By Abigael Dada (200 level)
The Ahmadu Bello University Campus Press (ACP) on Saturday, August 30, 2025, held its maiden symposium at the ABU FM Lecture Hall, Department of Mass Communication, ABU Zaria, themed: “Who is a Journalist in a Changing Nigeria? Navigating Ethics, Influence, and Responsibility in the Digital Age.”
The hybrid event, which was held both physically and online via Google Meet, brought together media professionals, academics, and students to discuss the challenges and opportunities confronting journalists in the digital era.
The Keynote speaker Dr. Musa Alhassan, General Manager of ABU FM 101.1, delivered a thought-provoking address on navigating ethical guidelines in journalism. He stressed the importance of maintaining accuracy, objectivity, fairness, and truthfulness in reporting, despite the pressure for speed and sensationalism online. Also present were mass communication lecturers Dr. Mujannatu Abbah and Amina Ahmad Aminu.
Following his speech was the stage play; “The Fourth Estate,” The play served as a catalyst for levity, This play did not just entertain, but challenged the attendees to ask: if truth shakes the foundations of power, should it be spoken at all costs, or tempered for peace?
A panel discussion moderated by Ishaq Bilal featured Mr. Makinde Adeniran, President of NANTAP and News Programme; Usman Katun Umar, Media Strategist and Development Communicator; and Abdullahi O. Haruna, Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of World Entourage Magazine. Dr. Mujannatu Abbah also joined the conversation, contributing to the Q&A session. The panelists examined the question of who a journalist should and should not be, while emphasizing the importance of training, adherence to professional principles, and ethical practice.
The ACP’s maiden symposium featured not only an engaging and insightful panel discussion but also a moment of recognition. Awards were presented to Dr. Musa Alhassan and other distinguished guests, while certificates were conferred on the EXCOs in appreciation of their outstanding contributions and teamwork leading up to the symposium.
This symposium being the first of its kind for the ACP surpassed expectations, it proved that collective effort, collaboration and dedication never would always yield success. The excellent turnout and an engaging attendees showed that even greater achievements and initiatives are within reach for the ACP and its members.
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