By: Adebanjo Zainab Adejoke
The Union Campus of Journalists, University of Ibadan (UCJ’UI) held the Global Campus Journalism Summit 2.0 themed “From Campus to Newsroom: Sustaining Truth, Freedom and Innovation in the Age of AI.” On the 11th of October to celebrate the UCJ 5-in-1 Event, which included the induction of the 37th set of UCJUI inductees in the First Bank Building, faculty of Agriculture, UI, through a summit that featured speeches, panel discussion, Awards given, final debates and the induction ceremony.
In his welcome address, the President of the Union of Campus Journalists, University of Ibadan (UCJUI), Olashile Ogunrinu, acknowledged the presence of dignitaries, inductees, and guests, and appreciated their support for the growth of campus journalism. The first keynote speaker, Ronke Giwa-Onafuwa, General Manager (Dominion Broadcast Group) represented by Miss. Yemi Adelakun, spoke on the Role of the human mind in the age of artificial intelligence. She emphasized that while AI can assist in research and creativity, it cannot replace the depth of human thought and connection. “The quality of your mind will always reflect in your work,” she noted, adding that “your power lies not in how quickly you can create, but in how deeply you can connect.” She holds that a journalist is to uphold truth, that the best storytellers of the future will be those who use AI as a tool. As a journalist, your writings and articles. must be different from others. She said that the future storytelling is not AI replacing us, it’s AI empowering us.
In the second Keynote Speech, Dr Jide Johnson(Director, Special programmes, Nigeria institute of journalism) attempted to define Journalism conceptually, “Journalism is what brings the community together…” he pointed out. He emphasized the special role of Journalism and its essence, “The value you bring to the table, will guarantee your seat at the table.” He remarked. He made mention of God being the first journalist. There’s nothing like false news, that if it’s false then it’s not news. The news might not be valid as a result of mis-information or disinformation.
The very interactive and interesting panel session was on Journalism, AI and how AI relates to and can aid news writing, reporting and Journalism. Our intellectual panelists are Mr Mojeed Alabi(Editor in chief, DevReporting), Mr Sunday Oguntola(Online Editor, The Nation Newspaper), Ifedayo Ogunyemi (Editor and media career coach) and Faith Omoniyi (Editorial and Communication Professional). A series of questions were asked, clarifications and impactful answers were provided by our intellectual panelists.
Also, the Commissioner of Information and Strategy in Lagos State, Gbenga Omotoso. He’s a seasoned journalist, writer, and columnist who has been serving in this role, having been appointed and re-appointed by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. He was awarded with title of new matron for the Union. The president UCJUI together with his executives launched their magazine Awards were given to deserving persons which included Awards for “Best inductee”,with a cash prize of one hundred thousand naira and “Most Energetic Inductee”, with a cash prize of four hundred thousand naira. The event also featured the final round of intellectual debates concerning citizen journalism and press activities in Nigeria and Africa at large; the debate was among different Local Press of the organization(LPOs). The winners of the debate were Zik Press and Clinical Science Press, with one of the speaker from Clinical Science awarded as the Best Speaker.
The newly Inducted members then solemnly recited their oath of induction, “…so help me God.” Their voices chorused as they pledged to seek the truth, expose justice and avoid political affiliations. A goodwill message from different schools (University of Ilorin, Obafemi Awolowo University,Osun State University among others). The event came to a close with a vote of thanks by the Vice President of the Union. The event had a big impact on journalism, inspiring young journalists and highlighting the importance of truth, freedom, and how AI fits into the work of journalists.
