Mass Communication students of the Redeemer’s University, Ede, have been challenged to always be guided by their conscience in whatever they do as prospective media practitioners.
Former chief press secretary to the immediate past Osun governor, Ismail Omipidan, gave the charge as one of the guest speakers at the Redeemer’s University Mass Communication Students Association (RUMSA) Colloquium, yesterday.
He harped on the need for the students to imbibe and champion the professional ethics and reflect same in their formal and informal conducts as societal watchdogs and agenda setters, saying such remains the only surest legitimate pathway to prosperity in the media profession.
Omipidan said the study and practice of Mass Communication must be seen as a clarion call to duty in view of its sensitivity and importance to socio-economic and political developments of any society.
Speaking on the theme of the Colloquium; “Gown to Town: Preparing for the Industry, Unlocking the potential,” Omipidan called on the students to start preparing for the challenges ahead in the labour market, saying that could only be overcome only “if one equips himself or herself with necessary knowledge and skills required of the profession before he or she starts practising.”
He, therefore, challenged the students to develop their writing skills, reading skills and analytical skills as prerequisites to attain success in media practice, especially journalism.
Omipidan emphasised that professional tenets are cardinal principles that must not be compromised by media professionals, noting that for anyone to be a successful professional, he must see himself as mirror through which the society sees in clear terms.
He averred that the media profession particularly print journalism requires requisite skills of good writing, reading, courageousness, self-confidence and, above all, integrity to thrive, hence, the need for the students to imbibe all the skills and values from school.
Omipidan, a former political editor of The Sun Newspapers, submitted that journalism remains a noble profession which thrives on integrity and character.