As a practicing journalist and teacher of many years, I have decided to lend my voice to the on-going debate on who qualifies to be called a journalist between a certificate holder in Mass Communication or from other discipline in practice.
Over the years, the mass communication curriculum in Nigeria has maintained a balance between theory and practice. This is evident in the mandatory internship or industrial training component of the program, where students learn directly from practitioners in the field—not just from their university lecturers. Journalism, therefore, is both an academic pursuit and a craft honed through real-world experience.
A good liberal arts foundation remains the bedrock of journalism education. However, for those without formal training in journalism, postgraduate programs offer structured learning. Still, practice is the true test of one’s journalistic capabilities. In Nigeria, we have seen outstanding practitioners like Dr. Reuben Abati, Chief Dele Momodu, and Fisayo Soyombo, whose impact on the profession is undeniable. They did not just study journalism—they lived it.
Chief Dele Momodu worked at Concord Newspapers and other media houses before founding Ovation Magazine, which has been more than a photobook—it brought stories and joy into homes across the continent. Dr. Reuben Abati also made his mark at The Guardian as Editorial Board Chairman before entering public service. Fisayo Soyombo, representing the new generation, built his career at Sahara Reporters and The Cable before founding the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ). These are professionals who have earned their place at the table through diligence and excellence in the field.
It is easy to argue, as some have done, that having a B.Sc. in Mass Communication makes one more qualified than practitioners without one. But, the evidence of impact and contribution tells a different story. If someone believes their degree alone makes them superior, they should present accomplishments that surpass those of Abati, Momodu, or Soyombo.
This debate is not new. It dates back to when Professor Ralph Akinfeleye posed the question: Is journalism a profession or a craft? He helped clarify it, but the digital age has blurred the lines further. Today, many are journalists by practice, thanks to the accessibility of digital tools.
Mass communication remains one of the most popular courses in Nigeria, often with more female than male students. Yet, many graduates venture into unrelated fields like fashion or trade. Can we still call them journalists just because of their degree? On the other hand, many professionals from different academic backgrounds are making remarkable contributions to journalism through hard-earned experience. Practice makes a journalist; academic training merely enhances that practice with foundational knowledge.
One of the major setbacks in Nigerian journalism is the absence of a strong regulatory body. Unlike ICAN (for accountants), COREN (for engineers), or MDCAN (for medical doctors), the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has become largely ineffective. Senior journalists are often barred from participating fully in its activities, which led to the formation of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE). The result? Fragmentation and self-interest.
In contrast, someone with a Master’s degree and a COREN certification can begin as a Lecturer II in academia. But in Mass Communication, even with NUJ, NIPR, and ARCON credentials, one often starts lower—Assistant Lecturer. This reflects how little weight our professional certifications carry in the academic and professional hierarchy.
I agree with Dr. Bolu Afolayan’s suggestion that journalists should be certified and re-certified periodically, just like accountants, lawyers, and nurses. This would help weed out those who treat journalism as a hobby or personal platform. People who believe that all it takes to be a journalist is a loud voice or online following should not define the profession.
As both an academic and a practitioner, I strongly believe that saying a biochemistry graduate cannot be a journalist is wrong. The success stories of Abati, Momodu, and others prove that it’s not your degree but your work that speaks. Dele Momodu, who studied Yoruba, was renowned for his captivating storytelling at Weekend Concord. His academic background likely enriched his unique writing style.
The takeaway is simple: If you practice journalism, you are a journalist. But to elevate the profession, influential voices in the media must unite to demand proper regulation. We need a strong, respected body—like ICAN or NBA—to certify, monitor, and uphold ethical standards in journalism.
As for Lere Olayinka, whose comment sparked this debate, holding a degree in Mass Communication does not automatically make him superior to someone like Dele Momodu. What he practices is public relations, which often serves political interests—a discipline with different rules and expectations from journalism.
In the light of these, I submit that you can either be a journalist by possessing a journalism degree from a reputable and licensed institution of higher learning or you can also earn it by practice irrespective of your university background. Both are acceptable standards.
Written by Tosin Adesile, PhD, rpa
