The President of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Alhassan Yahya Abdul, has promised to improve the International Institute of Journalism (IIJ) and make it a top journalism training school in Nigeria and beyond.
He made this promise during the first congress of the IIJ Alumni Association, held at the IIJ campus in Jahi, Abuja.
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The event brought together former students of IIJ, NUJ leaders, and other stakeholders. They discussed major challenges facing the institute, such as accreditation, independence, poor facilities, and the need for reforms.
Speaking at the event, Abdul praised the alumni for organizing the congress, describing it as an important moment in the history of IIJ. He said improving IIJ was one of his key campaign promises as NUJ president, and work has already started to achieve it.
On accreditation, he explained that IIJ has paid all required fees. However, the National Universities Commission (NUC) has temporarily stopped issuing accreditation certificates nationwide. He said he has written to the Federal Ministry of Education and is confident IIJ will soon get full accreditation.
He added that the lack of accreditation is preventing IIJ from accessing funds from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND), which can only be given to accredited institutions.
The NUJ president also said plans are ongoing to improve academic programmes, update course content, and introduce new courses that meet global standards.
He announced that IIJ will undergo rebranding and restructuring, including improvements in staffing, lecturers’ training, infrastructure, and the school’s public image. He noted that many of his campaign promises are focused on restoring IIJ to its former glory.
On journalists’ welfare, Abdul revealed that the NUJ is finalising a health insurance scheme to help journalists access better healthcare and reduce maternal deaths.
He also said a Media Enhancement Bill would soon be sent to the National Assembly.
On broadcasting, he explained that efforts are ongoing to get approval for IIJ Television and Radio stations. While TV approval is possible, radio licensing in Abuja is currently suspended. He asked members to be patient while discussions continue with authorities.
Clarifying concerns, Abdul said IIJ is still affiliated with the University of Maiduguri. He urged graduates to collect their certificates and warned against false information.
Earlier, the Patron of the IIJ Alumni Association, retired Major Professor A. A. Ambosun, said the alumni body was formed to help rebuild IIJ into a world-class journalism institute.
He expressed concern over the poor condition of the institute and called for urgent action in areas such as accreditation, independence from the NUJ National Secretariat, setting up functional radio and TV stations, building a modern library, and appointing a strong governing board.
He also stressed the need for a proper alumni database, appointment of deans for postgraduate and media studies, overall restructuring, creation of new schools, and partnerships with TETFUND, government officials, NGOs, and other institutions. He appealed to the NUJ president to support IIJ’s independence and urged alumni to work together to restore the school’s reputation.
In a statement signed by the IIJ Alumni Association’s Public Relations Officer, Felix Ojo, the President of the alumni body, Reuben Okala, thanked the NUJ president for attending the event despite his busy schedule.
Okala said the alumni were satisfied with the explanations given and promised to support all efforts aimed at reforming and improving IIJ.
The congress ended with a joint agreement by alumni, NUJ leaders, and stakeholders to work together to secure accreditation, strengthen management, and restore IIJ as a leading journalism institution in Nigeria and beyond.