NUJ FCT inaugurates press clubs in Secondary Schools to mentor future Journalists

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, on Thursday, inaugurated Press Clubs in two secondary schools within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The initiative aims to mentor students, nurturing their passion for journalism and encouraging them to consider it as a potential career path.

The beneficiary schools are Beautiful Beginning Academy (BBA), Apo, and Government Secondary School (GSS), Garki.

Speaking at the inauguration, Ms Grace Ike, Chairman of the NUJ FCT Council, stated that the initiative formed part of the activities marking the Council’s 2025 Press Week.

She explained that the primary objective is to “catch the students young”, inspiring and mentoring them to become seasoned journalists who will positively influence their generation.

“Mentorship is one area we prioritise. Another goal is to encourage healthy competition and explore how we can develop future leaders through writing and broadcasting skills,” Ike said.

She added that the initiative would also train students, sensitise them to press freedom, and educate them about the rapidly evolving media landscape—particularly in an age of technological advancement, misinformation, and fake news.

While acknowledging the Council’s broader goal of establishing Press Clubs in all FCT secondary schools, Ike noted that starting with one public and one private school marks a promising beginning, with plans for future expansion.

She called on NUJ members to support the initiative “so that together, we can build a future where information is accurate, voices are responsible, and journalism serves as a force for good”.

Yahaya Ndambabo, Coordinator of the NUJ FCT Council Press Club Unit and Vice Chairman of the Council, stressed that the initiative goes beyond simply forming clubs.

“It is about sowing the seeds of responsible journalism, civic engagement, and leadership in young people,” he said.

Ndambabo noted that, by launching the clubs, the Council aims to empower students to engage meaningfully with their schools and communities—contributing to national development through informed communication.

He remarked that school Press Clubs have historically served as breeding grounds for some of Nigeria’s finest journalists, communicators, and public intellectuals.

He further stated that the initiative would help promote media literacy, foster leadership and teamwork, and enhance critical thinking and communication skills—in writing, speaking, and storytelling.

Reaffirming the Council’s commitment to mentorship and capacity-building, Ndambabo described the clubs as platforms for discovering future journalists who will uphold the ethics of the profession: truth, fairness, balance, and accountability.

He also outlined plans for periodic training for both students and teachers in media literacy and journalistic writing skills. Additionally, inter-school press competitions would be introduced to encourage creativity and reward excellence.

“Journalism is not just about writing news; it is about being curious, seeking the truth, and giving people the information they need to make informed decisions,” he advised the students.

Highlights of the event included news presentations by the newly inaugurated Press Clubs, focusing on the 2025 NUJ Press Week.

The Principal of Beautiful Beginning Academy, Mr Harry Essang, commended the NUJ for selecting his school for the project, noting that “the students are inspired today”.

The club’s patron, Mr Kayode Mayowa, stated that the initiative had positively impacted the students—boosting their confidence in public speaking and enhancing their writing abilities.

Miss Asimawu Maitama, a BBA Press Club member who read the news during the launch, said the initiative had deepened her interest in journalism and strengthened her confidence in public speaking.

Another member, Mr Joshua Itajuwa—who shares a strong passion for journalism with his sister—described the event as enlightening.

“This Press Club has helped me improve my writing and public speaking. Before now, I was afraid to speak in crowds or stand on a stage, but now I can talk boldly and confidently anywhere,” he said.

Miss Sule Favour, President of the GSS Garki Press Club, praised the initiative as a valuable opportunity for students, pledging to build upon the legacy of journalism in the country.

The Principal of GSS Garki, Mr Sadeeq Ochiji, also commended the Council for the initiative, expressing confidence that the club would help produce outstanding journalists in the future. He extended appreciation to the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, for renovating the school.