NUJ demands regular training for journalists

From Fred Ezeh, Abuja 

The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, Grace Ike, has called on the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) to institutionalise regular media briefings and strengthen the capacity of education correspondents through continuous training.

Speaking at UBEC’s maiden media luncheon in Abuja, Ike commended the commission for establishing a Public Communications Department.

She described the move as a clear demonstration of commitment to transparency and collaboration.

Ike advised public institutions to build relationships with journalists proactively, rather than engaging them only during crises.

“Regular interactions demonstrate genuine collaboration and show that the media is recognised as a partner in progress,” she noted.

The NUJ chairman praised the leadership of UBEC’s Executive Secretary, Dr. Aisha Garba, for prioritising strategic communication as part of ongoing reforms.

She stressed that direct engagement between agencies and the press promotes accurate reporting and curbs misinformation.

Ike advocated regular capacity-building programmes for education correspondents, specifically in interpreting education data, monitoring school infrastructure projects, and child-sensitive reporting.

She suggested that the programmes should include field visits to project sites across the country, enabling journalists to independently verify progress and produce evidence-based reports.

Ike recommended increased transparency in procurement processes to strengthen public confidence, urging UBEC to consider introducing investigative journalism fellowships or grants.

Lauding the Executive Secretary’s presentation, Ike described Garba as data-driven, composed, and clear. She expressed optimism that the luncheon would mark the beginning of a stronger partnership to advance quality basic education in Nigeria.