallies and read hundreds of others so i guess i am addicted to the craft of writing. I cannot forget those good days of my sojourn in campus journalisms; Sokoto-Abuja-Kaduna- Ife-Ilorin- Ibadan-Lagos either for conferences, workshops, interviews and the likes or the though moments that have straighten my personality, I owe you a duty to always adore you. To all those elements that have made my sojourn an eventful one, thanks
Posted on: Thu, 28 Aug 2014 05:41:18 +0000