By Queen Kunde
In a bold move to nurture future media professionals, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council, on Thursday inaugurated press clubs in two secondary schools, Beautiful Beginning Academy (BBA), Apo, and Government Secondary School (GSS), Garki.
The initiative, part of activities to mark the NUJ FCT 2025 Press Week, aims to mentor and inspire students to pursue journalism as a career path while instilling in them media ethics, public speaking confidence, and critical communication skills.
Speaking at the official inauguration, NUJ FCT Chairman, Ms. Grace Ike, said the programme was designed to “catch them young,” describing it as a long-term investment in the future of responsible journalism.
“Mentorship is key. Through these press clubs, we want to train students, promote competition, and build leaders in writing and broadcasting,” she said. Ike added that students would also be taught about press freedom, media ethics, and navigating the evolving digital information landscape, including combating misinformation and fake news.
The NUJ FCT plans to replicate the initiative in all secondary schools across the territory. “We are starting small with one public and one private school, but we are committed to expanding. We urge our members to support this vision for a responsible media future,” Ike said.
Echoing her remarks, Council Vice Chairman, Mr. Ndambabo Yahaya, said the clubs are not just extracurricular activities but platforms to sow the seeds of civic responsibility, ethical journalism, and national development.
“Historically, school press clubs have produced some of Nigeria’s finest journalists and public thinkers. This initiative will promote media literacy, critical thinking, leadership, and storytelling among students,” Yahaya stated. He announced upcoming plans for regular training for students and teachers, media writing workshops, and inter-school press competitions.
“Journalism is not just about writing news; it’s about curiosity, truth-seeking, and informing the public,” he told the students.
Students of both schools showcased their talents during the inauguration, presenting news bulletins on the ongoing NUJ Press Week, a highlight that drew applause from guests and school authorities.
BBA Principal, Mr. Harry Essang, praised the NUJ for choosing his school, noting that the initiative had already begun to inspire and empower the students.
Kayode Mayode, Patron of the BBA Press Club, shared how the programme had helped boost students’ self-esteem and public speaking skills. One such student, Asimawu Maitama, who anchored the news at the launch, said her passion for journalism had been deepened.
“I was scared to speak in public before. Now, I feel confident and inspired,” said another BBA student, Joshua Itajuwa. His enthusiasm was echoed by Miss Sule Favour, President of the GSS Garki Press Club, who pledged that students would “uphold the legacy of journalism with pride.”
The Principal of GSS Garki, Mr. Sadeeq Ochiji, thanked the NUJ and also acknowledged the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, for his role in renovating the school infrastructure, which he said had created a conducive learning environment for such initiatives to thrive.
With this landmark step, the NUJ FCT Council has ignited a fresh wave of journalistic curiosity among students, laying a strong foundation for the next generation of ethical and impactful media practitioners in Nigeria.
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