By Fr. OKHUELEIGBE OSEMHANTIE ?

The Department of Mass Communication and Pastoral Communication at the Catholic Institute of West Africa (CIWA) came alive on Monday as students presented their Industrial Training (IT) reports, offering firsthand accounts of their experiences in media houses across Nigeria and beyond. With over a score of students taking the podium, the event was a showcase of journalistic rigour, field exposure, and industry adaptability, reinforcing CIWA?s reputation as a powerhouse for media education.

The session began with postgraduate students setting the pace. Abai Peter Cletus, who completed his internship in Kafanchan, Kaduna State, opened the floor, detailing the demands of reporting in Nigeria media setting. He was followed by John Effiong, who shared his experience from Cross River State, and Victor Akaegbusi, who worked in Abuja, Nigeria?s media nerve centre. Moses Ojim gave an account of his work with Sounds Smith FM 90.9 in Gboko, Benue State, highlighting the technical and editorial challenges of broadcast journalism.

Among the standout reports was Patricia Daaor?s investigative work in Makurdi, where she engaged market women on the struggles of small-scale businesses in Nigeria. Innocent Agida, who interned at Sparkling FM 92.3 in Calabar, provided insights into newsroom operations, while Magdalen Udo, stationed at a television house in Ghana, brought an international dimension to the discourse. The undergraduate presentations matched the intensity, with Lilian Idungafa reflecting on her experience at Rivers State Television, Port Harcourt, and Famgba Precious detailing her time at Radio Benue, Makurdi. Interestingly, while both students worked in the same state, their assignments were distinct, a parallel that mirrored Victor Akaegbusi and Beatrice Acholike, who unexpectedly reunited at Catholic Television of Nigeria, Abuja, where they contributed significantly to content production.

Other students took the audience through their experiences in various broadcast and print media outlets. Obialor Chiamaka worked at Radio 101.1 FM Owerri, refining her news reporting skills. Adara Benedict interned at Plateau Radio and Television Corporation, Jos, while Bedebe Sarah gained experience at Cross River Broadcasting Corporation. Their roles varied widely, with students functioning as news anchors, field reporters, television producers, investigative journalists, scriptwriters, social media managers, camera operators, digital content creators, broadcast technicians, media researchers, advertising executives, and public relations strategists. The breadth of assignments demonstrated their versatility and adaptability in different media environments.

A high point of the presentations was Sr. Dr. Elizabeth Titilayo Aduloju, SSMA, a Lecturer in the Department, who undertook an advanced internship at the Vatican, working within one of the most structured media environments in the world. She highlighted the meticulous categorization of news in the Vatican ? focusing on the Pope, the Church, global affairs, and internal ecclesiastical matters ? giving a rare glimpse into high-level Catholic media operations. Her experience underscored the contrast between media practice in Nigeria and the Vatican?s methodical approach to news dissemination.

The students? presentations were assessed on five criteria: artifacts (content produced during IT), depth of experience, presentation style, knowledge gained, and professional appearance. Their performances were met with high praise from the Head of Department, Fr. Dr. Chijioke Azuawusiefe, SJ, who commended them for applying themselves to the discipline and excelling in their various postings. He noted that their ability to translate theoretical knowledge into practical competence was a mark of CIWA?s high academic standards.

The Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Fr. Prof. Inaku Egere, reinforced this sentiment, emphasizing that CIWA remains committed to producing highly skilled communication professionals. He urged the students to maintain their passion and discipline, reminding them that the media industry demands credibility, accuracy, and professionalism.

As the event concluded, the consensus was clear: CIWA?s Mass Communication students had not only distinguished themselves in their various IT placements but had also proven that they are ready to take on the evolving challenges of the global media landscape.

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