The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Rivers State Council, has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening town-and-gown collaboration with universities and other tertiary institutions in Rivers State.
The State Chairman of the Union, Comrade Paul Bazia-Nsane, gave the assurance when he received a Professor of Journalism and Media Studies at the University of Port Harcourt, Professor Aniefiok Jackson Udoudo, at the Ernest Ikoli Press Centre, Moscow Road, Port Harcourt.
Bazia-Nsane said the present administration of the Union had sustained a healthy relationship with academic institutions through initiatives aimed at promoting collaboration between journalism practitioners and academics.
He noted that while universities generate knowledge through research, the media plays a critical role in disseminating such knowledge and bringing issues of public importance to the attention of society.
“While the university generates knowledge, the media helps to communicate that knowledge to the wider public. Researchers in the university investigate societal problems, which journalists also encounter in the field and bring to public consciousness,” he said.
He expressed the readiness of the NUJ to build a stronger and more enduring relationship with the University of Port Harcourt, particularly through its forthcoming inaugural lecture.
The NUJ chairman also assured that members of the Union would participate fully in the inaugural lecture scheduled for November 12, 2026, at the University of Port Harcourt.
The lecture is titled, “Newshounds: A Watchdog or African Hunter Dog.”
Earlier, Professor Udoudo commended the Rivers State NUJ executive for its dedication and efforts towards improving the welfare of journalists in the state.
Describing the Union as his “constituency,” the professor recalled his years of professional journalism practice before transitioning into academia.
He explained that his visit was to formally inform the NUJ leadership about the forthcoming inaugural lecture, which he said would address critical professional issues concerning the status, safety and welfare of journalists.
According to him, journalists are expected to serve as watchdogs of society but are often treated like “hunter dogs” by the same society they serve.
He expressed concern over the treatment of journalists by security agencies, alleging that some agencies are used to intimidate and mistreat media practitioners.
Professor Udoudo said the lecture would examine these challenges and proffer solutions towards improving journalism practice in Nigeria.
He urged media practitioners, security agencies and other stakeholders in Rivers State to attend the lecture, noting that their participation would promote better understanding and foster stronger relationships among stakeholders.
