Authorities in Nigeria have been urged to reconsider the obstacles faced by seasoned journalists who wish to transition into academia to contribute to national development. This call was made by Professor Eserinune McCarty Mojaye, a professor in the Department of Mass Communication at the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), during the university’s 29th Inaugural Lecture.
The lecture, titled Constructing and Deconstructing Journalism Practice and Communication Research in Nigeria: A 40-Year Experience, took place at NOUN’s headquarters in Abuja. It delved into the complex relationship between the media profession and academic institutions, with Mojaye advocating for a shift in how universities assess and embrace experienced professionals from the field of journalism.
Mojaye, who himself made the transition from journalism to academia in 1998, shared his own challenges. Despite having 15 years of active journalism experience, including authoring hundreds of articles and leading editorial teams, he was relegated to a lower academic rank upon joining the academic world. He highlighted the fact that many experienced journalists, such as prominent figures like Dele Alake, Bayo Onanuga, and Tunji Bello, would face similar barriers if they sought to enter academia, even though they possess invaluable insights that could greatly benefit aspiring journalists.
The professor called for a reevaluation of academic policies, advocating for more inclusive practices that welcome veteran professionals and allow them to contribute meaningfully to the development of communication and media studies. Mojaye emphasized the importance of fostering a collaborative relationship between “the town and the gown,” referring to the media industry and academic institutions, as a way to address challenges like brain drain and enhance the vibrancy of academia.
In his welcome address, the Vice-Chancellor of NOUN, Professor Olufemi Peters, reaffirmed the university’s commitment to an inclusive and forward-thinking educational environment. Represented by Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Professor Isaac Butswat, Peters emphasized the role of such lectures in advancing NOUN’s mission to promote knowledge dissemination and support cutting-edge research. He also commended the inaugural lecturer for his contributions to both academia and the media industry, stressing the importance of blending practical experience with academic insight to bridge the gap between theory and practice across various disciplines.
