By Chinyere Anyanwu
To safeguard the future of media and journalism in Nigeria, as well as their role in society, stakeholders in the media industry have been enjoined to adopt innovative funding mechanisms, interdisciplinary in education and advocate for ethical practices that prioritise the public good over private interests.
This was the submission of Prof. Ismail Ibraheem of the Department of Mass Communication, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Lagos (UNILAG), in a lecture he delivered during the varsity’s 5th inaugural lecture in the 2024/2025 academic session, recently.
In the lecture titled, “Casino-Journalism and the End of History,” Prof. Ibraheem stated that the recommended approach “promises a resilient media system capable of navigating societal challenges while upholding democratic ideals, ultimately paving the way for a brighter future for the industry in Nigeria.”
Stressing the role of finance in ensuring the survival and continued growth of the media in the country, the Journalism professor said, “financial stability is key to media sustainability. However, in the face of dwindling advertising fortune and the accompanying ‘advert politics’ that often lead to censorship, it is important for the media to consider robust and sustainable revenue generation streams that could support media independence and enhance the watchdog roles,” adding that such income generation modes should be “moderated to avoid the imperialists taking over our newsrooms disguising as funders.”
Highlighting the importance of striking a balance between all stakeholders, he said, “we need a media ombudsman who will protect the government, the public and voiceless individuals against irresponsible and casino-like media performance.”
Prof. Ibraheem, who blamed unprofessional practices in the media on poor training of journalists in the country, noted that, “this is the time to embrace change and opportunities with generative AI and more innovative learning methods…to improve our curriculum and make available to students content developed globally while incorporating our own content that could be accessed globally. ”
Harping on the need to curb social media platforms’ destructive tendencies, he advocates the introduction of a ‘Social Disturbance Tax’. He said, “while these platforms have been utilised to mobilise positive change, they can also be instrumental in promoting detrimental actions within society. The misuse of these platforms to incite unrest and destruction, as seen during events like the EndSARS protests, highlights the urgent need for accountability and the implementation of a Social Disturbance Tax.
“This measure is essential for fostering a responsible and thriving media landscape that serves the greater good and does not stifle freedom. The ‘Social Disturbance Tax’ should be proportionate to the level of destruction and would serve as a deterrent for irresponsible use of those platforms.”
In her remark, the Vice Chancellor of UNILAG, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, commended Prof. Ibraheem for delivering an enlightening discourse that has brought to light “the intricate relationship between media integrity and democratic resilience.”
According to her, “he brilliantly articulated how casino journalism – with its penchant for the dramatic and the superficial erodes critical public discourse, endangers historical contextualisation, and undermines our collective understanding of societal challenges.”
She stated that, “Prof. Ibraheem’s exploration into the “End of History” mindset also exposed a perilous tendency towards complacency in the face of systemic issues, particularly in a nation as richly complex as Nigeria. His critique reminds us that the media, when stripped of depth and context, risks serving the interests of the powerful rather than the public good. His call for a transformation in the media system no doubt is a clarion call for ethical reporting, factual analysis and historical accuracy, values that are foundational to a resilient democratic society.”